
Genesis 41:37-57
41:41 | God does not measure a steward by success, reputation, or fame. God treasures and requires faithfulness, and God prepares and God promotes on that basis alone.
41:42-45 | In the sudden onrush of honor, Joseph gained the symbol of the king’s power (his signet ring), a wardrobe of privilege, royal jewelry, the second chariot (Ancient Egypt’s equivalent of Air Force Two), an Egyptian name (which means “The God Speaks and Lives”), and a wife from a prominent family.
41:51-52 | Amid Egypt’s pervasive paganism, Joseph never deserted his spiritual heritage, shown by the Hebrew names he gave his sons: Manasseh (“Forgetfulness”) and Ephraim (“Fruitfulness”). Joseph’s first son symbolized putting the toil and mistreatment of his family (father’s house) behind him. His second son was a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness even in a foreign land. Wise Christians surround themselves with reminders of God’s goodness as a way to move beyond their pasts.
41:56-57 | All the face of the earth indicates the severity of the famine. Although it was not a global famine, it extended far beyond Egypt’s borders. Joseph fulfilled his role so well - and believed God so much - that Egypt was prepared and became the principal supplier of food. God uses wise stewardship in the good years to see people through the lean years.