God works in mysterious ways. How else can we account for Joseph’s rise to the highest rank in the Egyptian government? Joseph, a Hebrew boy with no education or training, became the Prime Minister of the most advanced society and the most powerful country on the planet.
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘… there is no one as discerning and wise as you are. You will be over my house, and all my people will obey your commands. Only I, as king, will be greater than you… See, I am placing you over all the land of Egypt.’ Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, clothed him with fine linen garments, and placed a gold chain around his neck… Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh and no one will be able to raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt without your permission’ ” (Genesis 41:39–44). Only God could do that!
In similar fashion, Daniel rose to power in Babylon. When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, “The king said to Daniel, ‘Your God is indeed God of gods, Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.’ Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon” (Daniel 2:47–48). Incredible!
With Haman hanged upon his own gallows, King Xerxes chose Mordechai as his new right-hand-man, his Prime Minister. “King Ahasuerus awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed her relationship to Mordecai. The king removed his signet ring he had recovered from Haman and gave it to Mordecai, and Esther put him in charge of Haman’s estate” (Esther 8:1–2).
Earlier, Mordechai had “put on sackcloth and ashes, went into the middle of the city, and cried loudly and bitterly”(Esther 4:1). But now, “Mordecai went from the king’s presence clothed in royal blue and white, with a great gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. The city of Susa shouted and rejoiced” (Esther 8:15). Only God…
When Peter, John and the other apostles were fussing about who was the greatest, Jesus said, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them…’ It is not to be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you should become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. You are those who stood by me in my trials. I bestow on you a kingdom, just as my Father bestowed one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:24–30). Remarkable!
Paul wrote, “This saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:11–12). Amazing!
Like Joseph… like Daniel… like Mordechai… we’ll “reign with the King!”
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