QT 12/18/2025 Gen 41:41-49, Sometimes life requires a long wait

Genesis 41:41–49 (ESV) —

41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain about his neck. 43 And he made him ride in his second chariot. And they called out before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-paneah. And he gave him in marriage Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On. So Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, 48 and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. He put in every city the food from the fields around it. 49 And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured.

 

NOTE: Over the years, I have wondered why Joseph did not go back to visit his family after 13-14 years away. There are a number of explanations. "Out of sight, out of mind" can be a job killer. And given the political intrigue in a capital and Joseph's "Heber" background, the safest course of action was to always be available to the Pharaoh. A second explanation is that Joseph was still struggling with bitterness toward his brothers, and he was not sure what they might do. Ultimately he does realize that God has placed him in Egypt to save his family (Gen 50:20). A third explanation, and the most likely is that Joseph knew from his other dreams that his family would be coming to him in time, and bowing down. He knew that his family would run out of food. And he knew that Egypt would be the only place in the entire region with food. So he waited for the seven years of abundance, and was probably in the second year of famine when Israel ran out of food. He waited an additional nine years to know if there was any remorse in his brothers. He would end up waiting 22 years to see his father and full brother again.

 

I don't know that Joseph realized how much pain his Father was struggling with or he might have sent a message.

 

It is hard to wait, especially for good things. Twenty-two years seems like a lifetime, but if it results in healing or reconciliation, it is worth it. When we are in those estranged situations, we need to keep praying, the Lord does marvelous things in answer to our prayers, but usually it does not happen as quickly as we desire. Trust him. Persevere in prayer.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have some estranged situations in my life?
2. Am I praying and waiting upon God for reconciliation and healing? It may take considerable time.

 

PRAYER: Father, there are a few estranged situations in my own family. Our mother has not always helped to keep peace but has instigated things that did not need to be. I pray for healing. I pray for reconciliation. I pray for you to open eyes and bring true repentance.