Rags to Riches and the Story of Joseph

Hayate is an unlucky soul. As a child, he was told by everyone that poverty would be his life (even Santa Claus told him). To make matters worse, his parents abandoned him, leaving him with a debt owed to the Yakuza. Hayate is on the run, fearing for his life and scrounging to make a few pennies, but all that changes when he rescues Nagi from kidnappers. It turns out that she is an incredibly wealthy heiress who needs a butler. Hayate ditches his life of peril and replaces it with wealth and responsibility.

Joseph is in the same boat as Hayate. He was once a wealthy son, part of a dynasty that was destined to last forever. His jealous brothers betrayed him and sold him into slavery. As a slave for Potiphar, Joseph got into further trouble when Potiphar’s wife accused him of assault. In jail, Joseph is abandoned for several years until God shows up with a solution. Joseph springs from prison because of his gift of dream interpretation, gains the attention of Pharaoh, and winds up as second-in-command for all of Egypt. Now he is wealthy and powerful beyond all expectations. 

And why did God make Joseph crazy rich? Because he felt sorry for him, right? Nope. Joseph was called upon to use his dream interpretation powers to help Egypt escape a seven-year famine. He would be a powerful tool from God to save an entire nation.

None of us is crazy wealthy or powerful in influence (unless you are, and then I want to leave my phone number with you), but we do have riches and gifts from God. We might be tempted to use excuses to hoard our riches and gifts. We may think we deserve them after having such a bad life. But like Joseph, God sets us up for both good and bad seasons to help others. Your wealth is an extension of God’s love and kindness.
Figure it out:  (CSB)
Genesis 41:39-40
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be [g]over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”Genesis 41:53-57
53 Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” 56 The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened [a]all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. 57 So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.1. Circle all the words, phrases, and ideas that stood out to you.
2. What is God’ purpose in this text?
3. What is our purpose in this text?
4. What part of this scripture do you want to reflect on or bring into your faith?