“God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.”
Acts 7:9-10
For 13 detailed chapters in Genesis, we read of the sometimes-favored, often-thorny life of Joseph. The account reads like a novel, its main character stirring up a wide range of emotions throughout the story. We shake our heads at young Joseph’s tactless way with his brothers. We feel sorry for him in his rocky relationship with them, and we ache when he’s wrongly imprisoned. We cheer when he’s elevated by Pharaoh and are moved deeply when he reveals himself to and forgives his brothers. To the close his of 110 years, we identify with Joseph in very real ways.
While there is much for us to learn from his life, the larger and more important theme is how our sovereign God reigns, shaping His salvation plan through any means. Nothing happened to Joseph that wasn’t ordained by the righteous hand of God. No evil befell him or greatness surrounded him that was not God’s design. What Joseph’s brothers meant for evil, the Lord intended for good (50:19-21).
His life, which saved many, points us to a far better Redeemer: Jesus, who has saved the world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Medley of Writers
Seventeen days in this Anchor issue were written by former or current writers. Five were written by former staff members of Haven Ministries; four by current staff members. Anchor’s editor Kathy Daane wrote four devotional days; a previously written piece by former editor Joyce Gibson was used. For 50 years the writers of Anchor have always been a mixture of pastors and lay people, ministry leaders and students, chaplains and teachers, missionaries and parents, men and women, young and old. This anniversary issue, as well, is an assortment of all of those.
While there is much for us to learn from his life, the larger and more important theme is how our sovereign God reigns, shaping His salvation plan through any means. Nothing happened to Joseph that wasn’t ordained by the righteous hand of God. No evil befell him or greatness surrounded him that was not God’s design. What Joseph’s brothers meant for evil, the Lord intended for good (50:19-21).
His life, which saved many, points us to a far better Redeemer: Jesus, who has saved the world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Medley of Writers
Seventeen days in this Anchor issue were written by former or current writers. Five were written by former staff members of Haven Ministries; four by current staff members. Anchor’s editor Kathy Daane wrote four devotional days; a previously written piece by former editor Joyce Gibson was used. For 50 years the writers of Anchor have always been a mixture of pastors and lay people, ministry leaders and students, chaplains and teachers, missionaries and parents, men and women, young and old. This anniversary issue, as well, is an assortment of all of those.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 41:41-57
Insight
FAVORITE OLD TESTAMENT MAIN CHARACTER by Kathy Daane, the editor of Anchor Devotional since 2008. She has authored/co-authored several Anchors in that time, has worked with hundreds of writers, and has had sweet conversations and communication with countless readers.
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 26-27
- Psalm 60
- Luke 24