Genesis 41:37-45

³⁷ The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. ³⁸ Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find anyone else like this, one in whom is the spirit of God?” ³⁹ So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. ⁴⁰ You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only with 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.” ⁴² Removing his signet ring from his hand, Pharaoh put it on Joseph’s hand; he arrayed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. ⁴³ He had him ride in the chariot of his second-in-command, and they cried out in front of him, “Bow the knee!”^[b] 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 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, as his wife. Thus Joseph gained authority over the land of Egypt

When we read the long story (that fills chapters of the book of Genesis) of the struggles of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph, we hope that he will catch a break. And when he finally did, it was a big one. As we begin a new year, we might want to consider the challenges and struggles of the past months or years to be a prelude to what wonderful things God plans to do for us, maybe starting today.

Prayer

Help me to accept your signet ring and gold chain as I use my gifts and skills to further your kingdom and help those whom I love, today and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.