Part II. The Story of Joseph

Based on Gen. 39:21-23; 40; 41.

Again, Joseph was dealt with roughly, doing nothing wrong –
was cast amidst the guilty throng of men punished for their crimes,
with such now was to spent long times.
He had no defence to clear his innocence, and could have been much in despair,
was surely sad, being dealt with so unfair!
But the Hebrew youth was of no ordinary breed, for his father’s fathers had to meet
many trials, sorrows, errors also and mistakes in their wake,
but trusted God, made Him their hope, surrendered self and thus could cope.
With strength divine their aid and shield, thus conquered Satan, sin – became heroes
of the faith, they honored God, learned to Him alone to yield.
To Joseph Jacob spoke most precious lessons of his life of trials, cheat, betrayal,
and taught, to God his little heart to give, and trusting the Almighty, so to live
to honor God, obey Him, always trust, led God to lead him, who knows best.
Now in those days down in that dreary prison Joseph pondered on these counsels,
and determined again to make and give his best, and sure enough God worked
on his behest, blessed Joseph greatly, esteemed him in the jailer’s keeper’s sight,
who would give him oversight of all prisoners, and he with might,
in cheerfulness and calm of mind took on his duty. He was kind, to those rough men,
not knowing God, nor love, nor meekness, accustomed to do evil, reaping then
distress, unhappiness…
To them now Joseph would speak hope, lift them from the pit they fell,
with soft compassion he would tell them precious words to reach the hearts,
there is forgiveness, pardon for their deeds.
To calm that unrest of the soul – there is one God to make them whole.
The prison shone with light – the light of heaven filled the souls of men,
who one by one confessed to God and asked for pardon, they abhorred their wicked deeds,
weeping sore, then found peace and joy, love for one another,
calling each of them a brother

…………………

One day two offenders from Pharaoh’s palace, for their malice, were brought
to spent a season in the prison’s ward, and were given under Joseph’s guard.
The chief of butlers and the baker’s chief, gave reason for the Pharaoh’s wrath,
Through insulting mischief did enough to endanger their career, now to spent
the days in fear, till their given sentence they would hear.
Then one night both of them did have a dream, but had no clue what it would mean.
They were confused, bewildered, puzzled, so that Joseph asked them what they had,
as their faces looked so sad.
They told their matter, by God’s grace, he could give the proper explanation:
That in three days would be the intervention, the butler be restored to bear the Pharaoh’s cup, but the baker lose his life – his time would then be up.
Joseph asked the butler to remember him, to speak for him unto the king.
The third day came – Pharaoh’s birthday, a great feast was made for all –
and all did come to pass as Joseph said – but the butler came not to his aid.
Joseph felt betrayed again “How long have I to remain, in this dungeon, God of my fathers? Help I pray!” But it took two more years when change would come his way.

………………………………..

And it came to pass that Pharaoh had two dreams he could not understand,
was sorely troubled, called the magicians of the land,
to tell the meaning of his dreams…
Then the bearer of his cup, the butler said: “O Pharaoh, I remember now today my fault
and went to prison to be held with the baker’s chief. And behold, we both
did have a dream, a young man, a Hebrew – he was keen,
he could understand what our dreams did mean.”
The Pharaoh sprang from his seat: “Go, quickly get this man!”
Now his servants hastened, rushed to get the Hebrew, without many words took Joseph
who so startled with surprise feared for him a new demise.
But he was taken to the palace, shaven, and arrayed in proper garment,
brought in to Pharaoh to the place before the monarch, who with grace
looked upon the young man’s face.
Then told Joseph his concern about his dreams, wanted to learn the interpretation,
and a truthful explanation. And Joseph said: “It is not in me. But God has shown to thee, what He is about to do.
Both dreams are one on urgency, established by God with certainty.
Now prepare for the emergency ahead of time in seven years of plenty – to gather up
much food for good to store, for the coming famine very, very sore.”
This counsel did please Pharaoh well. ”There is no one wiser who could deal
with this cause of grave import, we with one accord, choose you to oversee the matter,
it will be to Egypt for the better!”Thus Pharaoh ended his command, took the ring off from his hand,
to give to Joseph, arrayed him in fine linen, put a golden chain about his neck,
and made him ruler of the land.

Astounded to the core to what he was chosen for –
Joseph marvelled beyond measure –
he could hardly take it in, such great honor being given him.
Then taken in the palace to his living quarters
to be near the monarch to discuss the matters
for the kingdom’s welfare, good and safety, producing wise, efficient policies.
Surrounded now with velvet, silk, brocade, what a change so quick was made –
from the dreary, dark, bleak prison walls – to those bright, luxurious palace halls!,
With inexpressible gratitude, Joseph bowed before his God,
upon his knees to utter thanks and praise, from his heart for such wonder done to him,
poured out his love from deep within.
He pleaded to be given strength, endurance, guidance to be wise
for this enormous enterprise,
and faithfulness that in no wise he would bring reproach upon God’s holy name,
but honor, praise and fame.
Then peace and calm filled Joseph’s soul, and contemplating about all
upon his bed in linen white and fine and soft –
no snoring prisoners around, no shout, or that one coughed –
soon tranquility took over the excitement of the day,
resting in God’s care, sweet sleep was on its way. –
Conscious dependency kept Joseph in humility,
With enthusiasm, joy, he labored, God was with him
and he prospered. Established granaries in all cities, to store for seven years
much grain, and food that for the famine then will plenty food remain.
A dear wife was also given him and love,
two sons, a gift from God above,
made him forget the tragic past – he found happiness at last. —

End of Part II. To be continued.

Edda Tedford, Canada