“Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when Joseph shaved himself and changed his clothes [making himself presentable], he came to Pharaoh.”
Genesis 41:14 AMP
Two long years in a dark prison cell. Prisons then weren’t like prisons today. Imagine a cellar, deep in the ground, hewn in by clay and rocks, smelling worse than the worst bathroom you’ve ever entered. The walls are wet. Bugs abound. Excrement coats the corners. Darkness takes in a new meaning. Joseph had two long years there – then suddenly, it was over!
Joseph had a “suddenly of G-d” as Pastor Kerry Kirkwood calls it. The timing of G-d and the purposes of G-d intersected and Joseph had a suddenly of G-d!
Then, after leaving the dungeon cell, the first thing Joseph did was to make himself presentable. He washed, shaved, and – this part leapt off the page at me today- he changed his clothes.
We know how the rest of your the story unfolds – but when I read this verse, something resonated in my heart: he changed his clothes and left them behind! The pit was where Joseph’s character was refined and prepared for the position Pharoh would place him in. All of us experience seasons of “death to self” – where our character is refined and defined amidst great adversity so that we are ready to walk in His calling for us.
Joseph’s name was changed. He was made second in command. He was given a wife and had two sons. He led through excess and scarcity. G-d positioned Joseph to be a blessing and accomplish His purposes.
May we see the seasons of adversity as seasons of refining, preparation, and positioning. And when we are called up out of the pit of the despair of preparation, may we leave our “clothes” behind. May we leave behind the pain and the “excrement” of the season of affliction. Sure, tears may come but we, like Joseph, have been given new clothes! Don’t try to put on old, stinky garments!
G-d has a suddenly for each of us. Get ready for some new garments.
Father – Your leadership is perfect. I don’t understand seasons of affliction and I don’t like them. But – I understand they are necessary training grounds for my heart. I yield my heart to you. Position me and prepare me to live and unoffended life before You. You are good and You can be trusted. Amen.
Today’s reading: Genesis 41-42