Meant for GoodSample

The Name Above Every Name

Read: Genesis 41:37-49; Philippians 2:5-11

Discover

Upon hearing Joseph’s interpretation, Pharaoh promotes him to oversee the collection and distribution of grain. Joseph receives Pharaoh’s signet ring, new royal robes, and a second chariot – all indicative of his new royal position.

Learn

Joseph’s story provides a powerful parallel to the life of Christ described in Philippians 2:5-11.

• Like Joseph, who went from favored son to foreign slave, Jesus too “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6-7)
• Like Joseph, who was stripped of his garments out of total obedience to God, Jesus too was stripped of His garments and “became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).
• Like Joseph, whose obedience led to his promotion from prisoner to Prime Minister, Jesus’ obedience led to His exaltation: “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him” (Philippians 2:9).
• Like Joseph, who was bestowed with a new name at which every Egyptian would bow, so Jesus was “given … the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10).

Apply

The Apostle Paul begins this passage in Philippians with a straightforward command: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). There are two ways we cultivate the mind of Christ as Joseph does. Like Joseph, we cultivate the mind of Christ first through faithfulness to Jesus. In the Kingdom of God, the pathway to exaltation is humble suffering, and success is measured only in faithful obedience to Christ. If you are in a season of suffering today, take heart! Our Lord walked the pathway of suffering before you and will be faithful to sustain you in every season of trial and tribulation.

Having the mind of Christ also means drawing our gaze away from our present suffering and looking forward to the future glory (Romans 8:18). Whereas Joseph is clothed in regal garments, one day all God’s people will be arrayed in garments of righteousness, “clean and bright” (Revelation 19:7), far more resplendent than those of Joseph. Whereas Joseph is made Prime Minister over all of Egypt, one day all God’s people will be “kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).

Charles Spurgeon powerfully wrote: “If your eyes cannot see the blissful future: borrow the telescope of faith; wipe the misty breath of your doubts from the glass; look through it and behold the coming glory” (Morning and Evening, April 2). For those in Christ, Joseph’s story from the pit to the palace will one day be your story. For those who might be in a season of suffering, one day you will be clothed in new robes and you will be a king and priest before the Lord. Take heart - pick up the telescope of faith and see the coming glory.