The Secret Counsel of the Lord

Joseph was made lord over Egypt. While Pharaoh "made" Joseph lord, it was because of the will of God that it occurred. Joseph understood this (Gen. 45:5). To understand 'why', is to understand what Psalm 25:14 termed, "the secret counsel" of the Lord. 

God has promised from eternity to show loving-kindness to those who fear Him. This is in harmony with His eternal purpose whereby those "in Christ" have all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).

Only those who fear the Lord will understand the purpose for which God showed loving-kindness to Joseph. It is for the same purpose for which those in Christ, are so blessed. What are we to do with these 'spiritual blessings' Christ has provided to us? We are to do as Joseph did with the blessing he received from God. 

Psalm 105:21-22 ~ "He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance; to bind his princes at his pleasure, and teach his elders wisdom."

The reason for which Joseph was made lord over Egypt was to teach wisdom...GOD'S wisdom! The importance of teaching is here seen. Teaching is an essential mark of identification for God’s people, for teaching is necessary to salvation (Rom. 1:16-17). The gospel is a 'taught' message, and it must be both preached and obeyed accurately in order for salvation to occur (Rom. 6:17-18).

The benefit of having the wisdom of God taught and practiced is also seen from what is here said of Joseph. He was entrusted with imprisoning “at will” by Pharaoh.THAT is responsibility!

Whether the meaning of imprisoning or binding was literal or figurative (obligating by an oath), the administering of justice was the obvious intent of empowering Joseph. Wisdom is essential for justice to prevail in life. Either way, those whom Joseph was to teach his wisdom would learn justice, and Joseph would “bind” as needed, depending upon the response of each person. Joseph would be just in his dealings with Pharaoh’s princes and elders. His just dealings were attributed to the nature of his wisdom…which came from the teaching he had about God from his parents and ancestors. His wisdom was demonstrated in the administering of justice by which he lived his life. There was a standard employed by Joseph in his life - - - JUSTICE! Herein is the secret counsel of God.

Pharaoh was confident that Joseph would be just, so he gave him the authority to “imprison at will”. This authority of Joseph was seen from Gen. 41:44, "Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” Respect for Joseph’s authority was also a responsibility by all under Joseph’s authority.

In the event that some might not willingly respect his authority, Pharaoh authorized Joseph to “imprison at will”. Joseph would deal with each according to their behavior, justly.

The teaching of Joseph's standard was needful in the leaders, they needed to learn and practice justice in their positions of authority.

So is it with all who fear God…they recognize the same standard as Joseph did; a standard by which they live their life – the word of God. This standard governs every aspect of their life, social, family, and religious.

The benefits of using God’s word as a standard are seen from two passages:

Psalm 119:7, “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.”

Isaiah 26:9, “...when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.”

Do we understand WHY God has blessed us "in Christ"? What are we doing with our spiritual blessings? Let us walk in wisdom!