Daily Devotional | From Rags to Riches

Jesus once said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt. 19:24). Wealth can be a hindrance in a person’s relationship with God. The wealthy may not feel like they need God’s provision; they can take care of themselves.

In Genesis 41, we see Joseph’s life change dramatically. He woke up one morning in a prison cell. By the end of the day, he was the second most powerful man in Egypt (v. 40). Pharaoh entrusted Joseph with the administration of the country (vv. 39–40). The signet ring gave Joseph the authority to speak and act in Pharaoh’s name (v. 42). The fine robes and gold chain demonstrated Joseph’s favored status. The robe echoes back to the ornate robe his father had given him (Gen. 37:3). He was now Pharaoh’s favorite son, with a new name and a politically connected wife (v. 45).

Many years had passed by since Joseph lived with his family. After 13 years of slavery and prison, our Scripture passage describes seven years of plenty when Joseph had a busy and demanding career (vv. 47–49). One might wonder if Joseph had left his old life behind. After all, he had a new name, a new and important job, and a new spouse. How easy it would have been for him to simply take on an Egyptian identity. Yet, when his children were born, he gave them Hebrew names, not Egyptian ones. Manasseh and Ephraim’s names both connected back to his earlier life (vv. 51–52). These names showed that he still saw himself as part of the Abrahamic family and that he viewed Egypt as “the land of my suffering” (v. 52).

Go Deeper

Why would it be tempting for Joseph to forget his Hebrew origins? Why is it important for Christians to remember our identity in Christ, especially when we experience success?

Pray with Us: God in heaven, thank You that in Christ You gave us new purpose, new identity, new life! Help us by Your Spirit never to forget who we are in Christ—both in times of trials and in times of success.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.