Genesis 41:46-57; Genesis 47:13-31(b) Joseph and the Egyptians (Genesis 41:46-57; Genesis 47:13-31) The famine which came upon Egypt at this time and as foretold by Joseph in the interpretation of Pharaoh’ s dream was by no means accidental. It was raised up by God (Psalms 105:16), and, seemingly, that Joseph might be known as the savior of Egypt (Genesis 47:25). God not only raised up the man for the hour, but also the hour for the man. Note that God prepared the man first, then the occasion. This is God’ s method of working. This is what He has done in all the great revivals of religion in the past. We hear people say that such revivals are not possible nowadays, for conditions are not such as they were in Moody’ s, Finney’ s, or Whitefield’ s day; that times have changed. No, the times have not changed, but there is a lack of men for the hour. The history of every great religious movement is the history of one man who, truly or erroneously, regarded himself as fully given up to God: Lutheranism, Luther; Methodism, Wesley; Presbyterianism, Calvin; Dowieism, Dowie; Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy; Millennial Dawnism, Russell. “ Through faith” we understand how the ages (or dispensations) were framed (Hebrews 11:3). The age in which Noah lived was of the nature it was, religiously, because of the relation which Noah sustained to God: “ By faith Noah” framed the age in which he lived. “ By faith Abraham” molded the age in which he lived. Thus it has ever been from that day to this. Joseph’ s name is changed in this connection, the Egyptian name signifying abundance of life (cf. John 10:9). In Joseph seemed to rest the salvation of the world. The food of life was in his hands. In these respects there is a striking likeness between Joseph and Christ (cf. Acts 4:12; John 6:48-58). The wisdom of Pharaoh’ s choice is seen in the skill of Joseph. When God appoints a man for a certain office, that appointment is a guarantee of divine fitness. If today God puts His hand upon a man and sets him apart for the ministry of the gospel, to be a preacher or an evangelist, He will convey, with that call, the gift to preach. If a man has no gift to preach, he has no call to preach. Of course, it will be necessary for him to prepare himself and thus stir up the gift that is in him. Joseph was a twofold blessing: first to the chosen race, and consequently to the world. This is the blessing of Jacob, the blessing which reaches out beyond itself, and blesses others.