Rise Beyond Chains

These days, when we enter a new company, we receive the things we need to work with. An IT professional receives a proper office space, parking, laptop, ID cards, sometimes uniforms, etc., to call himself or herself an employee of the company. These have become like basic needs for a professional.

When God raised Joseph in the government of Pharaoh in Egypt, the Bible says in chapter 41 that he received a signet ring, garments of fine linen, a gold chain, a chariot, and a new name. It can be seen in the following verses Genesis 41:42 "So Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck."Pharaoh made sure no one referred to his past identity from when he was in prison. He gave him a new name. Joseph received a signet ring — it is almost like a person’s signature. Pharaoh gave his ring to Joseph to show all that Joseph now carried Pharaoh’s authority. He gave him fine linen garments, which were worn by royalty in ancient Egypt. We can see royal British women wearing hats at royal gatherings, and men wearing coats. Every kingdom has its own court or royal attire. The linen showed the elevated status Joseph received above ordinary people in the kingdom.

Next, we see him receiving a golden chain. For Egyptian rulers, gold represented divine authority. Then a second chariot symbolized military power and public honor.Hey friend, when we receive honor from God, it is something we can’t even imagine to be ours. Joseph firmly believed in the visions God gave him. He believed in the dreams God gave him. Still, I believe this was a dramatic change — how beautifully God orchestrated everything, even the prison time, to lift Joseph according to His plan.

Hey friend, whenever I read about Joseph’s prison time, I always remind myself to respect people who are in prison. We don’t know how many innocents are there—some with divine plans and ordination!

Hey friend, are you feeling that you are a prisoner of your present situation? When God could do this much for Joseph, who was in prison, how much more could He do for you? Just wait in His hands for His appointed time to raise you to heights you have never imagined.

When God raises us, He makes a way so that people around us call us and identify us with a new story. They can no longer see a prisoner but a ruler in Joseph. God changes the past and rewrite the future with a new story, a new identity, new authority, and a new status.

Dear God, we thank you for everything you did for Joseph. Lord, you are a promise keeper, a way maker — who could imagine a prisoner becoming a ruler overnight? Your ways are not our ways, Lord. Your plans for us are far greater than we can imagine. May we, like Joseph, remain faithful wherever you place us. May you be with us every minute of the day, just as you were with Joseph.We pray that you fill us with the fear of the Lord that was in Joseph. Dear Holy Spirit, dwell in us and create in us a pure heart that fears you always. May we enjoy complete union with your Spirit. May we always walk in your light and your power. Make us as discerning and wise as Joseph. We know you can raise us just as you raised Joseph. Prison-like situations mean nothing to you, Father. There is always hope for those who trust in your name, dear Lord. We humble ourselves under your mighty hand, which holds all honor and power.In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.