Joseph: Living in the Grace of God

Joseph
Written By Sodi Toby

Genesis 47

Pray

As we open the Word of God, take a moment to pray.
Ask the Lord to open your heart to see Jesus—His grace, His favour, and His purposes even in unfamiliar or uncomfortable places.

"Lord, speak to us through this story. Let us see Your hand at work and recognize our place in Your covenant. Amen."

Read: Genesis 47

This chapter is full of spiritual treasures—moments of divine favour, wisdom for the present age, and reminders of our identity in God. Let's walk through it together.

What Do You See in the Passage?

Favour in Foreign Lands (v6)

Pharaoh gave Joseph’s family the best part of Egypt—Goshen. He didn’t just permit them to settle; he offered resources and jobs.

God’s favour can open doors where we are foreigners.

Spiritual Identity Amid Earthly Power (v7)

Jacob blessed Pharaoh.
Even though he was on the receiving end of generosity, he did not forget that he was part of God’s covenant.

The lesser is blessed of the greater—not by status, but by calling.

Forgiveness in Action (v12)

Joseph didn’t just tolerate his brothers; he provided for them.
Even without their apology, Joseph showed love.

Forgiveness goes beyond coexisting—it becomes active love.

Overflowing Blessing (v14)

Because of Joseph, Pharaoh's house prospered.
God’s favour on Joseph became a blessing to an entire kingdom.

You carry blessing as a son or daughter of God, as a believer in Jesus Christ. Where you are planted, others will flourish.

Control, Power & Wisdom (v15-26)

In famine, Joseph centralized all resources—land, food, and money.
This shows the power of systems.

This mirrors the future: a warning of how the enemy will use control (Rev 13). As believers, we must think ahead—create communities, economies, and food systems under God’s direction.

Fruitfulness in Egypt (v27)

Even in a foreign land, God kept His covenant with Israel.

They were fruitful, multiplied, occupied, and had dominion.

17 Years of Restoration (v28)

Jacob got 17 more years with Joseph and his grandchildren.

God restores lost time in unexpected ways.

He Knew He Was a Sojourner (v29)

Jacob didn’t settle in Egypt spiritually.
He asked to be buried with his ancestors.

No matter the blessing in this world, remember this is not our final home.

What Does This Passage Mean?

  • God’s covenant travels with us—even into difficult seasons or unfamiliar places.

  • We must remember who we are as followers of Christ: covenant people, not citizens of this world.

  • Forgiveness should be complete, leading us to do good to those who’ve wronged us.

What Stands Out to Me in this Passage?

“I love Jacob’s devotion to God, even in old age.”
He didn’t lose sight of his spiritual identity, even after years of hardship and restoration.

What’s Hard to Understand in this Passage?

Why did they make people put their hands under a thigh when making an oath?
This symbolic gesture (v29) was a cultural practice tied to vulnerability and intimacy—it was a solemn way to seal a promise, often linked to covenant matters, like burial or inheritance.

What Do You Learn About God, People, or Yourself?

  • God is with you, wherever He places you.

  • People can thrive spiritually even in physical exile.

  • We must be deliberate in forgiveness and bold in identity.

Apply the Passage

As The Church:

Let’s remember that we are God’s covenant people.
Even in a society that’s shifting, we’re called to stand firm—wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Let’s also prepare practically: develop community support systems, food sustainability plans, and gospel-focused missions that serve others with love.

Personally:

  • Walk in God’s favour this week—look for it, acknowledge it, thank Him for it.

  • Identify someone you may need to forgive—and ask God how to do good to them.

If you’ve never responded to the grace of God:

Repent. Believe. Be Baptized.
Turn from self-reliance. Believe in Jesus. Step into the covenant through baptism.

God is calling you home.

Let this week be one where we walk in covenant confidence, active forgiveness, and strategic wisdom.

We are not of this world—but while we’re here, we’ll shine.

 

Sodi Toby
Sodi serves as our Managing Director and Projects Director. He has management and technical oversight across our offices. He graduated from the University of Sussex, UK with a first class MSc in Turbomachinery. Sodi has a track record of successfully managing production optimization and field development studies for major oil and gas companies internationally. He is an expert in gas compression and integrated asset modelling with more than a decade experience. In his career, the value he has provided in these areas has led to significant decisions which have provided immense production and project benefits for several operating companies. He has previously held senior roles including Head of Projects and Management Team Leader in a reputable engineering consulting firm from which he left to start up Eta Energy Solutions. He has also in previous roles, led software development teams in developing bespoke integrated asset modelling software. Sodi is a Chartered Engineer, professionally recognized by the Engineering Council (UK) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is also a professionally recognised member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (UK) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). He speaks regularly and presents technical papers at international oil and gas conferences across the world.
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Joseph and the Grace of Reconciliation