Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Genesis 50:1-Exodus 2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6

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An Example of Godly Leadership

“Joseph went to Pharaoh’s advisers and said, ‘Please ask Pharaoh to let me go and bury my father.’” – Genesis 50:4 (NLT)

In Genesis 50, after Jacob’s death, Joseph wants to ask Pharaoh for permission to bury his father in Canaan. But something interesting happens. Joseph does not go directly to Pharaoh. Instead, he speaks to Pharaoh’s advisers and asks them to speak on his behalf.

At first, that might seem strange. After all, Joseph is second in command in all of Egypt. He has authority. He has favor. He has influence. He could have gone straight to Pharaoh. So why didn’t he? Because Joseph understood something very important: Honor matters.

At this time, Joseph was in mourning because he just lost his father. In that culture, mourning meant visible grief. It would not have been proper to appear before Pharaoh in that state. So Joseph chose to respect the throne and the order of the kingdom.

He did not let his position make him careless or disrespectful. He stayed humble. Joseph never acted entitled. Even when God elevated him, he continued to walk with reverence, respect, and submission. He did not say, “I deserve special access.” He said, “I will honor what is right.” That is the heart God blesses.

Joseph was also wise about timing and presentation. He knew that how we approach matters. He didn’t want his request to be tied to emotion or rushed decisions. So he chose the right way, at the right time, with the right spirit. That is wisdom.

He also protected Pharaoh’s dignity. By going through proper channels, he honored Pharaoh’s authority. He didn’t demand. He requested – and that keeps relationships healthy.

Most of all, Joseph trusted God’s favor more than his title. He didn’t rely on his position, his reputation, or his influence. He relied on God.

Joseph knew that if God wanted the door open, it would open—without force, without pressure, without manipulation. This fits Joseph’s entire life. In Potiphar’s house, he was faithful. In prison, he was respectful. In leadership, he was humble. In blessing, he was gracious. He never grasped for position – God lifted him.

And there is another tender truth here. Joseph was grieving. He was hurting, vulnerable, and emotional. So he let someone else speak for him. Sometimes, when we are hurting, God invites us to lean on others. That is not weakness. That is wisdom.

This story teaches us something powerful:

Just because God promotes you does not mean you stop walking in humility.
Just because you have favor does not mean you ignore order.
Just because you are confident does not mean you become careless.

Honor opens doors faster than authority ever could.

God is drawn to hearts that remain humble, respectful, and submitted—even in seasons of success. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Today, ask God to show you where He is teaching you humility. Ask Him:

• “What do You want me to know about this today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Choose to respond with honor, patience, and wisdom as He speak to you today.

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Prayer

Lord, help me walk in humility no matter where You place me. Teach me to honor authority, respect order, and trust Your favor more than my position. Give me a heart like You that is humble and submissive – that sees everyone as precious and valuable, no matter their station. Give me a heart that reflects You in every season. Amen.

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