In This World Not Of This World
Joseph’s story in Genesis 40-43 has been speaking to me in so many new ways. It’s not just about the dreams, the famine, or even his rise to power. It’s about identity.
Joseph lived with a dual identity. He was a Hebrew by birth, but in Egypt, he was given the name Zaphenath-paneah and rose to prominence in a culture where Hebrews were considered an abomination (Genesis 43:32). He served Pharaoh faithfully, yet he stayed connected to God and his heritage. This tension between who he was and where he lived really made me think about what it means to be a follower of Christ.
As Christians, we have a dual identity too. We live in this world, but our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Like Joseph, we’re called to serve and engage in the world around us, but our ultimate allegiance has to be to God.
Dual Identity: Citizens of Two Kingdoms
Joseph’s story reminds us that, as Christians, we hold a dual identity:
We belong to God: Like Joseph, whose heart remained loyal to God and his family despite his Egyptian life, we are ultimately defined by our relationship with Christ. Paul writes in Philippians 3:20, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
We live in the world: Yet, just as Joseph faithfully served Pharaoh and thrived in Egyptian culture, we are called to engage with the world around us. Jesus prayed for His disciples, "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one" (John 17:15).
Joseph’s ability to navigate these two identities—Hebrew and Egyptian—mirrors our calling to live faithfully in the world while keeping our ultimate allegiance to God.
Maintaining Faith in a Foreign Culture
Joseph thrived in a culture that didn’t know or worship the one true God. Despite this, he stayed faithful to his identity as a servant of the Lord:
He credited God for his success: When interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, Joseph said, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer" (Genesis 41:16).
He honored God in his family life: By naming his sons Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph reflected God’s faithfulness, even as he lived among Egyptians.
For us, this means that even as we engage with a culture that often opposes God, we are called to remain faithful in how we speak, act, and live. Paul reminds us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2).
Navigating Cultural Tensions
Joseph’s dual identity created tension, particularly with Egyptian views on Hebrews (Genesis 43:32). Similarly, as Christians, we often feel the tension of being "in the world but not of the world" (John 17:14–16).
Our values may clash: Like Joseph, who held onto his God-given values even in an Egyptian system, we’re called to live counterculturally. This might mean making decisions that prioritize God’s will over cultural norms.
Our identity might confuse others: Just as Joseph’s brothers didn’t recognize him because of his Egyptian appearance, the world might not fully understand who we are in Christ. But our goal is not to conform—it’s to reflect Christ (Matthew 5:14–16).
Living as Ambassadors for Christ
Joseph’s position as a mediator between Pharaoh and his family points to our calling as ambassadors for Christ.
Joseph as a Mediator: Joseph’s ability to bridge the gap between Egypt and his Hebrew family highlights his unique role in saving both nations. Similarly, we are called to be reconcilers. Paul writes, "We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Our Mission: Like Joseph, we’re called to represent God in a foreign land, bringing His love, truth, and grace to those around us. This means living in a way that reflects His kingdom, even as we remain engaged in the world.
Trusting God with Our Identity
Joseph’s story teaches us that our identity is ultimately rooted in God, not in the labels or roles the world assigns to us.
The World’s Labels vs. God’s Truth: Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah, yet Joseph remained Joseph at heart. The world may try to define us by our jobs, appearances, or achievements, but God sees us as His children (1 John 3:1).
Our True Name: Revelation 2:17 promises that God will give each of His people a new name, one that reflects their true identity in Him. Like Joseph, our ultimate identity is in the Lord, and nothing the world does can change that.
Reflecting Christ in Both Worlds
Just as Joseph honored God in his Egyptian role, we are called to live in a way that reflects Christ in whatever environment we’re placed.
Our Identity Fuels Our Purpose: Knowing who we are in Christ allows us to walk confidently in our purpose, just as Joseph did. We live out our calling because our ultimate security is in Him.
Serving with Excellence: Like Joseph, who served Pharaoh faithfully, we are called to do everything as though working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Even in secular settings, our work can point others to Him.
pulling it forward
Joseph’s story challenges us to ask:
Where is my ultimate allegiance? Am I more influenced by the culture around me or by God’s Word?
Am I being faithful in the "foreign land" where God has placed me? How can I live in the world while staying true to my heavenly identity?
Am I reflecting Christ to those around me? Like Joseph, am I representing the King well in both word and deed?
