• God Will Bring You Out of This Land: Trusting God’s Promises in Uncertain Times

    August 10, 2025

    At the end of Genesis, Joseph was nearing the end of his life. At 110 years old, he gathered his family and declared:

    “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

    Joseph’s words were more than a farewell—they were a prophecy. He didn’t know exactly how God would do it or how long it would take, but he was certain that God would keep His promise. Four centuries later, God did just that, raising up Moses to lead His people out of Egypt and into freedom.

    Joseph had enjoyed Egypt’s comforts. As Pharaoh’s second-in-command, he had saved the nation from famine and brought his family to safety. But Egypt was never the final destination. Before he died, Joseph made his family swear to carry his bones back to the promised land. His eyes were fixed not on Egypt’s riches, but on God’s covenant.

    Joseph Interpreting the Dreams of Pharaoh Attributed to Jörg Breu the Younger German ca. 1534–47

    That long wait between Joseph’s death and the Exodus may have seemed like silence. Generations were born and died; blessings gave way to oppression. Many probably doubted it would ever happen. Yet God’s timing was perfect—He was preparing both His people and their deliverance.

    We, too, live in a world that can feel like Egypt. Political unrest, economic hardship, and personal struggles can make us long for something better. Some people are searching for a dream—whether a new home, a better job, or a safer place to live. Others are simply holding on through hard times. But Joseph’s story reminds us that God has prepared something far greater than anything we could find here.

    Jesus said:

    “Let not your heart be troubled… In My Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go… I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1–3)

    Just as God brought Israel out of Egypt, He will one day bring His people into the home He has promised. Whether that day comes for us individually or at Christ’s return, we can be certain—God will keep His word.

    “God Will Bring You Out of of This Land.” Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright, Shubert Christian Church, July 24, 2024.

  • From Prison to Power: How Joseph Was Exalted Over All the Land in Genesis 41

    July 13, 2025 
    “So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said… ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’” (Genesis 41:37–38)

    Pharaoh, though not a worshiper of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, recognized something divine in Joseph. The Hebrew phrase used here—the Spirit of God—may have meant different things to Pharaoh. Perhaps he thought Joseph was blessed by the Egyptian gods. Ancient Egypt was a land rich with gods—over 2,000, in fact. Names like Ra, Isis, Horus, and Osiris were etched into temples and daily life.

    But in the middle of this polytheistic empire, one man stood out as marked by the Spirit of Yahweh. Pharaoh didn’t convert, but he couldn’t deny Joseph’s divine wisdom. So, Joseph was elevated—not because of charm or education—but because of God’s favor.

    An AI-generated digital art of the Egyptian god Sekhmet with his back turned as he faced toward a large pilllar or opening with hydroglyphs decorated along the pillars.
    MythologyArt. (2024). Sekhmet. Pixabay.com.

    Pharaoh gave him his signet ring—the ancient world’s symbol of authority. He dressed him in royal linen, placed a gold chain on his neck, and paraded him through the streets in a chariot, commanding everyone to bow. Joseph’s name was changed to Zaphnath-Paaneah, which some believe means “Savior of the World” or “Revealer of Secrets.” He was even given a wife—Asenath, daughter of a high priest in the pagan city of On.

    Whether Asenath accepted Joseph’s God or not, we don’t know. But we do know this: Joseph held onto his faith in the midst of power, wealth, and culture.

    “All the Land of Egypt“

    Five times this phrase appears in our passage: “all the land of Egypt.” Joseph was not just Pharaoh’s assistant—he had full authority. Verse 46 tells us, “Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.” He didn’t waste time. He got to work.

    And imagine what he saw: pyramids piercing the skyline, bustling cities, temples to sun gods, traders from Canaan, and the Nile winding its way through a wealthy, united kingdom. The Middle Kingdom era of Egypt was marked by stability, expansion, and order—everything Joseph needed to implement his God-given plan to save the region from famine.

    This must have been a mountaintop moment. Like an Olympic gold medalist. Like a newly promoted CEO with a corner office. Like a graduate earning their PhD. Like an MVP signing a multi-million-dollar contract.

    Joseph had arrived.

    But Don’t Miss the Point

    None of this was possible without God.

    Joseph’s story reminds us that even when others betray us, when the world misunderstands us, and when it seems all hope is lost—God is still working. If Joseph had stayed with his brothers, or even succeeded in Potiphar’s house, he would never have become the man who saved Egypt and surrounding nations from starvation.

    But because he kept trusting God through every trial, Joseph was exalted all over the land.

    What About Us?

    We may never ride in a chariot or rule a nation, but we can trust in the same God who elevated Joseph. We are not forgotten. Our trials are not wasted. And our faithfulness will not be ignored.

    Joseph’s story is ultimately not about his rise to power—it’s about God’s presence, provision, and purpose.

    And one day, like Joseph, we’ll stand on our mountaintop, shouting victory—not over Egypt, but over death and the grave, thanks to the One who was exalted not just over a land, but over all creation: Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.

    Sermon Title: Exalted All Over the Land | Rev. Dennis Alan RobertsFulbright | Shubert, NE June 30, 2024.