Genesis 41:43

Here, then, was exaltation of no ordinary kind. Contrast this with the pit and the dungeon. Notice the chain of events that brought it all about. You have at once a clear display of the hand of God, and a striking picture of the sufferings and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. The envy of his brothers and the false judgement of the Gentile had put Joseph in the pit and the dungeon. From there he was taken to be ruler over the whole land of Egypt — and not only that, but to be the channel of blessing and the sustainer of life to Israel and the whole earth.

But if it was not the kingdom of Israel, whose centre is Zion, this only confirms how fitting the picture is. One day He will be the one king of all the earth as well as of the chosen people, coming in manifest glory on the clouds of heaven. This is the rule of a kingdom completely different from that day. That day has in no way arrived, though it surely will. But the despised and rejected One is exalted on His Father's throne, not yet on His own. He has all authority over a kingdom as wide as the world, in a form quite special. He received it when He was cast out and separated from His brothers. Joseph's exaltation by the king of Egypt is the striking shadow of this.

No Egyptian could move without Joseph's permission, and heralds went before his chariot proclaiming, "Bow the knee." In his exaltation we see the exaltation of Christ, to whom every knee must bow. When that glory comes, He will be seen as Messiah, the true Son of David, the rightful Heir, and the restored and willing heart of Israel will pay Him homage. But not only that: just as the Egyptians bowed to Joseph's authority, so the nations will own the exalted Christ in that day to be King of kings and Lord of lords.

Just picture for a moment how Joseph was made to ride in the second chariot, "and they cried before him, Bow the knee!" This is the right motto. "Bow the knee" is the command that suits everyone today, in the time after Christ suffered, the time when the church has been given to Him. The resistance of many to that command will not, in the end, stop them from bowing the knee to Him.

I think I see the trumpeters going before him, and hear them crying, "Bow the knee." Bow the knee to Joseph, the exalted Hebrew slave! Pharaoh had said it, and bow the people must. Sinner! God now tells you to bow the knee; bow your heart to Christ. Bow you must; bow you shall. You may reply, I won't bow! Yes, you will — for God has said, "By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'" (Isaiah 45:23)

All have to bow to the crucified One. All have to confess Him Lord. But how sad to be "compelled by might" to do this before the judgment throne in the day to come. Far better to be "drawn by mercy" for eternal blessing in this day of grace.

I have no doubt that when the cry went out, "Bow the knee," they said, To whom? To Joseph? That slave, that man who was in prison? Never! I think I can hear many a proud Egyptian prince saying, I will never bow. Perhaps you have said, I will never bow to Christ. Ah, wait a bit. Pride never filled your stomach. It may have filled your heart. What will bring you down? A day of famine.