The Five Coats of Joseph – Part 3

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In Parts 1 & 2 of THE FIVE COATS OF JOSEPH, we examined three types of apparel worn by Joseph & their spiritual significance. In today’s discourse, we examine the last two.

The fourth time we come across the apparel of Joseph was after the Cupbearer had mentioned him to Pharaoh. In Genesis 41:14, the Bible says he shaved and changed his clothes to meet Pharaoh. To see the king we must make ourselves presentable it’s a sign of respect. And just as a change of attire was given Joseph in prison, so the Lord Jesus Christ gives us change of attire when we come out of spiritual prison. Jesus gives us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Every time you come to church and praise God, you are wearing the garment God gave you. Praise is our garment.

Now as you very well know, Pharaoh had issues of his own. He laid out a binary set of dreams to Joseph. No one, he said, could interpret them. Why COULDN’T the sorcerers interpret Pharaoh’s dreams? They were seasoned sorcerers, not apprentices. It was not that the sorcerers couldn’t interpret such obvious dreams but God blocked their capabilities in order to bring his servant to a place of destiny. When you’re seemingly the only one who can solve a problem, realize that God is trying to bring you to a place of destiny. It’s not of him that willeth, or of him that runneth but of God who showeth mercy (Romans 9:16). Therefore we must be humble. May God favour you and give you answers that consternate your competitors and superiors.

And the fifth time we see the apparel of Joseph playing a role of destiny in his life was when Pharaoh changed his clothes. The Bible says that Pharaoh clothed Joseph in garments of fine linen; and not just that, he put a signet ring of authority on his hand and a gold chain of prosperity about his neck. May God clothe you with the fine linen of his mercy, the signet ring of his power and the gold chain of his riches. May the world recognize your giftings & capabilities and may you ride on the glory cloud of your God like Joseph. May your past be incomparable to your future. May all that you’ve suffered be multiplied to you in loving kindnesses. Whatever you’ve lost may God multiply back to you. May those who did you evil bow down & may you be the salvation of your enemies. May God give you a new name, just like he gave Joseph through Pharaoh, a name of purpose and destiny.

Joseph lost his coat to his brothers that he may receive a new garment of authority and power. You might have lost your coat to the turbulence of this world but God will replace with a higher grade of clothing. And just as clothes cover shame and nakedness, may God cover your shame in glory. The trial you’re facing is not the end of your life. God forbid! It is a transition vehicle and soon you will arrive at Pharaoh’s court. You will arrive in the place of prominence, prosperity and power. May the glory of your latter be greater than your former.  Don’t you despair and don’t you give up! God will not let you down.

All the betrayal, slander, accusation, hatred, envy, fears, pain, loneliness, anxiety, unger, thirst… All are raw materials of your destiny. Don’t you give up! God is working behind the scenes. All you need is one strategic insight from God to take you to the pinnacle of your career. Go to God expecting!

Now, let me show you something that might have escaped your notice as you read the story of Joseph. In Genesis 42:9, the Bible says that when Joseph saw his brothers he remembered the dreams he had dreamed. In other words, he had forgotten his dreams. Sometimes the difficulties of life make us forget our dreams. In all his difficulties Joseph forgot his dreams – the dreams God gave him. Our memories may be treacherous and unfaithful but God remains faithful. God will remain true to his word irrespective of circumstances. I know some of you have forgotten your dreams – the dreams God gave you. The circumstances of life have forced you to abandon your dreams. But God hasn’t forgotten your dreams or you. Don’t throw away your hope. God is orchestrating the fulfillment of your dreams.

And so we see the garment of Joseph intersecting circumstances and directing his journey towards his destiny five times. The first time, we see his father give him a coat of distinction. The second time, we see his coat being dipped in blood and presented as evidence of his demise. The third time, we see his garment in a situation of temptation. The fourth time, we see him changing his clothes in prison to go and see Pharaoh. And the last time, we see Pharaoh clothing him in apparel of fine linen.

This is the story of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see Jesus Christ wearing a coat of distinction as he stepped into the Jordan & the Father testified of his son. In time, we see the people casting off his clothes as they debated his crucifixion. Soon those clothes were dipped in blood as they led him to Golgotha. Then we see him enter the tomb in death clothes. But we see him risen in glory in the garment of righteousness. The apparel of Joseph played a role five times in his life. Five is the number of grace. May the grace of God intervene in your life.

In all his difficulties, God never abandoned Joseph. The Bible says God was with Joseph even in prison. Because of his love for a man God went to prison. And many testified that God was with Joseph. Potiphar testified of it, the prison warder testified of it, Pharaoh testified of it. God was with Joseph. Quit thinking God has abandoned you. God will never abandon his own. For he has promised, “I will not in any way fail you nor give you up, nor leave you without support”. “I will not relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!” (Hebrews13:5 AMP). God can never abandon you. You must boldly proclaim, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be seized with alarm”.

If you’ll like to give your life to Jesus, please say this prayer: Father I acknowledge that I am a sinner, that Jesus Christ died for me, that you raised him from the dead. Please forgive me. I accept Jesus today as my Lord and my Saviour. Amen.

 

© Leke Alder | talk2me@lekealder.com