A Prophet Among You

Joseph

To preserve the nation fathered by Abraham, and still so small that it could be measured by the size of Jacob’s family, the Lord raised up another prophet. Even in his youth Joseph was given dreams that foretold events of the future. Genesis 37. APAY 151.1

His sale as a slave to be taken to Egypt, his years in Potiphar’s household and in the Egyptian prison, his interpretation of the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, the revelation of the meaning of Pharaoh’s dream, his elevation to second place in the kingdom of Egypt, were all steps in preparing Joseph for the task of preserving the budding nation and giving it a place to grow. APAY 151.2

In Joseph’s words to his brothers after the death of their father, he makes it clear that he saw in all that had happened the working of God’s far-reaching providence. “And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.” Genesis 50:19-21. Preservation of the individual or nation in critical times has frequently been the function of the prophet. APAY 151.3