The vestures used to exalt Joseph give a beautiful picture of the coming glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the bride given to be associated with Him. The years prior to this moment were a time of proving the faithfulness of Joseph through circumstances and trials in his father’s house, in the house of Potiphar and in the prison house. Joseph was the one above all the others in his father’s house whom the father could love with confidence. But this prompted his brothers to sell him as a slave, then dip the coat of many colors in blood and send it back to the father. Again in Potiphar’s house his faithfulness was the means of advancing him to be overseer of the whole house. But he was betrayed by Potiphar’s wife. His very moral purity was slandered, and the garment which was torn from him was used as a token of evil, causing him to be sent to prison. While in prison Joseph’s behavior gained the favor of the keeper, so that he entrusted everything into his hands. All these experiences were a proving ground for the time when God would exalt him over the whole land. His practical righteousness in such adverse circumstances proved that he was well suited for this great position.
When the butler remembered his faults, Joseph was presented to Pharaoh as the one who interpreted dreams. As Scripture had stated previously, “the Lord was with Joseph,” so now he is able for the situation. He was able to interpret the dream to Pharaoh in such a way that Pharaoh said to him, “Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled.” He recognized in him the moral qualities necessary for one to be entrusted with all the wealth of Egypt.
Pharaoh “arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; and made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee” (Gen. 41:42-43). The fine linen is most significant for it is a reflection of the fine moral qualities that Joseph had. The gold speaks of divine righteousness as the linen does of practical righteousness. So in the coming day when Christ is exalted, these two characteristics, which the Lord Jesus manifested in His life on earth, are what will array Him with power and authority in the place of exaltation at His second coming.
The Bride Arrayed in Fine Linen
The contemplation of this gives added meaning to the scripture in Revelation 19:6-9, where we have the bride of Christ “arrayed in fine linen, clean and white; for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” The bride having the same moral qualities as the Bridegroom makes for a wonderful relationship. She is able to properly represent and glorify Christ. The clean and white fine linen portrays the public display of His approval concerning the practical righteous acts done while here on earth. It is here in this world that we are subjected to all kinds of trials and tests which prove what we are really like. May the Lord give us to be more like Him.
The judgment seat of Christ will no doubt be the means by which the bride is made ready for the marriage of the Lamb. At the judgment seat all the things done in the body during our life here on earth come before the Lord for review. All that has His approbation is rewarded. All that does not is burned up. For the believer it is a judgment of works, not of persons. How good it will be to have something to adorn that marriage supper. May the Lord who called us to Himself “make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:21).
D. C. Buchanan