When we were first introduced to Joseph in Genesis 37, he wore a robe of many colors given to him by his father. But that robe was stripped off him (37:23), and for the next 13 years, Joseph would wear the clothing of a slave and a prisoner.

After more than a decade of adversity, where each day seemed to bring only more bitterness than the day before, Joseph was clothed in fine linen garments (v. 42). His story came full circle. God restored Joseph, not just to his standing before prison, but to one even better.

This is God’s heartbeat. We see it here with Joseph. We saw it with Job. Most notably, we will see it again when Christ returns and makes all things new. Christ’s work of reconciliation will purge every semblance of the Fall. He will return creation to its condition before the Fall. He will usher in His kingdom where everything is even better than before. This is our hope – a hope greater than Joseph ever dared dream – our hope in Christ.

• When you think of the new heavens and new earth, what excites you the most? Why?