Genesis 41:46
And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and then he went out from Pharaoh's presence and went throughout all the land of Egypt. The surrounding revelation given through Joseph foretold seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine in Egypt in Pharaoh's time. Those years were once only a matter of prophecy limited to a stated period, yet plenty and famine occurred within the given time exactly as foretold.
This fulfillment proves that predicted events occur within their appointed given time. It proves that the chronological portions of the Bible are as sure as any other Scripture. Chronological periods extending to the second coming of Christ are likewise times appointed beforehand by God that will be fulfilled.
Joseph's service in Egypt is an example of faithful presence in a foreign land, showing that Seventh-day Adventist institutions are to serve the world in the same way. His going throughout the land was to act for the relief of sweeping poverty and prevailing distress. Acting his part means using as far as means are provided to break every yoke and let the oppressed go free, refusing to see people in distress and pass by on the other side, and wishing for more means to relieve distress more fully.