As a youngster, it seems that Joseph was a little arrogant; but was he really? His natural self-assurance – increased by being Jacob’s favorite son and by knowing of God’s designs on his life—was unbearable to his ten older brothers, who eventually conspired against him. But this confidence, molded by trials and combined with a deep devotion to God, allowed him to survive and prosper where most would have failed. He added quiet wisdom to his confidence and won the hearts of everyone he met – Potiphar, the prison warden, other prisoners, the pharaoh, and, after many years, even those ten brothers.
Perhaps you can identify with one or more of these hardships Joseph experienced: He was betrayed and deserted by his family, exposed to sexual temptation, and punished unjustly. He endured and persevered through a long imprisonment and was forgotten by those he helped. As you read the story of Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-50), note what Joseph did in each case. His positive response transformed each setback into a step forward. He didn’t spend much time asking why. His approach was “What’s the next right thing to do?” Those who met Joseph were aware that wherever he went and whatever he did, God was with him. When you are facing a setback, the beginning of a Joseph-like attitude is to acknowledge that God is with you. There is nothing like God’s presence to shed new light on a dark situation.
Strengths and accomplishments: He rose to power from slave to 2nd most powerful person in the Egyptian Empire. He was known for his personal integrity. He was a man of spiritual sensitivity. He prepared a nation to survive a severe famine.
Weaknesses and mistakes: His youthful pride caused friction with his brothers.
Lessons from his life: What matters is not so much the events or circumstances of life, but our response to them. With God’s help, any situation can be used for good, even when others intend it for evil.
Vital statistics: Where: Canaan and Egypt. Occupation: Shepherd, slave, convict, ruler. Relatives: Son of Jacob and Rachel. Siblings 11 brothers and one sister (Dinah). Wife: Asenath. Sons: Manasseh and Ephraim. We first here of Joseph at his birth in Genesis 30:22-24 but the bulk of his story is told in Genesis 37, 39-50.
Foreshadowing: The story of Joseph also foreshadows Jesus Christ. Look at the similarities. Both were loved by their father. Both were rejected by their own people. Both were falsely accused and unjustly punished. Both overcame and became rulers of great kingdoms. But while Josephs’s kingdom was physical, Christ’s kingdom is spiritual and eternal and cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28).
This Sunday we will begin a series on Joseph in Genesis. What are the practical lessons we can learn? What are the similarities between Joseph and Jesus Christ?