Joseph needed the time as a manager of Potiphars household and a manager of the prison before he became a manager of all of Egypt. If we find ourselves in a parallel situation, our godliness is no guarantee that we will escape unscathed. Learn about good storytelling and the over-arching narrative in the Bible with this free course. Even when the Cupbearer promised to help Joseph escape, he completely forgot. As a person who loves to solve problems, this principle really drives me nuts sometimes. Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. Proud member 5. Why was Joseph successful in everything he did? Joseph received a fabulously colored coat and rose to become the second most powerful man in the Egyptian empire. When he was reunited with his brothers, he could say sincerely, And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve lifeAnd God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. He failed to recognize his familys problematic The conclusion of this tale is that God is aware of every aspect of our life and that He never deserts those who are waiting for Him. Read Matthew 2:19-23. WebBy showing preference to Joseph, Jacob made two serious errors. A major reason for this, is the truths I have found in the story of Joseph in the Bible. The greatest place to begin making plans for the future is always by seeking the Lords guidance and wisdom. There are two great themes in Josephs life which summarizes all five points well. God had delivered them. I have truly been encouraged by this article. Despite our best efforts to explain the benefits of the medicine, he did not want it. WebMoses and Joshua both prophets of God faced many obstacles in their lives. In this article, well review the biblical story of Joseph and then discuss 5 strategies we can learn as servant leaders today from Josephs exemplary levels of patience. In time, his unique qualities expressed themselves in an additional area: when Ive been struggling with having patience and often this has manifested in anger toward God. We can see how God operates in the big picture via Josephs tale. and the plenty will be unknown in the land by reason of the famine that will follow, for it will be very severe. I can wait. He put in every city the food from the fields around it. His brothers were jealous of the love that he received from their father and because of his dreams. He worked to ensure there would be enough food for everyone, tirelessly. This is the lesson I keep learning over and over again. Beyond being the son of his fathers favorite wife, Rachel, the Bible shows how obedient to his father Joseph was. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21). 0000036829 00000 n Isaac trusted God's word. I also 100% agree on this telling his brothers about the dream did not justify their actions at all. Self-preservation is preferable on occasion. Because of this, the people in Egypt ate during the famine, and people came from all over the world to purchase the food during that time as well. In the same way, I know that God also wants the best for me. However, this was not his heart. As a young and handsome man, he drew the sinful attention of Potiphars wife, and she tried to seduce him. In another early text, The History of Joseph the Carpenter, which was composed in Egypt between the 6th and 7th centuries, Christ himself tells the story of his step-father, claiming Joseph was 90 years old when he married Mary and died at 111. Copyright 2023 Bscholarly LLC. The book of Genesis has quite a few stories about important people, but no one gets more time than Joseph. His brothers enjoyed a nice payday, meanwhile Joseph became a slave in the house of a man named Potiphar. Catholicism is the largest and most influential Christian church. We do know for sure that he was not perfect he was a sinner like me and you and everyone else. That may seem like a long summary, but Josephs story isnt short. Mindfulness to Gods presence and activity in our lives is marker of Gods people. Samuel is bent on changing the legal profession by building Web and Mobile Apps that will make legal research a lot easier. %PDF-1.5 % After being sold into slavery in Egypt, Joseph served in the house of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaohs guard, and quickly earned the highest position in the household. And perhaps, most important of all, humility takes time to learn. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? He covered his mouth to choke back his sobs. Joseph could have used his power to bring vengeance. We can also say with confidence that God was patient with the journey. He felt something crawl across his leg. It is a great model for believers today who may be struggling with forgiveness and dealing with someone with an unrepentant spirit. Here are five lessons we can learn from the life of Joseph, son of Jacob, leader of Egypt. She maintains a faith and lifestyle blog graceandgrowing.com, where she muses about the Lord, life, culture, and ministry. Actually, the story of Joseph begins before Genesis 37. There he and Mary raised their family. Though eventually Joseph rose to power, wealth, and prominence, he experienced many dark days. Joseph rose to power as second-in-command to Pharaoh. WebLet's jump straight in with the overriding 'But God' principle for Joseph and our lives today. endstream endobj 126 0 obj<. Join Leaders Go Last and receive a free copy of the eBook: 15 Principles of Leadership from the book of Nehemiah. And he could not deny the strange pattern he saw in God's dealings with his forebears. WebGod was with Joseph every step of the way. Love GOD with All your Heart mind soul and spirit. Great! He wisely feared Herods successor, Archelaus, who was likewise vicious and murderous. Most of the book of Genesis was taken up with the account of this young mans life. Jacob's smile filled Joseph's mind. Some days, I remind myself that, while I am not necessarily enjoying whats going on with my new job, at least my brothers and sisters didnt sell me into this job or into slavery. The rivalry between Jacobs two wives and two concubines caused much dissention within the family. Day after monotonous Why wait when you can create a to-do list and start taking action? I think I read in the Student Bible that it had to more with being naive and undiscretionary when he was a 17 year old boy. WebNature of God and Humankind. Faith-fueled peace doused the anxious fire in Joseph's chest. After all those years, Joseph forgave his brothers for their wrong-doing, even though they initially approached him in fear rather than repentance. Principled- he had character and integrity. But instead, he began leading like a servant right away. The second half of the book of Genesis tells the history of one family, beginning with Abraham, and following down to his great-grandchildren - the sons of Jacob. His status changed in an instant from favored son in Canaan to anonymous slave in the house of an Egyptian. The medicine was like a snake to him, and he fought it as hard as he could. So the brothers journeyed at the behest of their father to Egypt. As he did with Joseph, God will provide for those who abide in him and obey him. Genesis 39:21-23 shows us the results. I love this article! Great! I need to wait on God. When the seven years of good harvests came, Joseph developed a stockpiling system to store the grain for use during the coming drought. We appear to be able to instantaneously obtain our desired outcomes with simply the click of a button. He also needed time in a powerless position so he could learn humility and dependance on God. Web18 On the babys eighth day, Mary and Joseph had him circumcised as the Mosaic Law required, naming him Jesus, as directed. Because of the famine, Joseph's family in the Valley of Hebron needed food. Even Joseph is listed as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11. Joseph was not special because he was prophetic but because he knew how to interpret the dreams. Its the perfect example of how many of us think yes! He is more discretionary and cautious in what he reveals; craftily practicing restraint with his brothers to get into their persona. There are several options for rapid pleasure available to us in todays environment. The cupbearer will soon be released and promises to try and help Joseph get out of prison. Glad you found encouragement from the article and thanks again for your feedback! How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God? (Genesis 38:8-9). Instead, God put him in positions of leadership where he could grow in both humility and as a leader. There are no steps. We learn that Joseph is his fathers favorite, and his many brothers are already jealous of him. Joseph told Pharaoh the dream meant Egypt would have seven years of bounty, followed by seven years of drought and famine. More than likely He will begin to start you off in The book of Proverb or maybe not.I actually prayed that GOD would give me Wisdom Knowledge and understanding now at 75yrs GOD is Not finished with me yet!! Your email address will not be published. We tried every trick in the books: bribery, hiding it in food or drinks, and we even had to force it down his mouth sometimes. And yet, the reality is most of us need the practice. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com. Joseph was thereafter sold into slavery in Egypt. 0000011114 00000 n His timeline is different than mine. and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. Fear of God and Faithfulness to God. With this in mind, it shouldnt come as a surprise to acquire several lessons and guidelines from Josephs life. Joseph refused to stand in judgment of them and assured them that they were forgiven. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. Joseph made three serious errors in judgment. The famine will consume the land,and the plenty will be unknown in the land by reason of the famine that will follow, for it will be very severe. This was a genuinely great read. Here is how Joseph responds: But Joseph said to them, Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? Not only that, but we are promised an eternity without sickness, pain, or tears. All rights reserved. Joseph did not run or cower or cave. His own brothers, consumed with 1 LOVED AND HATED. Either way, I think Joseph is still an excellent Biblical hero. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Of the twelve, one child stood out, favored by their father, and blessed by God. Joseph can be trusted to the point that Potiphar left everything he had in Josephs care. What is the theme of the story of Joseph? But instead, he patiently continued to do good work. My mom will tell you that, growing up, I would ask about dinner plans every day. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. Joseph did know his brothers at first sight, and wept several times in private. The story of Joseph stands in stark opposition to this. There are several denominations in Catholicism: Catholics, Uniates, Armenian Gregorians, Greek Catholics, Roman Catholic Churches, adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as other Protestant communities that are not part of the church. But he spent at least 12 years there before he suddenly became Prime Minister. Wow! And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt. Who are the main characters in the story of Joseph? Joseph was lucky. This was the main purpose that God had for Josephs life. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Josephs charge, becausetheLordwas with him. He attracted Potiphars wifes attention by being young and attractive, and she attempted to seduce him. Joseph, Overcoming Obstacles Through Faithfulness, by Dr. Gene Getz, celebrates on the Almighty GOD wants us to learn of Him ASAP When we have an earnest desire to Love GOD at an early age, as I did, He will begin to work on your future and the sky is the limit. It teaches leadership as well as spirituality. WebWhat challenges did Joseph face in the Bible? Use me!". There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, but after them there will arise seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. He thought back to the dream where God had told him he would become powerful. It spans decades and fourteen chapters of the Bible. ButtheLord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Imagine the pain of his brothers' betrayal, the separation from his father, the horror of slavery, the seduction and false accusation by Potiphar's wife, and the desperation he felt as his youth passed away in prison. He really did not do anything to warrant that treatment but he at least had the love and support of his father. What challenges did Joseph face in the Bible? Job emerged from his ordeal a better and wiser man who exhibited such patience amidst the upheaval of life. Gender: Joseph is most often used as a boy name. Learn the Art Of Deferred Gratification: We may learn a lot about leadership from Josephs life, including the necessity to resist the lure of rapid fulfillment. Joseph exemplifies this perfectly, and we would do well today to learn from him. After a few more journeys to Egypt, bringing with them the youngest brother Benjamin at Josephs request, he revealed himself, and extended forgiveness to them. Image: Alinari/Art Resource, NY. There will be good times and there will be hard times, but God loves you and is working in you and through you, even when you cannot see it or understand it. Exchange worldly thgs, drugs alcohol etc etc for The Love of GOD at an early age And GOD Almighty will give you The Desire (s) of your HEART. Dont give up on God. The warden paid no attention to anything under Josephs care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Do We See Any Gospel Connections in the Book of Numbers? Will a professing Christian go to hell if he never shares the gospel? Character Formation. It is then that knowing God's promises and his ways are crucial. Fellowship is an irreplaceable means of grace in the Christian life and offers us two priceless joys: receiving Gods grace through the helping words of others and giving his grace to others through our own. Sufficiency in Hope (2 Cor 6:1-10) A lot of things happen around us that makes us lose hope but God is telling us fear not that He will come through for us so our hope should be sufficient.
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