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A
Bible Study on Joseph
Sharefaith
It's not until 13
years later that it becomes a story of forgiveness, humility, love and
restoration.
Yet the end of the
story of Joseph is a mirror image of the dreams that he had as a youth -- that
one day his family would bow before him.
With jealousy as a
motive, Joseph's 11 brothers attempted to prevent those dreams from being
fulfilled by selling him as a slave to a band of traders.
But God, the giver of
dreams and visions, had already confirmed the outcome.
The Bible account is
well known.
Years go by, and
Joseph experiences life as a servant, during which he is falsely accused of a
crime by Potiphar's wife, followed by several years in prison.
Eventually Joseph is
made second in command over all of Egypt, which allows him to save his entire
family during a time of famine.
It's a success story
made in heaven, one that offers a message of hope in the midst of trials for
those that read it. But there is a detail that is often overlooked in the life
of Joseph.
"So
Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of
his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the
time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the
LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the
LORD was on all that he had in the house and in the field." (Genesis 39:4-5)
Even in his youth,
Joseph had integrity, and a work ethic, and he knew how to serve.
He did not, at that
moment, become someone who could be trusted as an overseer. These were
qualities that were already within him.
It could even be said
that these qualities were evident to Jacob, Joseph's father, who rewarded
Joseph for his faithfulness and obedience by donning him with a multi-colored
robe, a sign of favor over the other brothers.
Joseph may have been
the favorite because he was the son of Jacob's old age, and the son of Jacob's
favored wife, Rachel.
But Joseph also was
the favorite because of his willingness to serve. He helped tend his father's
sheep, and was ready to do his father's bidding without complaint.
Whereas the other 11
brothers thought they deserved more status because of their age, Joseph had a
place of honor among the children of Jacob because of his heart.
Joseph's immaturity
may have caused him to reveal his dreams too prematurely to his brothers, but
his youthfulness did not prevent God from using him.
God knew that Joseph
could be trusted, just as his father, Jacob, knew.
It was also evident
to Potiphar, the prison keeper and captain of the guard, and ultimately to
Pharaoh, who all placed Joseph in a position of authority.
By the time Joseph
reached age 30, he was second in command of all Egypt.
As a man, Joseph's
integrity and submissive heart that he cultivated as a youth brought him favor
in the sight of God and men.
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