Introduction
This morning we will carry on through the Book of Genesis and look at the lessons learned from the Life of Joseph. One of the key family lines in Scripture begins with Abraham and carries on down through Isaac and Jacob. Their journey described in Genesis is both historical and inspirational. The father of our faith, along with his children, reveals their interaction with God’s plan to bless them. This blessing would carry on down through the generations as seen in Gen 12:2-3 - “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” We have heard some of their stories over the past few weeks as we have been reading through Genesis.
This morning we consider Jacob and his children. We remember that Jacob worked for 7 years expecting to receive Rachel as his wife, only to be tricked by Laban. After Laban’s sneakiness, Jacob worked another 7 years and then received Rachel, whom he truly loved. This sister/wife relationship with Jacob created an awkward rivalry. Over a period of about 34 years, the Scriptures record that Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants gave birth to the 12 sons of Jacob and 1 daughter. Joseph was the second to last born son, by Rachel, given to Jacob. The life of Joseph is one of the most fascinating stories in the Bible – better than the best Hollywood Soap Operas. It was like All My Children meeting the Young and the Restless all the while hoping for some Guiding Light. All fun aside, reading through the life of Joseph is fascinating.
Lessons from the Life of Joseph
We are often told in the Scriptures to remember what God has done for us. This inspires us to be grateful and thankful, two beautiful characteristics of following God. In Gen 30:22-24 we see God remembering… “Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.” 24 She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.” No matter our circumstances or struggles we must take note that God is listening, just as in the case of Rachel. God was answering prayers regarding the life of Joseph even before he was born.
The next we hear of Joseph directly mentioned is in Gen 33, when Jacob is being reunited with Esau. This was a very unsettling time for Jacob and his family, and we see Rachel and Joseph at the rear of the entourage. They were very precious to Jacob, and he wanted to afford them the easiest route of escape if needed. The bulk of Scripture relating to Joseph’s life begin in Gen 37 and carries on to the end of Genesis. Joseph was 17 years old when he snitched on the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and brought a bad report about them to Israel, formally Jacob. This is the beginning of Joseph’s journey with God, albeit a difficult one. Here are a few lessons we can learn from him.
Lesson 1
Joseph knew that his father Israel loved him. This is so key when is comes to walking through life with all its challenges. This love between father and son climaxed with a coat of many colours given to Joseph. This incredible act of favour secured their love, but with it came the hatred and disdain of his brothers. Joseph’s love encounters did not end with Israel but continued with God showing him his love and favour through several dreams. These dreams were gifts of God securing Jacob’s destiny. I am reminded that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). However, it would be many years before Joseph would see these blessings in disguise. We are told that his father rebuked him, and his brothers were jealous of him, but that his father kept all these matters in mind. Lesson 1 – it is so important to know that God loves you.
Lesson 2
We have seen that Joseph’s brothers did not think highly of him. In fact it says they hated him and were jealous of Joseph. These kinds of feelings can ruin a family relationship. When I grew up there were times that us kids fought with each other, and mom and dad would have to step in. But in Jacob’s household, it turned into very serious sibling rivalry. This is because Jacob had favored Joseph more than any of his other children. This was a classic dysfunctional home. Aside from the beautiful coat, Joseph’s unusual dreams caused his brothers to be more spiteful of him. The story goes on in Gen 37:12-36, where Joseph’s brothers stripped Joseph of his multi-coloured coat and threw him into the cistern to kill him. His brothers wrestle with what to do with Joseph and eventually sell him into slavery where he ends up in Egypt. You see how jealousy wrecks even a close family relationship. Lesson 2 tells us that unresolved issues can wreak havoc on a family. This family had many skeletons in their closets. Despite all of their sinfulness, God was at work.
Lesson 3
Joseph was an industrious young man. At seventeen, he was tending the flocks with his brothers. When he was taken to Egypt as a slave, he worked hard in Potiphar’s house. Joseph was able to make sure he was doing his best, especially when he was ruling and managing the food crisis in Egypt. Despite all of the negative circumstances that Joseph faced he maintained his faithfulness to God and man. I am reminded of this New Testament Scripture – “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward…” Col 3:22-24. I am not condoning slavery here, but simply making this point. Slavery was part of the culture of the day and in that light, Lesson 3 is simply this - always do your best. God is always looking out for his children. He has a future and an inheritance for each one of us.
Lesson 4
God protected Joseph in the midst of troubles. In his early years he was thrown into the cistern by his jealous brothers and eventually sold him to traders as a slave. It was not easy, but God was protecting him. In Gen 39, he was accused of raping Potiphar’s wife and was imprisoned. Prison was a potential death sentence, but God protected him. While in prison God stirs up Joseph’s gift with regards to dreams and this eventually secures his release. He may not have seen God’s plan in his life at this time, yet God was securing his destiny. Lesson 4 from the life of Joseph reminds me that God will never leave or forsake us. We may go through very difficult times, but God has not left us alone. God protects.
Lesson 5
I am sure that Joseph wrestled with temptation and sin in his life. However, when I read through his story, as difficult as it was, he appears to be a man of godly character. He had lots to complain about, but we don’t see any on his lips. Joseph was a hard worker, he was handsome, intelligent, and a very competent leader. When Potiphar’s wife became infatuated and tried to seduce him, he literally ran out of his cloak to escape temptation and sin (Gen 39:12). There are times in my life when I have wondered if I will overcome sin and temptation. Maybe you can relate. Do not worry because God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear (1 Cor 10:13). Lesson 5 encourages us to avoid temptation and sin at all costs. This is pleasing to God and brings with it peace of mind.
Lesson 6
As a result of God’s favour upon Joseph with regards to dreams and interpretations, he was promoted and blessed. Joseph’s promotion brought him bigger roles and responsibilities. He was able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Because of his unquestionable character and wisdom, Joseph was able to save two nations from starvation, Israel and Egypt. Eventually he is reunited with his family and says, “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt” (Gen 45:8). Lesson 6 speaks to me in this way - Success does not happen overnight. God’s favour is key along with our hard work and faithfulness.
Lesson 7
Jerry Cook was a Foursquare pastor who passed away a few years ago. He wrote a book called, Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. When I consider the life of Joseph, I think that Joseph excelled on forgiveness. He experienced a lot of misfortune in his life, and he chose to love, accept and especially forgive. Joseph was a leader when his brothers finally showed up in Egypt and they didn’t recognize him. Joseph’s dreams became a reality when his brothers did indeed bow down to him in respect. Joseph could have let resentment lead to revenge, but he instead rescued his entire family from the famine. Lesson 7 is a challenge for many. How can I forgive those who have deeply and in some cases intentionally wounded me? It is not easy to love, accept and forgive, but it is in our best interest to do so. After all, Jesus came to forgive us our sins so that we know and live in his amazing love.
In conclusion
The past several years has reminded us that life can at times be difficult. The life of Joseph demonstrates God’s ability to transform tests and trials into a positive result. Joseph’s life was a challenge, especially his early life; hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and then imprisoned for the crime he didn’t commit. Despite all of these things that were beyond his control, God was at work. God was in charge behind the scenes and directing Joseph’s outcome. For sure Joseph had a part to play. Be faithful. Be a good worker. Avoid sin. Choose love, acceptance and forgiveness. Even though he experienced many setbacks, Joseph pressed forward into the promise of God’s blessings. He may have lost sight of his destiny, but God was going to bring things full circle. Joseph sums this up with a key verse, Gen 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives”. What a great revelation. Even though adversities may come our way in this life, God still intends for His goodness to be our experience. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. Let us pray…