Today, I'd like to review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful "character" displayed by this man of God. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life, and his generosity as ruler and brother; make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the world in perfection.
Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 30:24-25), who was despised by his envious brothers. There were some things he did, that didn't exactly score points with his brothers. Certainly, telling on his brothers didn't help (Genesis 37:2). And, sharing his dreams with them made things worse (Genesis 37:5-11). Their anger and jealousy caused his brothers to eventually sell him as a slave (Genesis 37:12-36)!
I might mention, that to their credit, a couple of his brothers felt uncomfortable about the situation. Joseph was spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him (Genesis 37:21-22). But, it was Judah who spared his life by suggesting slavery instead (Genesis 37:26-27). So, it could have gone a lot worse for poor Joseph than it did!
And, even though his brothers were jealous of him, and treated him so, Joseph remained faithful to his father. Sure, he could have rebelled against his father, as he was growing up, to win the approval of his brothers. Many children rebel against their parents to gain approval, but he didn't. Joseph remained faithful to his father, and continued to obey his wishes (Genesis 37:13). Some might think such awful treatment, followed by separation from country and family, would produce bitterness and hopelessness in such a young man. Yet, as we shall see, Joseph rises to the challenge!
Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers to a group of Midianites. He eventually ended up working as a slave for Potiphar, a captain of the Pharoah's guard. Being blessed by God, he found favor in Potiphar's eyes (Genesis 39:1-6). Though he was young man, he was hard-working, and industrious. Joseph made the best the situation, and God blessed both him and Potiphar.
Handsome in appearance, it wasn't long before Joseph was tempted by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:6b-20). She tried several times to seduce him. But, he resisted, out of faithfulness to Potiphar and God (Genesis 39:8-9). Her advances spurned, she spitefully accuses him wrongfully of trying to push himself on her. Of course, upon hearing of this, her husband Potiphar became extremely angry and had Joseph imprisoned.
Being blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:21-23). Because of his trustworthiness, he becomes an overseer, and is placed in charge of the other prisoners. Joseph prospers in his new role by God, who was with him. While in prison, he interprets some dreams of Pharoah's cupbearer, and baker who had also been imprisoned. They acknowledge God as the interpreter (Genesis 40:8).
These men were released from prison, but Joseph's dream interpretations faded for them faded away as time passed (Genesis 40:20-23). After a few years had gone by, Pharoah had some bothersome dreams. His best magicians and wise men were unable to interpret them for him. Then, the cupbearer, who had been in prison with Joseph, remembered how he had correctly interpreted his dreams. Pharoah sent for Joseph, and was quickly brought to him.
He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh; again acknowledging God as providing the answers (Gen 41:16,25,32). Joseph then offered advice to Pharoah in regards to the dreams' fulfillment (Genesis 41:33-36). Keep this in mind, falsely accused, then forgotten by man, many might think "Why bother to be righteous?" However, Joseph maintained his integrity and was not forgotten by God. Just as he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar, and the keeper of the prison, so he enjoyed favor in the eyes of Pharaoh!
Because of his being favored by God, the Pharoah chose Joseph to be as a prince in all of Egypt. So, at the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule over Egypt (Genesis 41:38-46). It wasn't long before his wisdom was manifested in his administration, such as showing foresight during the years of plenty (Genesis 41:47-49); and showing shrewdness during the years of famine (Genesis 41:53-57; 47:13-26). Perhaps another would have let his celebrity go to his head, but not Joseph. He was always mindful of God's blessings (Genesis 41:50-52).
After some time, he was reunited with his brothers and father (Genesis 42:1-45; 46:29). Showing merciful treatment of his brothers, Joseph arranged for them, and their families, to live in Goshen (Genesis 46:16-20,28-34;47:1-12). He reassured them that he has forgiven them when he first reveals himself to them (Genesis 45:4-8); and when their father Jacob died (Genesis 50:15-21).
Joseph tell his brothers that everything that had happened to him was by the providence of God. He believed that God could make good things come out of evil intentions (Genesis 50:20); and that God would keep His promises made to His people (Genesis 50:24-25).
Finally, in the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a "character." A character that was centered in faith and trust in God. A character that was devoted to serving God, and man with honor and dependability. A character unwilling to be deterred by the hatred, betrayal, and forgetfulness of others. A character willing to forgive the wrongs committed by others, and able to see the big picture; God's wonderful workings in the affairs of men.
I hope that "the character of Joseph" will serve to inspire us to develop our character as well. That, in some small way we too can be, "..an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1Timothy 4:12)
Prayer: Dear Lord, please give me the wisdom to understand that I may not be able to change the world, but I can change the world for one person. Amen
God bless you!
Abbey
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