2016-09-17 - Joseph
Patience Series ~ Part 4 ~ Originally Published 2011-10-01
Joseph was one of twelve sons of Jacob, and Genesis
37:3 tells us that his father "loved Joseph more
than any of his other sons
" Joseph had dreams that he
shared with his eleven brothers. And when his brothers heard Joseph's dreams,
"they hated him all the more." Jacob gave Joseph
a multi-colored robe that stirred further resentment from his brothers.
Eventually, they plotted to kill Joseph. Instead, they sold to him to a
travelling caravan.
The next time we find Joseph is Egypt. Potiphar, one of the Pharaoh's officials
purchased Joseph from the merchants. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar's
household, and it prospered. However, Potiphar's wife made false accusations
against Joseph, and he was thrown into prison.
While Joseph was in prison, "the Lord was with him: he
showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."
(Genesis 39:21) Again, Joseph was placed in a position of authority.
Joseph spent two years in prison.
Joseph must have wondered what God's purpose was for him. Joseph had dreams
which told him that he would be in a position of authority. Joseph also saw
that God brought prosperity to whatever Joseph was in charge of at the time.
Yet Joseph was in prison in a foreign land. I wonder how patient Joseph was
with his circumstances.
Joseph was next called to interpret dreams for the Pharaoh, who listened
and acted on Joseph's interpretations of an upcoming famine. Joseph's actions
resulted in Egypt becoming a prosperous nation during the famine. Eventually,
Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to seek food. Joseph forgave them for their
actions and they came to live in Egypt.
Joseph must have been a patient man, to have been sold into slavery and taken
to a foreign land. There he was falsely accused and sent to prison. Yet God
had a plan for him. Joseph was to provide food which would save his family
and Israel. Joseph's patience and endurance, under stress, saved his nation
Richard Moser, Jr
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
All scripture references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
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