BIBLE VERSE: GENESIS 37:2-4
Joseph was Jacob's favorite Son and didn't even try to hide it from his other sons.
Jacob gave Joseph a ornate robe; an extravagant one.
Joseph had 2 dreams:
1st dream: He and his 11 brothers were represented by sheaves of wheat, all sheaves bowed down before his
2nd dream: The sun, moon, and 11 stars bowed before him.
Joseph brothers completely rejected him.
One day, when Jacob had sent Joseph to find his brothers and see how they were doing, they conspired against him, captured him, and threw him into a pit.
Then they sold him to slave traders bound for Egypt.
They faked his death, showing their father his fancy robe all covered in blood as evidence of his ultimate demise.
As for Jacob, his beloved son was dead.
Joseph was purchased by Potiphar (the captain of Pharoah's gyard)
Potiphar trusted him and put him in charge of his house.
Potiphar's wife put Joseph in prison after Joseph refused her sexual advances.
In prison, Joseph rose to a prominent position and overseeing the entire prision operation.
He interpreted dreams of two prisoners correctly.
Joseph was called to the attention of Pharaoh and interpreted his dream.
Joseph interpreted Pharoah's dream - 7 years of good harvest followed by 7 years of famine that could wipe out all the gains of the good years and then more.
Pharaoh appointed Joseph (a man without influence) to device a strategy to save the people from famine.
He became the second most powerful man in the nation, second only to the Pharaoh.
Vizier means Prime Minister or Viceroy
Joseph married the daughter of an Egyptian (Gentile) priest.
Joseph successfully implemented his strategy when the famine came.
Joseph saved them all from certain death enabling Pharaoh to take possession of Egypt and all its wealth in the process.
Joseph was overconfident and self-assured that he's the father's favorite, that made his older brothers to conspired against him.
His self assurance molded by pain and combined with personal knowledge of God, prospered where most would have failed.
He added quiet wisdom to his confidence and won the hearts of everyone he met - Potiphar, prison warden, prisoners, the Pharaoh, and even all his brothers.
Joseph was betrayed and deserted by his family.
He was exposed to sexual temptation and punished for doing what was right.
Endured long imprisonment and was forgotten by people he helped.
His positive response transformed each setback into a step forward.
He didn't spend time asking "why" and his approach was "what shall I do"
Those who knew him knows that wherever he went God was with him.
Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to purchase food.
They didn't recognize the brother they had sold to slavery.
Joseph put his 11 brothers through a series of disastrous events to place them entirely at his mercy.
Joseph revealed his true identity and offered his forgiveness.
"What you intended for evil God intended for good"
Jacob and 70 members of his family were given the most favored land in Egypt (Goshen)
They all bowed down before Joseph. Joseph saved them all and brought them into the land of plenty.
They enjoyed 400 years of peace and prosperity.
Let's compare to make sense so that we can see the hidden message of the Gospel.
Jacob and his family = Israel nation
Joseph = The Messiah
Pharaoh = God the Father
Joseph's Bride = The Church (Gentile)
Egypt = The World
Seven Good Years = Age of grace (the bride was taken)
Seven Bad Years = Tribulation (the Messiah was revealed)
The Land of Goshen = The Kingdom
Now read the story again with this mindset, it will all make sense, the plan of God's salvation is hidden in Joseph story.
Although our Lord Jesus was sent by His Father to His brothers to see to their well-being, they rejected Him, conspiring against Him and causing His death.
He was consigned to Hell, sold as a slave to sin.
He had no Earthly station or influence but was appointed to save the world from sin.
He was given a position of prominence on Earth receiving all power and authority subject only to the will of His Father.
By successfully implementing His strategy, He saved us all from certain death, enabling His Father to regain possession of the world and all its wealth in the process.
After taking a Gentile Bride, He will put His brothers through a series of disastrous events contrived to place them entirely at His mercy and permit the revelation of His true identity.
A highly emotional reunion will result in Israel again receiving the most favored land in all the Earth where they will enjoy 1,000 years of peace and prosperity.
Their fathers loved them dearly
Shepherds of their fathers’ sheep
Sent by father to brothers
Hated by brothers
Others plotted to harm them
Tempted
Taken to Egypt
Robes taken from them
Sold for the price of a slave
Falsely accused
Unjustly sentenced
Placed with two other prisoners (one saved, one lost)
Both 30 years old at the beginning of public recognition
Exalted after suffering
Forgave those who wronged them
Saved their nation
What people did to hurt them God turned to good
LET'S WATCH THIS SMALL CLIP ABOUT JOSEPH' LIFE
Maintain Integrity in Adversity
Stay faithful in the “Pit” - When faced with betrayal, slavery, or imprisonment (metaphorical or literal), Joseph did not abandon his faith or moral standards.
Resist Temptation - Like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife, stand firm in your convictions even when no one is watching.
Be a Person of Character - Regardless of your circumstances, act with honesty and diligence.
Trust God’s Timing and Plan
See the Bigger Picture - Joseph realized that what others meant for evil, God used for good to save lives. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when life feels unfair.
Wait Patiently - God's plans are often bigger than us and take time, as shown by the years between Joseph's dreams and their fulfillment.
Don’t Give up - Keep holding onto your goals even when your current situation looks nothing like your dream.
Practice Forgiveness and Humility
Choose Forgiveness Over Revenge - WhenJoseph had the power to punish his brothers who sold him into slavery, he chose to forgive them.
Avoid Bitterness - Allow trials to make you better, not bitter, and do not let pride consume you when you achieve success.
Serve Others with Your Gifts
Use Talents to Serve - Joseph used his gift of interpreting dreams to serve others, not for personal gain.
Be Diligent Where You are - Whether in prison or in the palace, work with all your heart as unto the Lord
Shift Your Mindset
See Yourself as Favored - Recognize that God is with you, even in the middle of challenges.
Replace Complaints with Praise - Eliminate murmuring and complaining, replacing it with thankfulness.
By applying these principles, one can navigate life's challenges with the same, or greater, faith that Joseph demonstrated.