The angel known as the Satan (Hebrew for the adversary), as told in the In her book, I Give Up, Laura Story shares this exchange with a Pastor named Bill. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With the quality of his work, Im sure Joseph had hoped to escape slavery soon, but going to prison was probably not the path forward he would have chosen. In this one, the sun, the moon and the stars were bowing down to him. WebHow did Joseph face the challenges that came his way? He was indiscriminate. Laying back down he remembered how Father Jacob had been caught in his Uncle Laban's manipulative web for 20 long years. Joseph, Overcoming Obstacles Through Faithfulness, by Dr. Gene Getz, celebrates on the Joseph, along with his younger brother Benjamin, were the only children of Rachel, Jacobs favored wife. Which council established the canon of the Bible? It is a great model for believers today who may be struggling with forgiveness and dealing with someone with an unrepentant spirit. He was immaturehe didnt stop to think of the hurt that his actions could cause. Genesis 39:3-4 tells us, And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. He thought back to the dream where God had told him he would become powerful. He was the first son born to Jacob through Rachel, and therefore, he was his fathers favorite And God had promised Grandmother Rebekah that her older twin, Uncle Esau, would serve the younger twin, Father Jacob. Joseph had a lot of things going his way in life at first. Now that its been almost 12 months, Im really hoping weve crossed the finish line. God would be their God by His presence as well as by His word.(Clowney, 2013, p. 113) Mosesstory was presented in the Old Testament of the book of exodus begins with the obstacle of him escaping death as an infant. They had been unusually powerful, unlike any others before or since. The book of Genesis has quite a few stories about important people, but no one gets more time than Joseph. He had great success because of his faith. Sometimes faithfulness to God and his word sets us on a course where circumstances get worse, not better. But we must keep in mind that if we dont apply these teachings, they wont help us at all. ! Belief In Gods Plan: Josephs total confidence in God is maybe the most important lesson to take away from his life. To most it would seem an absurd notionbut not to Job. Your email address will not be published. Great! Lessons From The Story Of Samson And Delilah, Best K-Pop Groups In The World 2023 (With Pictures): Top 12 Most Popular, African Countries With the Most Beautiful Women (With Pictures): Top 13, 10 Important Skills That Will Be Relevant in The Future, Past Leaders Of Nigeria From 1914 Till Date (With Pictures), Oldest Cities In The World 2023 (With Pictures): Top 12, Most Powerful People In The World 2023 (With Pictures): Top 10, Best Trained Armies/Soldiers In The World 2023 (With Pictures): Top 12. One day when they were tending their flocks away from home, Jacob sent Joseph to see if all was well with them. Joseph did not run or cower or cave. How did Perfecto get his name under the feet of Jesus? startxref Once again, despite being in prison, Joseph continues to honor God with his heart and actions. Joseph understood the lesson fleshed out in his own fathers experienceGod is real! Joseph was a man of strong conviction who lived out his beliefs in his actions. Fortunately, God used that time to teach Joseph and help him grow. WebWhat challenges did Joseph face in the Bible? Can you imagine putting that kid in charge of Egypt? His life became a powerful example of how a godly person can overcome adversities. You can get an overview of most of the Genesis story, including Josephs, in this great video from the Bible Project: Josephs story begins in Genesis 37, when he is seventeen years old. Nonetheless, forgiveness is a virtue. Im beginning to realize, however, that this is not how God usually works. Joseph shows how to glorify God in the dark places, and how to credit Him for carrying His followers through those places. But God sent an angel to Joseph to verify Marys story and reassure him that his marriage to her was Gods will. Trusting the Lord was with him, Joseph stewarded the gifts, opportunities, and assets God gave him with excellence and faithfulness. Joseph became the overseer of a vast amount of grain that would deliver Egypt and many other people from a future famine. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He felt ambivalent about them. When he can think of nothing else, Job challenges God by suing God to provide evidence of his wrongdoing. Step 1: Seek Gods Will in All Things. WebJoseph's story covers 20 chapters, and in that considerable space Joseph receives less criticism and more praise than any of the other patriarchs, and probably than any other non-divine being in the Bible. Following a string of visions that indicated God would favor Joseph over his brothers, the brothers animosity for him took a more sinister turn. It was hard to fight off the relentless hopelessness as he waited the escape of sleep. I didnt ask around dinner time like a normal kid, but rather I would ask as soon as I finished lunch. There he and Mary raised their family. Image: Alinari/Art Resource, NY. Not only that, but we are promised an eternity without sickness, pain, or tears. God enabled Joseph to have the wisdom and guidance to perform this difficult task: During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. !.However, He started with me in the Book of Proverb. Rebekah trusted God's word. He was handsome. Egyptians intentionally mummified their dead early in their Perhaps I see pride in him because I see it in myself and Ive seen countless others deal with it. Partner a study of Joseph with prayer during times of difficulty, and seek Gods will, and see what other lessons can be gleaned from this remarkable man from history. How did Joseph demonstrate his faith in Matthew? Faith in God's future grace for us is what sustains us in those desperate moments. Joseph Had Every Justification in The World For Not Continuing To Follow God, Yet He Chose Not To: Realizing that there isnt any justification that is acceptable for us to sin is what we need to do. I need to wait on God. One of the household employees who witnessed Josephs act while he was imprisoned and later released and returned to serve the Pharaoh of Egypt was pardoned. Web#1 Joseph wanted to do what was right but with a spirit of compassion. In ancient Egypt, the priests were the interpreters of the dreams. However, this was not his heart. Were on a mission to change that. There are humans with very sinful hearts that do things to people who are trying to do whats right. The other important theme and lesson is that The Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2a), and of course He is with all His children, even today. But Joseph did leave an instructive testimony to Potiphars wife and possibly others in the household. Were uncomfortable with the idea of suffering at all, but we like to think we can handle it for a few months. Joseph was actually a spoiled brat, ( Genesis 37:3 ). Beyond being the son of his fathers favorite wife, Rachel, the Bible shows how obedient to his father Joseph was. It wasnt the only document that did so. The pharaoh calls for Joseph, who once again interprets the dream with wisdom. WebHow did the Holy Family deal with the challenges posed by the evils of the world? Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. In Greece, the female name Josephine is Iosifna and used mainly on the island of Crete. Perfecto Flores Petras partner, a much older man who, What is the myth behind magpies? 0000001694 00000 n God made stunning promises and then ordained time and circumstances to work in such ways as to make the promises seem impossible to fulfill. His life was not fair and he was punished for sins he did not commit. Doing what is right in Gods eyes, rather than mans ways, is always the right thing, even if there are negative ramifications. Instead of keeping this to himself, Joseph lets everyone know. Humility is often a painful lesson to learn, but it is a requirement for any good servant leader. The Importance of Avoiding Tempting Situations. And we should, because Joseph's life is a foreshadowing of a heavenly reality. It was the remembering that kept his hope alive and bitterness at bay. If you want to show the kind of patience Joseph did during difficult times, then stay as close to God as possible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. I am yours. God sent his Son to die and be raised in order to set his children "free indeed" (John 8:36). If we find ourselves in a parallel situation, our godliness is no guarantee that we will escape unscathed. All materials posted on the site are strictly for informational and educational purposes! Joseph recognizes them instantly, but unsurprisingly they do not recognize him. He was given the responsibility to manage Potiphar household. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Potiphar was an officer for the Pharaoh, the captain of his guard. Ill share why the story has encouraged me, and why I think it can benefit any modern person going through a time of feast or famine. There are no short cuts strong leaders take time to grow. There is more going on here than just Joseph being a proud person. Salem Media Group. Some days, I remind myself that, while I am not necessarily enjoying whats going on with my new job, at least my brothers and sisters didnt sell me into this job or into slavery. I love this article! And whatever he did, theLordmade it succeed. Theyre starving, and their father Jacob sends them to Egypt to buy grain. There are no steps. Joseph could have used his power to bring vengeance. What challenges did Joseph face in the Bible? 0000022496 00000 n The conclusion of this tale is that God is aware of every aspect of our life and that He never deserts those who are waiting for Him. The feminine form of the name Joseph, which is taken from the Hebrew name Yosef, meaning (YHWH) shall grow.. Jacob gave him a coat with long sleeves because of a mistranslation in the King James Version of the Bible: coat with long sleeves was translated incorrectly as coat of many colors. Long-sleeved or many-colored, the significance was the same. It was hard to fight off the relentless hopelessness as he waited the escape of sleep. Joseph just continued being righteous and faithful. The first comes from a declaration made by Joseph to his brothers, As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20a). As a young and handsome man, he drew the sinful attention of Potiphars wife, and she tried to seduce him. He wisely feared Herods successor, Archelaus, who was likewise vicious and murderous. How simple is it for us to compromise and simply succumb to temptation? Im ready, lets go!. She accuses Joseph of sexual assault, and so Joseph gets thrown in jail. Leadership is developed. Instead, he chose mercy and grace. This is the lesson I keep learning over and over again. Most people know that Joseph was well-loved by his father Jacob, as evidenced by the gift of the many colored-coat. I have gone through an extremely horrific work situation in the last three years. Though we may have our plans in place, it is important to keep our hearts open to where God may tell us to take a turn and do something different. Ive been struggling with having patience and often this has manifested in anger toward God. Man is not to make plans according to his finite judgment. 1. I dont even recognize myself from only 3 or 4 years ago. Joseph was aware that it was terrible to sin against Potiphar, but the fact that it was a sin against God made it even worse. We cant take one small instance of sharing Dreams, and come to the conclusion that he was a very proud individual! The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Josephs charge, becausethe. Through his own values, self-control, compassion, and sense of purpose, he earned the trust of high officials, and even more importantly, he was found trustworthy by God, who was consistently blessed his leadership. However, this favour was short-lived. And that leader would Joseph will lead the way on preparing for the 7 years of famine, and he does an amazing job. Beitzel, Barry J. Biblica The Bible Atlas: A Social and Historical Journey through the Lands of the Bible. Even when personally The twelve sons of Jacob were the offspring of four mothers. His brothers were jealous of him as a result and despised him. 0000011515 00000 n During the seven plentiful years the earth produced abundantly, and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. Even though Josephs life took many unexpected turns, he eventually ascended to the position of second-in-command inside the Egyptian kingdom. Bethany Verrett is a free-lance writer and editor. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. 0000000959 00000 n Joseph did know his brothers at first sight, and wept several times in private. He didnt ignore his fears, he faced them by understanding there are two parts: Gods part and our part. We ended last week with a high point in the lives of the sons of Israel and Moses. WebBy showing preference to Joseph, Jacob made two serious errors. If you want to be a leader like Joseph, then it starts with one thing: stay close to God. Wow! Though eventually Joseph rose to power, wealth, and prominence, he experienced many dark days. Victoria: Global Book Publishing, 2006. Introduction. Meaning. We often think we deserve more credit and reward for our work. It honored God and gave Joseph freedom from bitterness. WebA bible challenge to read the chapters in the book of Genesis concerning the account of Joseph. Despite being a man who consistently honored God, Joseph spent 16 years as a slave and then as a prisoner in Egypt. Job emerged from his ordeal a better and wiser man who exhibited such patience amidst the upheaval of life. One must be willing to accept the Most American Christians believed in the doctrine of the Trinity as expressed in traditional confessions and creeds. Justice stated that he could have her killed. Nobody mandates that you must continue to be friendly with someone you have forgiven. He failed to recognize his familys problematic 0000011114 00000 n Joseph then gives Pharaoh advice on how to respond to this fact, and Pharaoh responds by making Joseph his right hand man. Joseph needed the time as a manager of Potiphars household and a manager of the prison before he became a manager of all of Egypt. 125 32 He was around 50 when Jesus was born. And as he sought to trust and obey God during that terribly lonely, desolate time, things went from bad to worse. God used time to create space for forgiveness among the sons of Jacob and also to open their father Jacobs own heart. 1. And while it is remarkably frustrating to not get the answers, God still deserves our trust. 0000022780 00000 n While in jail, Joseph performed this act for servants in Pharaohs home, one of whom was pardoned and returned to serve the Egyptian leader. Who needs leadership experience when youre smart or have an MBA? Our lives have become so much more convenient thanks to technology that we now feel entitled to the pleasant things in life. There was nothing Joseph could do to get himself out of slavery or prison. The common thread Joseph traced through all the stories, the one thing God seemed to honor and bless more than anything else, was faith. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Josephs charge, becausetheLordwas with him. *}L[V--C4j'A@K$j6_.st;49[y46sCePV?_)5yP3o%Bfilnw~_a\zr%CASb#S{Q^GT9-9X|3~:c';"s)ZqPv,+;3#LH)"Kmt0O !}n.$QcrfO%oY)TsIe~G\)/t3&+:A:7hmc2%#Hd y6F x)u_v(?Evnm\-r4FS^QZSEhZ\UwO(E}]Lq=_M2,}V{-$S{Q Joseph was an amazing servant leader. Joseph is a perfect example whatever age he was at the time he refused the advance (s) of Pharaohs wife saying how can I do this ungodly thing before GOD, paraphrasing and fled.m. A shiver ran down his spine. At the first signs of trials or tribulation, I say to God something like, alright God, if there is a lesson I need to learn lets do it as quickly as possible so we can move on. How many people graduate college with aspirations to become Senior VP or CEO by the age of 25 or 30? Day after monotonous day passed with no sign of change. Almighty GOD wants us to learn of Him ASAP When we have an earnest desire to Love GOD at an early age, as I did, He will begin to work on your future and the sky is the limit. %PDF-1.5 % We can also say with confidence that God was patient with the journey. For Joseph, even though it looked like horrible things were happening in his life, the challenges were a training ground to get where God wanted him to be ! In fact, it is true of the whole of human history, what mankind intends for evil, the Lord intends for good, and for His plan. He seemed about as far away from what those dreams foretold as he could be. All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. When trials and troubles come into your life, you may feel like you are getting beaten with rods and ground into powder, but as Isaiah 28 says, grain must be ground to make bread. There are two great themes in Josephs life which summarizes all five points well. He was given the responsibility to manage Potiphar household. So the brothers journeyed at the behest of their father to Egypt. Glad you found encouragement from the article and thanks again for your feedback! Its the perfect example of how many of us think yes! And while I am far from perfect, I dont believe that God allowed what happened because of pride. and he gathered up all the food of these seven years, which occurred in the land of Egypt, and put the food in the cities. Love GOD with All your Heart mind soul and spirit. Joseph was the firstborn child of Rachel, who was Jacobs genuine love and one of his four wives. Potiphars wife becomes attracted to Joseph and attempts to sleep with him multiple times. Day 1: The Grumbling Begins. He is to search for and find Gods plan.. Hello. Joseph exemplifies this perfectly, and we would do well today to learn from him. I have studied the life of Joseph extensively. By using the lessons from Josephs life, we may overcome the obstacles in our own lives. Moral Lessons From The Story Of Joseph: The Bible contains several well-known stories, including Josephs tale. But he made them wait an agonizing 25 years before giving them Grandfather Isaac. We may never understand the work He is doing in our heart or recognize what He is preparing us for. As far as the narrative is concerned, Joseph was neither arrogant nor naive in telling the dreams to his brothers; he was right. Jacob trusted God's word. I plan to put it into practice. trailer Origin. Character Formation. Joseph and His Brothers: The Stories of Jacob, Young Joseph, Joseph in Egypt, Joseph the Provider. I have truly been encouraged by this article. Suing God. Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. Patience is a quality of loyalty. At the same time, our three-year-old son was recovering from surgery. In this article, well review the biblical story of Joseph and then discuss 5 strategies we can learn as servant leaders today from Josephs exemplary levels of patience. What challenges did Joseph face, and what do you learn about him? All of them ultimately saw God's faithfulness to his promises, despite circumstances and their own failings. Remember, he demonstrated a good dose of pride at the beginning of the story. So do not fear;I will provide for you and your little ones. Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. ButtheLord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. Genesis 50 ends the story with Josephs most famous quote. While we think of waiting as the problem, God intends the time of waiting to REVEAL the problem. The story of Joseph stands in stark opposition to this. The Bible story of Joseph is an inspiring tale of how a young man rose from adversity to become one of the most powerful men in the world. He worked to build the infrastructure to store the food. Was Father still alive? God tested Jobs faith and refined his character. Once weve learned our lesson, we can move on to a season of blessing and easy living! This was a genuinely great read. Gender: Joseph is most often used as a boy name. The story of Joseph also reminds me that, even if the trials arent over, we will be ok. Because here is the good news: Just as God was with Joseph during his time as a slave and a prisoner, God will be with you during your hard times. Joseph made three serious errors in judgment. He bragged to his brothers and parents about his prophetic dreams of power. Joseph was only 17 years old when we see God working in his life. The greatest place to begin making plans for the future is always by seeking the Lords guidance and wisdom. He was immaturehe didnt stop to think of the hurt that his actions could cause. The qualities that afterward distinguished him in Joseph as a king. Mindfulness to Gods presence and activity in our lives is marker of Gods people. But I will keep honoring you here where you have placed me. It is the ecology of these motifs that enunciates the theme: Gods providential work with and through Jacobs dysfunctional family, preserving it and blessing others. And this is where Josephs brothers finally return to the story. He was insensitivehe didnt consider the impact of his actions on family members. Wait is wait. You may very well be right Genesis (nor the rest of the Bible) does not state that Joesph struggled with pride. His brothers' envy of his father's favor turned homicidal when he inferred that he had God's favor as well. 6. He was the first son born to Jacob through Rachel, and therefore, he was his fathers favorite son. Yes, God does put him in different positions to help him learn leadership. Joseph could have become complacent or selfish or a big complainer. What steps do I take to do that? Youre not getting me, Laura, Bill had said. At various stages of his life, Joseph was a Perhaps this noble quality made him Gods choice for the Messiahs earthly father. They were afraid to approach him, but he said, Come near to me please (Genesis 45:4b). This sentiment is also true of Potiphars wife, and for times in the life of the modern believer. In Genesis 45, Joseph was able to lavish forgiveness and mercy and the best of the land of Egypt (verse 18) to the same brothers who had betrayed him. Nehemiah was an incredible leader, and this free study explored his story and 15 leadership principles from his life. Examine Josephs rise from being purchased as a slave to working as Potiphars overseer (39:1-6). Not discovered. 0000002224 00000 n He was a compassionate man. He sent His son to die for us because His love for us is so extravagant. At the moment, the largest Catholic center is the Vatican a city-state located in Rome. Key-verse for Life of Joseph: The Lord was with Joseph. Word/name. In the storms of life, in the darkest moments, cling to Gods promises, knowing His sovereign plan involves the Valley of the Shadow of Death (Psalm 23:4), but He is with His children. Hopefully, God will reveal to you the reason (or at least part of the reason) behind your suffering. Josephs ability to let God take the lead is a beautiful and encouraging moment that we can learn from. They had traveled another twelve miles away to Dothan.

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