what challenges did joseph face in the bible?

Joseph could have used his power to bring vengeance. Now that Ive waited for five minutes, what do I do next? And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured (Genesis 41:47-49). Because of this, the people in Egypt ate during the famine, and people came from all over the world to purchase the food during that time as well. Day after monotonous All of our resources exist to guide you toward everlasting joy in Jesus Christ. 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. And this is where Josephs brothers finally return to the story. Joseph rose to power as second-in-command to Pharaoh. Joseph made three critical errors in judgment: He was indiscriminatehe didnt recognize the troubled situation in Whether you are looking for a lesson for a youth, a young adult, or someone well over middle age, part of what makes Josephs life useful for learning virtue is that it follows him from a young age until his death, and even beyond. Jacobs favorite son was Joseph, as most people are aware. 0000002381 00000 n Even when personally And while it is remarkably frustrating to not get the answers, God still deserves our trust. Im beginning to realize, however, that this is not how God usually works. Hello. Yet God was faithful to his word and eventually delivered Jacob and brought him back to the Promised Land a wealthy man. 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. At various stages of his life, Joseph was a Josephs story starts in Genesis 37 when his father, Jacob, gives him a special coat of many colors. However, this favour was short-lived. But we must keep in mind that if we dont apply these teachings, they wont help us at all. 125 32 Closing Thoughts On The Story Of Mary And Joseph. Wait is wait. 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. It may have taken decades, but he was able to see why God put him through so many trials and tribulations. Mann, Thomas. Joseph was not special because he was prophetic but because he knew how to interpret the dreams. And of course, we can look forward to the day when all the bad things will be forgotten, and we can spend an eternity closer to God than ever before. The second half of the book of Genesis tells the history of one family, beginning with Abraham, and following down to his great-grandchildren - the sons of Jacob. Principled- he had character and integrity. He rehearsed the stories of God that had filled him with awe as a child. Darkness had swallowed the light again. The famine will consume the land. Which god is the father of Jesus? I plan to put it into practice. Doing what is right in Gods eyes, rather than mans ways, is always the right thing, even if there are negative ramifications. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? We all love the fairytale ending of Joseph's story. And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance,like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured. It can be difficult to wait during the bad times, but it can also be difficult to wait during the good times. Joseph shows how to glorify God in the dark places, and how to credit Him for carrying His followers through those places. Somehow, Joseph tends to rise above them. 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. It took Joseph 13 chapters (Gen. 37-50) and approximately 24 years (best guess from Bible scholars) to come to this place of But Joseph chose sacrificial love. Instead of murdering him, however, they sold him into slavery. Joseph had a lot of things going his way in life at first. In this one, the sun, the moon and the stars were bowing down to him. These spoke of God as three personsFather, Son, and Holy Spiritexisting together in a single being. Joseph did not run or cower or cave. He could have just had fun for a few years. Potiphars wife becomes attracted to Joseph and attempts to sleep with him multiple times. Joseph hated spiders. Enter into the joy of your master" (Matthew 25:21). His brothers enjoyed a nice payday, meanwhile Joseph became a slave in the house of a man named Potiphar. As I said at the beginning of this post, our family has endured a really tough year. When was the Bible put together as one book? Joseph said to his brothers, I am Joseph! 0000001557 00000 n God will add, taken away or praise, fame taken away. The procedure went well, but on the second day our son started refusing to take his medicine. In the biblical account it's tempting to only see Joseph's heroic character and achievements. but after them there will arise seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. Joseph was scarcely more than a boy 17 or 18 years old yet he faced challenges that would daunt many grown men. What kind of leader was Joseph in the Bible? Despite being a man who consistently honored God, Joseph spent 16 years as a slave and then as a prisoner in Egypt. His brothers would love this if they knew. This is not just a Bible story; Joseph was a real-life person like you and like me. Once again, these dreams are concerned with food, sustenance, and the earth: By interpreting this dream correctly, Joseph averts a famine and saves the people. As a slave he tried to live his life well and he found favour with his master. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father. She accuses Joseph of sexual assault, and so Joseph gets thrown in jail. This is a very real issue today. In other words, Joseph landed in a pretty important house. As a person who loves to solve problems, this principle really drives me nuts sometimes. But then the cupbearer simply forgets. If there is a problem, I want to solve it as quickly as possible. You may be right about that, or you could be wrong. We can see how God operates in the big picture via Josephs tale. His timeline is different than mine. There are no steps. Each vignette holds pertinent lessons about conduct, righteousness, and what it means to live according to Gods Word. Here are five lessons we can learn from the life of Joseph, son of Jacob, leader of Egypt. 0000037599 00000 n I must, however, disagree on one major point. WebGod was with him and prospered Joseph in everything he did. O Father. Throughout his life, God blessed Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams. Faith in God's future grace for us is what sustains us in those desperate moments. Im going to start a company and turn it into a Fortune 500 in three years! I have no idea what my being in an Egyptian prison has to do with your purposes. Some might argue that because of his pride his brothers sold him. Copyright 2023 Bscholarly LLC. This of course applies to acts of theft, whether great or small, discovered or hidden. I am studying it even more now. And yet, we are never promised this. Honest, good-hearted people who hear Gods word, cling to it (Luke 8:15, NLT). Web5.5K views, 279 likes, 250 loves, 655 comments, 255 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Joseph Z: A TERRIFYING END FOR THE WICKEDAnd YOUR GLORIOUS FUTURE! He explains the meaning of the dream in Genesis 41 by saying: It is as I told Pharaoh; God has shown to Pharaoh what he is about to do. Joseph was given the knowledge and direction by God to do this challenging task: Due to this, Egypts population survived the famine buyers traveled from all over the world to buy food during that period. But God sent an angel to Joseph to verify Marys story and reassure him that his marriage to her was Gods will. But the truth is, He may not. After a few more journeys to Egypt, bringing with them the youngest brother Benjamin at Josephs request, he revealed himself, and extended forgiveness to them. The story of Mary and Joseph is an incredible display of faith, trust, and what God can do through normal people. Joseph was only 17 years old when we see God working in his life. While we think of waiting as the problem, God intends the time of waiting to REVEAL the problem. He also needed time in a powerless position so he could learn humility and dependance on God. When the seven years of good harvests came, Joseph developed a stockpiling system to store the grain for use during the coming drought. This was a genuinely great read. Once weve learned our lesson, we can move on to a season of blessing and easy living! Most of the book of Genesis was taken up with the account of this young mans life. How did Joseph demonstrate his faith in Matthew? First, God is with us no matter our life situation. He is the author of. 125 0 obj <> endobj Rather than return to his father and tell Jacob his brothers were derelict in their duties, Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan (Genesis 37:17b). Trusting the Lord was with him, Joseph stewarded the gifts, opportunities, and assets God gave him with excellence and faithfulness. The cupbearer will soon be released and promises to try and help Joseph get out of prison. Until finally the Pharaoh himself has a troubling dream. There are no short cuts strong leaders take time to grow. Despite all these trials, he kept his faith. What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? 2. It was hard to fight off the relentless hopelessness as he waited the escape of sleep. He constantly got thrown under the bus, and then responded by continuing to work with integrity for those around him. I would argue that the Bible does show it, but that can certainly be challenged. 1 LOVED AND HATED. Joseph, Overcoming Obstacles Through Faithfulness, by Dr. Gene Getz, celebrates on the He was given the responsibility to manage Potiphar household. Josephs second dream is about heavenly or spiritual matters. He continued working with integrity, but he had to wait for Gods timing to receive freedom. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The familiar desperation surged hot in his chest. WebJosephs own brothers sold him into slavery. He covered his mouth to choke back his sobs. How simple is it for us to compromise and simply succumb to temptation? But even before that, when Joseph was a slave in charge of Potiphars house or a leader in the prison, he maintained a steady patience while doing a great job. The book of Genesis has quite a few stories about important people, but no one gets more time than Joseph. And so, like Joseph, we must remember that true growth takes time. Great leaders wash their peoples feet. Remembering these two themes, and learning from the Biblical example of Joseph, can bring believers closer to their Lord. Joseph made three serious errors in judgment. Joseph received a fabulously colored coat and rose to become the second most powerful man in the Egyptian empire. 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. There are definitely times to take action and work for change, but there are also times when God simply calls us to wait. I am not, in general, a very patient person. We do know for sure that he was not perfect he was a sinner like me and you and everyone else. I think in this season of life you need to wait on the Lord. Yes! Sometimes he wants to teach us something, and some lessons take time. Will a professing Christian go to hell if he never shares the gospel? He did as the angel of God commanded him. He has revealed this plan to us in His Word, and He expects us to take it as our guide in all things, great and small. God used time to create space for forgiveness among the sons of Jacob and also to open their father Jacobs own heart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. 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. The Eleven Sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Napthali, Isaacher, Asher, Dan Zebulun Gad, Benjamin, Judahalthough acting usually as a grouphave their own different personalities, talents, and flaw. Yet even in jail, the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:21). It would have been a disaster. Who are the main characters in the story of Joseph? Also see: Best Books Every Woman Should Read. Most American Christians believed in the doctrine of the Trinity as expressed in traditional confessions and creeds. What challenges did Joseph face in the Bible? Not discovered. However, this was not his heart. There was nothing Joseph could do to get himself out of slavery or prison. Faith-fueled peace doused the anxious fire in Joseph's chest. 0000014099 00000 n They were afraid to approach him, but he said, Come near to me please (Genesis 45:4b). Many of the great heroes of faith were young when God began working powerfully with them: David was likely in his teen And then you sit tight.. 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. How can you put others first when you think so highly of yourself? The real skill was in interpreting those dreams, and that was Josephs skill. Step 1: Seek Gods Will in All Things. There is more going on here than just Joseph being a proud person. This challenge focuses on; identity, favour, integrity, jealousy and forgiveness. He attracted Potiphars wifes attention by being young and attractive, and she attempted to seduce him. And then God moved. Instead of keeping this to himself, Joseph lets everyone know. Can you imagine putting that kid in charge of Egypt? Then Joseph has a dream where his brothers bow down to him. Joseph was the firstborn child of Rachel, who was Jacobs genuine love and one of his four wives. They decided to dump him into a hole and leave him there to perish. WebJoseph felt more isolated every day; his brothers avoided him, whispered when they saw him and often ridiculed his honesty and integrity. He smiled at the irony of this "favor." Joseph recognizes them instantly, but unsurprisingly they do not recognize him. He put them through painful tests, but those plans and schemes had a goal. Again, thanks for sharing. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. It was the remembering that kept his hope alive and bitterness at bay. His brothers were jealous of him as a result and despised him. Pastor John gets to the heart and offers practical suggestions for growing in evangelism. Here is how Joseph responds: But Joseph said to them, Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? Thus, his personality has become more refined and wise. He was indiscriminate. Theyre starving, and their father Jacob sends them to Egypt to buy grain. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. He could have sent every one of his brothers to death or slavery. Following a string of visions that indicated God would favor Joseph over his brothers, the brothers animosity for him took a more sinister turn. Self-preservation is preferable on occasion. Required fields are marked *. Great leaders focus on serving those who follow them. What challenges did Joseph face, and what do you learn about him? He listened to his fathers instructions, and loved to obey God. Joseph is finally freed from prison at age thirty, or thirteen years after being sold as a slave. Patience is hard, but its great to hear that you can see God at work over time! He doesnt get it, doesnt trust my words, and cant understand why I would force him to take the medicine he hates. God tested Jobs faith and refined his character. He felt ambivalent about them. $ 12.99 $ 10.00. 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. So Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had. God used all of it for good, to save countless lives. 0000000959 00000 n Gods way, not mans way, is to be taken as the guide of action. At the moment, the largest Catholic center is the Vatican a city-state located in Rome. <<4FEF7C0E5C6E534BA660621B585E64F3>]>> Joseph saw value in his life for others and he made himself a chance to stand up for Gods word when he was faced with temptation. They were praising God and singing songs to Himuntil there was a slight problem. The medicine was like a snake to him, and he fought it as hard as he could. Either way, God calls us to continue worshipping Him and doing the best work we can to bless others. Eleventh son of the patriarch Jacob from his wife Rachel, and the brother of Benjamin. Joseph made three critical errors in judgment: He was indiscriminatehe didnt recognize the troubled situation in his family. He constantly got thrown under the bus, and then responded by continuing to work with integrity for those around him. The twelve sons of Jacob were the offspring of four mothers. It can seem like living up to the life of Joseph is impossible, but God calls us all to different destinations. Kendall, R.T. God Meant It For Good. Were uncomfortable with the idea of suffering at all, but we like to think we can handle it for a few months. The 20-year-old secret they had kept from their father appeared to be making his brothers feel guilty. When he was reunited with his brothers, he could say sincerely, And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve lifeAnd God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. OUR PART: I will do what I can to not fret and to find strength in the Lord, to move forward and not give up. *}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 Great! Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant. So it was not you who sent me here, but God (Genesis 45:5&7-8a). We could learn a lesson about the mysteries of how the world works. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. Distant screams let Joseph know another fight had broken out in the barracks. How did Perfecto get his name under the feet of Jesus? He put in every city the food from the fields around it. Imagine the imprint this made on this young man! He blesses those who realize their own brokenness and guilt and long for God more than anything else. He really did not do anything to warrant that treatment but he at least had the love and support of his father. You miss the chance to grow in godly character and to demonstrate to God that you are expanding your understanding of and relying on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the instant you succumb to temptation based on lame reasons. The story of Joseph reminds me that the trials may not be finished. "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord" (Psalm 31:24)! This coat angers his brothers, and they sell him into slavery. Honesty, strong work ethics, even when they are not always rewarded. 0000021595 00000 n ButtheLord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 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. God had delivered them. Josephs dreams first get him into trouble, but his ability to understand them leads him to be chosen by the Pharaoh and to save the world.

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