Joseph, The Clay
Genesis 37 tells us about Joseph’s life at home.
- He was the favourite child of his father, being born in his old age. (Gen 37:3)
- He was his father’s reporter. (Gen 37:2, 14)
- He was a dreamer (Gen 37:5-10) and quite a vocal one.
At his father’s house Joseph had a very comfortable life. He was pampered and a bit of a complaint box going behind his brothers, reporting them to the father.
The colorful coat that his father made for him with love sparked jealousy in the brothers. The pride Joseph had in the dream where he saw the brothers bowing down to him added to it. Hence when they saw the right opportunity they sold him to the merchants. But it was the start of a training for God to mold Joseph for greater purpose.
Joseph On the Potter’s Wheel
At Potiphar’s House
(Genesis 39:1-20)
He was sold to Potiphar in Egypt, a foreign land. But it was evident that God was with Joseph with the success God granted him in all his works. He was made in charge of Potiphar’s household and field.
Even when Potiphar’s wife approached him, he did not sin against God and his master. He probably wouldn’t go to prison if he just did what she asked for. But he chose to be faithful to God and his master, even though it meant he had to be in prison. God was taking him to the next stage of growth, to teach him more.
In the Prison
(Genesis 39:20 – 40:23)
He was placed in prison for false accusations. But there too it was evident that God was with Joseph, he found favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
There he first interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker. He does it with God’s help. He sees the interpretation come true. But here too he is forgotten by the cupbearer when he is restored back to his position.
He had to wait for God’s perfect time, teaching him to be patient.
Joseph, The Completed Pot
James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
(Genesis 41)
A time comes when he must interpret the King’s dream, which even the wisest men in the land could not do. He did not just interpret the dream for Pharaoh, but he also gave him the solution to the problem.
How was he able to do that?
- He learned to manage resources and people in Potiphar’s house and later even in the prison.
- He learned to trust God and interpret dreams in the prison.
Conclusion
Don’t become bitter when people try to put you down or try everything in their power to kill your dreams. We have a God who comes with us and uses it to train us for greater things. Be patient in it, and we will also be able to testify like Joseph:
Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
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