150 Days – DAY 6 – Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Joseph

Genesis 36 – 41

So many people fret over bad things happening to good people. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want anyone to hurt. But, it took me a long time to realize that if God took all of my hurt away, and straightened every path and fixed everything in my life, then I would tend to depend upon Him less. By going through my life walking in faith that God is real and He cares for me, I can try to learn from my mistakes, grow through adversity and become more fully dependent upon my Creator. This doesn’t come to us naturally, so the Holy Spirit inspired men like Moses to record the tough times the people of God endured so we can learn from them.

Joseph is one of those men. At first glance he seems like he always got it right, but it always went so wrong. Quite to the contrary, he was a flawed man, but enjoyed many good days. So what can we learn from his very fluid life circumstances?

Joseph was the recipient of favoritism, through no fault of his own. His brothers resented it and they attacked him for it – verbally at first, then physically. This should make us think about the good things we have and how they can be stumbling blocks for others. Facebook is a perfect example of a venue to share good things with others. Maybe we need to consider Joseph and that coat. Sure it was beautiful. So, how did something so beautiful turn those close to him against him? Think careful how you present yourself to others. Think ahead how things – especially blessings – will be perceived by others. Take proactive steps to assure that your relationships others aren’t harmed by the way you share good things with them. Joseph failed to anticipate the ripple effect of wearing a cool coat that was a gift from a loving father.

Please understand ahead of time that I do not blame Joseph for the aggressive and sinful actions of Potiphar’s wife. That being said, we still can learn to anticipate the negative reactions of others and try to avoid pitfalls. Obviously, Joseph was a handsome guy who was physically attractive. Generally speaking, physical appearance is a gift and not a product of anything we do (working out is the exception here, but stick with me). Too many act as if a pretty face is something we have accomplished. If you are so blessed, humility is your greatest asset to help guide the reactions others have to you. Always try to anticipate one or two steps ahead and present yourself in a way most likely to produce a positive interaction with people you meet. Joseph found himself alone with a sexually aggressive married woman who became vindictive when he said “No”. You don’t have to be looking for trouble for it to find you.

Even through all of these bad things, Joseph never waivered in his faith. God did not fix things, rather He used all things in his life for His good purpose. Because joseph remained faithful throughout, he was both well prepared and well positioned for Go to use him.

One other thing to glean is how God reveals His nature and work in people – especially God, the Son. A little bit here, another clue there and then, when Jesus is revealed, we get a clearer picture of God (JOHN 1:10-18). A beautiful example is Joseph. Like Jesus he was a child of Jacob through Isaac and Abraham. Given a royal robe, he was stripped to bare humanity and became the lowliest of servants. He took on the consequences of the sins of others, like his own brothers and Potiphar’s wife. Again, in these things we see Jesus. Even so, God exalted him to the seat of power, ruling in wisdom and integrity. All who comes to him are blessed and receive bountiful blessing. Because of him, Israel became a powerful nation and comes to the Promised Land. Just like Jesus.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!