I’m always amazed at how God worked through so many trials in Joseph’s life. He really brings Romans 8:28 to life: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Nothing came easily for Joseph. People constantly disappointed him. He always did what was right, but he experienced unjust suffering and did not have immediate success. He trusted God not people. He chose to trust God and to forget about himself. He knew God was working even when it seemed He was silent.
Joseph endured 13 years of slavery before God finally revealed His purpose for those difficult times in Joseph’s life.
Joseph came to Egypt, a foreign land with foreign people. He lived here the rest of his life. But he never forgot God. Joseph was taken to the slave market and could have been purchased by anyone. But in God’s providence, Joseph was purchased by the rich Potiphar. Joseph prospered in Potiphar’s house. Joseph eventually became Potiphar’s personal assistant.
Joseph gave himself completely to his work as a slave for Potiphar. Joseph did his work for the Lord. He worked hard and remained faithful to God. He trusted God in the good times and the bad times. He never lost hope.
I love this paragraph in the notes for this week’s lesson: “He [Joseph] chose not to waste his emotional energy in feeling sorry for himself. With courage, he met the adverse circumstances over which he had no control. He submitted his present situation to his faith in God. He used all his strength to glorify God and to be successful in his immediate duties as a slave.” What would my employer say about my effect in the workplace?
But this wasn’t the end of Joseph’s suffering. He also was tempted. But he relied on God, who provided a way out…literally!
Potiphar’s wife seduced Joseph, but he strongly refused. He knew adultery was wrong and was a sin…not only a sin against his master, Potiphar, but also a sin against God.
Joseph did three things to resist the temptation from Potiphar’s wife:
- He clearly said no.
- He did everything he could to avoid her.
- He ran away.
We also can follow these steps when we are tempted: say no, avoid the temptation and when all else fails run away.
As punishment, Potiphar sent Joseph to the king’s prison. Joseph was unfairly put in prison. But God gave him success there. The king’s baker and cupbearer were put under Joseph’s care in the prison. One day Joseph noticed how sad they looked over their dreams. Am I alert to others’ suffering?
God helped Joseph interpret their dreams and reveal His plan for each of the men. It was bad news for the baker (death) and good news for the cupbearer (restored to his position in the palace). Everything came true, just as Joseph interpreted.
Joseph probably expected to be freed from prison almost immediately. Instead he was forgotten. It was God’s plan to keep Joseph in prison for two more years. He was waiting for the perfect time to release Joseph from prison. God let Joseph continually go through so much suffering because it was preparing him for his future leadership in Egypt.
It is obvious that Joseph spent a lot of time with God. I also must spend time with him in prayer and in His Word if I expect to glorify Him in my sufferings.
Isn’t Joseph an amazing example to us?! He did his work with excellence before God, regardless of his circumstances. He dedicated himself to moral purity. He respected and honored those in authority over him. He glorified God rather than himself. He worked with a joyful attitude in unfair conditions. He trusted in God in spite of his external situations. And God used him to save his family and an entire nation.
God didn’t change Joseph’s circumstances but blessed him through those circumstances. Whatever Joseph did, he did it well: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
And from last night’s lecture, I loved the reminder that Joseph is an Old Testament picture of Jesus. Look at the similarities between Jesus’ life and Joseph’s:
- Joseph was greater than his brothers but was rejected by his family. So was Jesus.
- Others conspired to kill Joseph. Same for Jesus.
- Joseph was betrayed for silver coins. So was Jesus.
- Joseph was falsely arrested though he had committed no crime. So was Jesus.
- Joseph was sentenced with two prisoners (one of whom died and one of whom lived). So was Jesus.
- Joseph was a “suffering servant.” So was Jesus.
- Joseph eventually reconciled with his brothers and forgave them. So did Jesus.
In both men’s lives, what man meant for evil, God meant for good.
Avery’s verse for last week’s lesson continues to apply to what we learned about Joseph this week: