Joseph Exhibited Godly Character -- He Was A Good Illustration Of Christ!
How so an illustration of Him? Well, he was greatly loved by his father (Gen 37:3, Matt. 3:17), he was hated, envied, Conspired against by his brothers (Jn. 15:25 Mrk 15:10) who plotted against him. He was sold as a slave, arrested unjustly and made to really suffer. But he went from suffering to glory in life and became the savior of the people who had rejected him!
God's goal for all his children is that we become like his son (Rom. 8:29). The goal is glorious, but the process is painful! Had Joseph somehow remained home with daddy playing favorites, his father would have pampered him ruining his character. God knows what's best for us!
What was Joseph's Coat of Many Colors Like?
We can't be sure of what his famous “coat of many colours” (37:3) looked like, but it was indeed a “richly ornamented robe” (niv). I say Joseph’s “coat” reached all the way down to his ankles and had long sleeves. It was the rich garment of a ruler and not what some well-dressed shepherd even needed out there in those fields with animals (See 2 Samuel 13:18 same Heb word). I say Joe wore..
- The field coat of a young shepherd, then this
- Upgraded colorful coat of partiality (a real coat-gift),
- A coat of a lowly slave for serving in,
- The coat of a prisoner.. kind of dirty and
- The upscale tailored coat of a world ruler..
(..so to speak. Joseph humbly bloomed where planted, kept doing the same thing managing crisis well (multiple) and as a leader would rise up like cream).
With that coat of colors it appears Jacob wanted Joseph to rule before learning how to serve. With that special garb, Jacob might have been letting his family know that Joseph had been chosen to be his top heir. Think 'bout it.. Reuben had forfeited his firstborn status because bad character and his sin with Bilhah (Gen. 35:22). And his next son, Simeon, had been involved with Levi in the cruel-slaughtering of those men of Shechem. Furthermore, Jacob’s first four sons had Leah as their mother, and Jacob had never intended to marry Leah who was snuck in their (am not sure if the Jacob the groom was drunk that night).
With Joe's Preparation we Observe:
- The Discipline of Service,
- The Discipline of Self-control, and
- The Discipline of Suffering..
(He spent 3 years as a prisoner. God has His methods and His timing. Faithful Joseph lost his reputation, but didn't lose his character).
Joseph went to work on the dreams of others, and God went to work on his dreams.
Sup with Those Secret of Dreams of Pharaoh? (41)
Joseph simply heard well and explained well what they meant for the king...what they meant for the whole world.
Man, Joseph had hoped that the butler would recall, but he didn't. He'd hoped he'd remember him and even intercede for him (40:13–15), but men of the world often forget us believers. This man forgot Joseph... until the day Pharaoh became upset. What was the king disturbed about? Well, he didn't get it on his strange dreams. He could not find the meaning of them.
God’s ways are past finding out, but God is on time and his time to act is never too early or too late.
Joseph was humble as he stood before the mightiest monarch on the planet: “God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace” (v. 16). Then Joseph clearly explained the man's dream. There would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine in the Land. But Joe didn't stop there. He then gave the king good counsel on what was best to do: appoint a wise man to administer the food supply.
So.. one the spot, God directed Pharaoh to appoint Joseph to this. He exalted Joseph immediately to the throne--to the Number 2 Spot (See also 1 Peter 5:6).
Gave Joseph a Gentile bride as well. He went from single life to married life just like that. This was a clear picture of Christ’s marriage to the church (the Body) during this age when His brothers after the flesh..the Jews..have rejected Him.
He had a lot of pain and sorrow earlier in life. “Manasseh” means “to forget” and this suggests that Joseph’s new position in God’s will was a blessing and this had caused him to forget the sorrow, troubles and trials of his past. “Ephraim” means “doubly fruitful,” suggesting that all his trials had, in the end, brought him to a good season of fruitfulness and blessing. Like that lush grain of healthy wheatfields, the grain dies, Joseph also “died” so to speak..that he might not merely abide alone (John 12:23–26). And God kept His Word to Joseph -- Joseph’s predictions came true. God will keep His promises to you as well, so just turn and trust Him. Believe Him all the way! The Word of the Lord stands when man’s wisdom fails (41:8).
However, all of this was but a part of God's greater plan, a plan to protect, provide for, to preserve Israel and to prepare the way for the birth of Christ. And God via Joseph gives the world a picture of good character, and an illustration of Jesus perhaps to make it easier for us to fully trust this God of good character (More on proper "illustration" verse "type" later). Let's talk about godly character more. Joe went through a whole lot. Man, if it was me, I'd really feel like getting even with all those rascals! Godly character says don't get even with those cruel people. Fear God instead, pray earnestly, and let God work. Even before Joseph was moved with compassion for his brothers.. because they showed that they felt guilty about what they had done to him, his heart toward them was softened because of the “fear of God” (42:18).
Joseph said twice that if they proved they were telling him the truth, it would keep them from being put to death as spies (42:18, 20). Traders and merchants who regularly traveled from country to country in caravans would often be recruited by one country to spy on another for them, to find out where they had military weaknesses. Proving whether a foreigner was a spy (or wasn’t one) was kind of a challenge, and this would explain why Joseph was asking them so many diagnostic questions about their family and their homeland (43:7). It would also explain why he asked them to bring Benjamin to him (42:15). You know he was so interested because he missed them and wanted it all fixed.
If Joseph was bitter and seeking revenge, he could have simply accused them of spying and had them killed then and there (42:18, 20), but he gave them a chance to prove their trustworthiness, even before he learned that they felt guilty about the way they had treated him. Later, in the Mosaic Law, God would tell His Jewish people, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense,” but Joseph in his heart understood this already (Deut. 32:35).
He didn’t seek to get revenge on his brothers, but left it all up to God and His sovereignty. Joseph trusted that God had a good plan, would fix things, and all of this was just part of that.
Qs: Why is it not helpful to seek revenge on those who have harmed you? How can it actually do more harm than good?
Qs: Why should we seek peace instead of repaying evil for evil to people who have hurt us? How can we be blessed for that, even if it means some suffering or loss for us? (Meditate upon 1 Peter 3:9–14)
Qs: How did Joseph a good example in this way? How can doing good to folks overcome evil? (Read Romans 12:17–21)
God can even redeem our sinful choices – using them to accomplish good and to change us (see Genesis 41:46-52).
Qs: Why do you think Joseph didn’t just confront his brothers from the beginning? Why did he take such a long, round-about route to reconciliation?
Q: How do Joseph’s brothers seem different from the last time we saw them?
We know that God allows and can use the tough things in our lives to grow us, to shape us, and to mold us into who He wants us to be. He can even use the bad things that happen to ultimately bless us and others.
Scripture tells us that suffering can produce good things in us as we apply (Matt. 6:33)—endurance, character and hope (Rom. 5:3–5). Not just the bad things that happen to us. But God can even use the bad things we do to mold us. Even self-induced suffering, our own sins and failings. For Joseph’s brothers, God didn’t only use their sins for good to save many people from the famine. He also used their sins to change them—to soften their hearts, to humble them, and to help them learn to love. When we sin, God disciplines us (Heb. 12:6). And through rebuke and correction by God’s Word, we grow in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
Qs: How has God changed you since you became a believer? What sins or struggles has He redeemed? What ways has He disciplined you or grown you up?
Qs: In what ways are you still struggling? What does God still want to change in you?
Believers with godly character are to be pure, gracious, kind and generous towards others, even wisely generous to those who have harmed them (Go back and meditate upon Genesis 41:53-57).
People of Character--Here's What we Learn from Our Fathers of the Faith:
- Abraham—The father who willingly gave his son (12:1–25:18)
- Isaac—The son who took a bride (25:19–26:35)
- Jacob—The walking in the flesh verses in the Spirit (27:1–36:43)
- Joseph—The overarching providence of God (37:1–50:26)
Q: If you were the Joseph's brothers, how would you have felt when the Egyptian viceroy who had previously accused you of being a spy invited you into his home for a feast?
Q: How was this different from what they expected to happen when they came to Joseph?
When Joseph’s brothers came back to Egypt the second time, Joseph prepared a feast for them..during a time of a worldwide famine.
There was a change in character regarding Joseph’s brothers. After more than 20 years later, they are changed men. Instead of angry, jealous and vindictive, they are humble and repentant (42:21).
And we learn a new detail that we didn’t see in the original story in Genesis 37: “we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen” (42:21). This shows us how much it had pained Joseph to be rejected by his brothers.
We learn from Joseph.. You start where God puts you and do your best--and normally that’s starting at the bottom. Duh!
Joe's character was one of empathy in a very good sorta way--he felt sympathy for others! Do you as well as those under your watch-care? (Important Tip: Employers, only hire people of empathy, who loves people and can see things from another's point of view. Interviewers typically never ask questions on empathy, but sociopaths can act charming and confident i.e., Ted Bundy.)
We learn that God is more faithful. He gave Joseph a family in the midst of foreigners, food in the midst of famine, and faith in the midst of fear. Was his wife lost? Did Joseph quickly or slowly win her over to faith in Jehovah? Don’t know. How can any today know?
The name Zaphnath-Paaneah of his bride means: One who discovers hidden things, revealer of secrets or savior of the world. She gave Joseph two boys Manassah (meaning Joe is looking forward, not backward on all the pain. Yep, the boy’s names were Forgetful and Faithful.
Jacob reaped what he had sown in life. Sometimes he had acted like Jacob (the heel catcher) and sometimes (like Israel the prince with God). Many of God’s people fail to live up to their new life as a believer because they don't claim what they have by faith. When God calls him Jacob, observe how he is living according to the flesh. Earlier God had to give Jacob a limp to really encourage and remind him to advance walking by faith.
He’d reaped a whole lot--remember when younger he’d killed a beast and then lied to his own father (Gen. 27:9ff), but then his own sons lied to him -- so much sin and pain.
Be women.. women. Be men.. men. Let's all grow up to maturity. “Paul writes to the leaders in the church at Corinth, ‘Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love’ (1 Corinthians 16:13–14 esv).” What does that mean? Just that.
The Future is your friend so to speak when Jesus is your Lord and you follow close careful to obey. Wasn't so easy for Jacob at 130 to relocate his home to Egypt..with age adjusting is a challenge. Remember how Abraham got into trouble in Egypt (Gen. 12:10), and God had stopped Isaac from going there (26:2).
Jacob gained godly character and God made him a big blessing in Egypt!
He blessed Pharaoh (Gen. 47:7, 10), blessed Joseph and his sons (48:15, 20) and blessed all 12 of the sons of Israel (49:1). God blesses us that we might be a blessing. Circumstances change, the methods change, but God and His Message never changes. Jacob died in faith and was a beloved pilgrim to the very end--Joseph gained a lot from his life (Heb. 11:21). Jacob started with his staff and ended with his staff (Gen 32:10, 1 Tim. 6:7). Like his dad, Joseph had firm convictions, he clearly knew what he believed and where you belonged. He knew God's promise to Abraham that the nation would be delivered from Egypt (Gen. 15:12-16). His dad had reiterated this Bible promise to his whole family. Our encouragement is God’s promises (not a coffin) and it’s an empty tomb (1 Pet. 1:3)!
Properly addressing a ruptured broken family relationship..to see it fully restored takes God's wisdom!
Earlier marrying a Canaanite woman was disobedient on Judah's part (24:3, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). Why be unequally yoked in a way from the family of God it's too easy to fall into temptation and sin (Psalm 1:1). Two of sons were slain by God and then his wife died. Judah was quick to condemn Tamar for sexually sinning what about his own sins toward Joseph and Tamar? what a contrast between (Judah’s ends and Joseph victory (chapter 39). How gracious of God to mention a prostitute like Tamar Tamar and even this Judah in the genealogy of Christ ( 38:29, Ruth 4:18-22, Matt. 1:3).
Keys to Joseph’s great success and sterling-exemplary conduct were his relationship with God, and his faithful godly character. Yes, good character matters more than good giftings.. and the basis for that character was the recognition that Joseph totally belonged to and consistently served the Lord. He didn’t work in the world all alone (Gen 39:9, Eph. 6:5-8). Who is your top biz-partner?
NEED AN EARLIER REVIEW OF JACOB AND HIS BROTHER ESSU?
- Remember how Esau and Jacob were brothers (their Father was Isaac the son of Abraham and Sarah).
- Esau and Jacob were twins born to Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 25:20-26) Esau being the older brother and the favorite of his father and Jacob was the favorite of his mother. Playing faves--not smart.
- Jacob with the help from his mother literally “steals” the blessing given to the oldest son by a Hebrew father (See Gen:27). This act resulted in bad blood and then sadly hatred ensued between the two brothers thereafter especially by Esau.
- God gives Jacob a new name--Israel. There had been a change with him. He's growing up (this happened here Gen 32:27-28).
- Eventually the brothers make peace. (See Gen 33). Esau leaves and heads south and occupies the land known as Edom. Today this area is known as Jordan.
- Jacob travels to Shechem in the land of Canaan (the promised land, modern day Israel).
- Jacob still traveling and moving from place to place now to Bethel (Meaning House of God. See Gen 35).
- Jacob a man on the move still heads off to Ephrath (Bethlehem) where his most beloved of wives Rachael dies in childbirth. She was delivering him a son, Benjamin. Losing her--ouch, more sorrow and pain! That really hurt bad.
- Jacob is still traveling on and heads off to Migdal-eder.
- So, Esau settles down in what is known as Edom in the southern area of what we know today as Jordan (See Gen 36), while Jacob was long considered a sojourner (traveler), one without a more permanent home on earth.
NEED A TIME-LINE FOR EVENTS RELATED TO JOSEPH? Genesis 37-50
- Keep in mind that all the years are in B.C. (So, we add years as we are counting down, and not counting up).
- In 1898 BC Year Joseph was sold as a slave and ended up in Egypt (at age 17—see Gen. 37:2,28).
- Add 13 years--He was 13 years in Potiphar’s house (the top executioner in the Land) and then in the Prison (See Gen 39). Joe got off easy. Did Potiphar know of his perverse sleazy wife's bad lying character?
- In 1885 BC Year Joseph was taken out of prison and was made second-in-command in all of Egypt. (At age 30 in Gen. 41:47. Note that generally a Jewish man would not start his public ministry [like the priests did etc.] until he reached age 30 as did Joseph and later Jesus).
- Add 7 Years of Abundance in Egypt (Gen 41:47).In 1878 BC Year the serious Famine begins.
- Add 2 years-portion of the seven-year famine before Jacob moved to Egypt. (Gen 45:6).
- In 1876 BC Year that Jacob moved his family to Egypt after 2 years of famine (Gen 45:6).
- For 430 Years the Jews were in Egypt—they became slaves (Exodus 12:40).
- In 1446 BC Year of Exodus from Egypt (God used Joseph a slave to get His people into Egypt, and then a servant Moses to get em out of Egypt (an illustration of the world).
NEED THE LINEAGE OF JOSEPH AND KIDS OF JACOB?..THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL:
- Israel was another name God gave to Jacob.
- Jacob marries Leah first (looks ehh, eyes..not so stunning to him. He felt she wasn't outwardly as attractive as her sis.
- Jacob was actually tricked into this marriage by his cunning father-in-law Laban a more adept trickster than himself).
- Leah has 7 children by Jacob—6 sons-Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun all sons and 1 daughter Dinah.
- Leah’s servant Zilpah also produced 2 sons--Gad and Asher.
- He worked 14 yrs TL for his beloved wife Rachael, and she had 2 sons--Joseph and Benjamin, and Rachael’s servant Bilhah also produced 2 sons--Dan and Naphtali.
- Joseph was the father of Ephraim and Manasseh who later were tribes in Israel (See Genesis 49).
NEED JACOB'S AGE-EVENTS LISTED? (See Genesis 27:1-35:29)
- Jacob was 91 years old when Joseph was born.
- Jacob was 108 years old when Joseph (who is 17 years old) is sold by his brothers into slavery.
- Jacob was 120 years old when his father Isaac died at 180 years old.
- Jacob was 130 years old when he moved his family to Goshen Egypt.
- Jacob was 147 years when he died in Egypt. Facebook.com/shareJesus
JOSEPH AND JACOB LEARNED HOW THE PROCESS OF CHARACTER ACQUISITION INVOLVED PAIN
It was kind of a different response to the Pharaoh after the king asked Jacob his age? Remember it? Yes, interesting, "Pharaoh said to Jacob, 'How old are you?' And Jacob said to Pharaoh, 'The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.'" Gen. 47:8-9
That's kind of a sad word huh. It’s been tough for so many believers (FYI There are 13 famines recorded in the Bible), but no believer will look back with a Christian perspective on it with all the trials, mocking, jeering, tests, troubles or persecutions ..who hasn't been aware of God's kind grace and miracle working power there on their behalf. Jacob had a sad testimony to his life but the comfort of Spirit followed. There had been quite a bit of sinning and tutorial consequences. The sorrow from the loss and the deception of his sons really hurt, but solace and joy were to follow.
I say be faithful in the flame, in the famine, in the difficulty. Run to God, to healthy church fellowship, not away from Him or spiritual Christian friends when you feel it. Yes, praise God for and in the fire. It ain't over yet. There is always a reason for what He allows to affect our lives.
"The devil, things and people being what they are, it is necessary for God to use the hammer, the file and the furnace in His holy work of preparing a saint for true sainthood. It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.Without doubt we of this generation have become too soft to scale great spiritual heights. Salvation has come to mean deliverance from unpleasant things. Our hymns and sermons create for us a religion of consolation and pleasantness. We overlook the pace of the thorns, the cross and the blood. We ignore the function of the hammer and the file. Strange as it may sound, it is yet true that much of the suffering we are called upon to endure on the highway of holiness is an inward suffering for which scarcely an external cause can be found. For our journey is an inward journey, and our real foes are invisible to the eyes of men. Attacks of darkness, of despondency, of acute self-depreciation may be endured without any change in our outward circumstances. Only the enemy and God and the hard-pressed Christian know what has taken place. The inward suffering has been great and a mighty work of purification has been accomplished, but the heart [knows] its own sorrow and no one else can share it. God has cleansed His child in the only way He can, circumstance being what they are. Thank God for the furnace." ~ A.W. Tozer
“Pensive and penitent memories make all the years few and evil but grateful faith will discern more truly that life rather than evil has been a long miracle of loving care.” ~ Alexander Maclaren
Jacob responded to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life..” Gen. 47:9
Is that how it’s gone with you as well? God still wants to comfort, help, bless you and others.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor. 1:4
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” 1 Thess. 5:14
We sometimes have severe afflictions or get hurt in life after choosing Christ and godly character, but we keep turning to God to meet our needs, and then comes the great solace of the Spirit and new direction. His is the Way of Glory and Blessing! Facebook.com/shareJesus
