Joseph: The long way around
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20 [ESV]
I always feel for Joseph’s brothers. What a nightmare of a younger sibling he would have been. He was his dad’s favourite son, as the first son of Rachel his father’s favourite wife (let’s not even go into all that other than to say that the Bible always shows polygamous relationships as leading to trouble). Joseph got special presents from his father; a coat of many colours, or a long sleeved coat depending upon which translation you prefer, but either way, he got the “designer gear” and his brothers got the “high street”. Then there was that dream Joseph had of his brother’s sheaves of wheat bowing down to his. Joseph’s brothers interpret the dream as a further threat to their position in the household and why wouldn’t they? In fact, only Jacob seems to understand that the meaning of the dream may not be so obvious. Trust me, it isn’t easy growing up with a precocious younger sibling but this situation really takes the bagel.
Joseph’s fortunes plummet from favoured son and probable heir, to Egyptian slave. They rally for a time in Potiphar’s house, but when his wife accuses Joseph of rape he is falsely imprisoned. It must have seemed like “Game Over” for Joseph at this point. Could things get any worse? The only thing now going for this lowest of underdogs is that God showed him steadfast love (Genesis 29: 31). From prison, Joseph began his climb to a position as Pharaoh’s right hand man and strategist. We know that Joseph’s brothers did later bow before him, in his position as the Steward of Egypt, as he gave them wheat to feed their household. The dream had never been about Joseph being somehow better than his brothers.
I wonder something. How different was the 30 year old Joseph who entered Pharaoh’s service to the lad who had strutted around in front of his brothers with his fancy dressing gown on? What lessons in humility, wisdom and caring for others had God taught Joseph in those years? So many, I believe. Pharaoh recognised Joseph as having the Spirit of God in him (Genesis 41:37) but I believe that the fruits of the Spirit grew in Joseph’s life through the experiences that God led him through. Only then could Joseph fulfil his destiny.
So if you find yourself sitting among the ruins of your life (again?), don’t worry, God is a patient teacher. Talk to God about what he is trying to teach you and don’t necessarily expect a quick answer, or quick escape route. Remember though, that God’s steadfast love will be with you and that whatever the odds, God can bring you through.
John Martin-Jones
No comments:
Post a Comment