Joseph’s Greatness

Joseph served faithfully during his affliction to work out God’s plan.

In Genesis 37 – 45, we learned that Joseph, Jacob’s son, was sold to be a slave and then sent to prison due to a false accusation. He served faithfully albeit his affliction. God was with Joseph and made him prosper from his services. He became great and was able to preserve life, including the households of his father and brothers.

Though Joseph was loved by Israel and got a tunic of many colors exclusively, he didn’t grow up to be proud. He was humble and honest, telling the truths such as his dreams of greatness.

When Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, he didn’t escape and seek revenge. But he served his master with diligence and faithfulness. He didn’t steal from his master and flee. He didn’t do evil thing even he was tempted by his master’s wife.

The imprisonment due to a false accusation didn’t shake Joseph’s good nature. He never cursed, complained and fell into self-pity. He stood firm and continued doing good to provide service. He served the keeper of the prison and was fully trusted.

Serving in a household and then in a prison, Joseph developed his competence and gained trust from his superiors. The toil and hardships were good training for characters and skills, preparing him to take up the greater responsibility later – working for Pharaoh to gather foods during the seven years of plenty to cope with the seven years of famine followed. Many people were saved.

Joseph’s honesty was remarkable. Close as his family, low-grade as the two prisoners, powerful as the king of Egypt, he simply told the truth without any addition or omission, without pleasing anyone or seeking one’s benefit. He delivered God’s messages precisely.

Many people found Joseph trustworthy. Pharaoh didn’t feel unease with Joseph’s rise to power because of his dutifulness and submissiveness. Pharaoh treated Joseph and his family well, allowing them to prosper in his land.

The LORD was with Joseph and helped him interpret others’ dreams. HE didn’t send angels to get Joseph out of the pit and prevent the selling, or to free him by opening the prison door. Joseph’s toil in unpleasant conditions belonged to God’s plan. Joseph had great faith in God. He understood that all were God’s arrangements and gave full credit to HIM. He expressed his thankfulness by reconciling with his family and continued walking in God’s way, delighting the LORD.

The affliction didn’t harden Joseph’s heart. He cared and helped his family, demonstrating great love to his father, brothers and their households. He focused on serving others and ended up being great.

Let’s pray to God:

Praise to the LORD. Thank you for being with us. Pray that we can discern and do the right things, even under affliction. Let us not be afraid of toil and hardships, but will the self to be a helpful tool to execute Your great plan that was full of loving-kindness. Amen.