Dear Friends,
For the next biblical example of a worker, we look at Joseph – a type of Jesus. Various books and movies have been produced about Joseph. I particularly like the animated thriller titled ‘Joseph the King of Dreams (2000)’. You can watch the trailer at http://bit.ly/Josephmovietrailer
We will however take our readings directly from the Bible.
Joseph a Shepherd – a type of Jesus
THE STORY:
The story started in Genesis Chapter 37. Joseph, a boy of seventeen, introduced as a Shepherd tending flocks with his eleven brothers. He was specially loved by his father Jacob, who made him an ornate robe.
Joseph was a ‘dreamer’, he had two early visions which when told to his brothers made them hate him more, out of jealousy. The brothers’ initial plan was to kill him, but then they threw him into a cistern, and eventually sold him for twenty shekels of silver. The traders who bought him then took him to Egypt.
In Egypt Joseph was sold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph started as a slave in Potiphar’s household, but the Lord was with him so that he prospered. The Lord also blessed Potiphar’s household because of Joseph. He had success in everything he did and became Potiphar’s Attendant, entrusted with everything Potiphar owned.
Joseph’s success in Potiphar’s house got him noticed by Potiphar’s wife leading to the well-known temptation from his master’s wife. But he chose not to sin against God, a decision that costed him his job, his enviable position in Potiphar’s household, and eventually landed him in jail.
But again, the Lord was with Joseph in prison. The Lord showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warden. The Lord gave him success in whatever he did such that he was put in charge of all those held in the prison.
Joseph’s service to others in prison by the use of his God given gift of dream interpretation eventually led him to Pharaoh’s Palace. He became second in command to Pharaoh and was put in charge of the entire land of Egypt at the age of 30.
The above summary taken from the Book of Genesis Chapter 37-41 captures Joseph’s thirteen year’s journey from a young Shepherd to becoming second only to Pharaoh in Egypt. His journey is packed with lessons for us even today.
Prison does not mean the end
THE LESSONS
The following are examples of lessons we can take from Joseph’s story:
- Joseph stood up for the truth right from a young age – He reported his brothers to their father when they did wrong.
- When things were not going well for him – Joseph remained positive and did not change his attitude to life. He did his best at every opportunity whether as a Shepherd, Slave, or Prisoner.
- He was tempted by Potiphar’s wife – But he chose to maintain his integrity and did not sin against God.
- When persecuted for no fault of his own for example when Potiphar’s wife lied on him – he took the un-deserved punishment.
- Joseph seized the opportunities when presented to use his gifts of dream interpretation – and he relied on God for wisdom.
- When people disappoint him for example when Pharaoh’s Cupbearer did not remember to mention him to Pharaoh – he remained patient.
- Joseph got to a position where he can get back at his brothers who sold him into slavery – but he chose to forgive them. He saw the big picture of what God did – he believed God sent him ahead to save their lives and a remnant for Israel.
Change is constant
HOW CAN WE APPLY THE LESSONS?
The positive traits we can emulate from Joseph’s life include patience, perseverance, positive attitude, and humility. These are characters that will serve us well in the workplace.
Joseph was resolute in living within God’s laws and running away from sin, no wonder God was with him everywhere. We should aim to do the same so we can be sure of God’s presence no matter where we are.
He used his spiritual gifts of dream interpretation in the workplace and that is what eventually took him from prison to the palace. We should be encouraged to use all our gifts of wisdom, faith, discernment, and word of knowledge as we have opportunities.
Joseph, because of his faith and relationship with God, was able to see the big picture of God’s purpose in everything that happened to him. We will also be able to avoid bitterness and be released to joyfully serve the Lord and people in work if we believe in God’s sovereignty and purpose for us in work.
The Palace is within reach
HOW SHALL WE CONCLUDE?
I hope you noticed that I have not written of a ‘bad’ example of Joseph. This is because I could not find any in the Bible.
Joseph was described as a ‘type of Jesus’ in the sense that his life provides a foreshadow of Jesus Christ. Examples of this can be seen in his zeal for truth and righteousness, his role as a Shepherd, sent ahead to save others and his forgiveness of those who hate him. Further reading on this including a list of Joseph’s Jesus likeness can be sampled from sites such as http://bit.ly/37nV1mk
Each of us, once saved in Christ, just like Joseph has become a type of Jesus. Therefore, we all need to key in to the vision that God has created, blessed, and equipped us to fulfil a particular mission on this planet.
Let us be confident that if we remain in Christ, no one can make anything happen to us good or bad except by God’s permission and then it would be to fulfil His good and perfect will for us.
So, rejoice if you are in Christ and you still have some troubles because your deliverance is coming soon. Check yourself to make sure you are still in the faith and if necessary repent and recommit yourself to the Lord. Then wait on the Lord because just like Joseph, you will soon be transported from prison to the palace.
On the other hand, if you are not in Christ, you need to make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour. You need to repent of doing things your own way and chose to obey Jesus as your Lord. Then you will be sure of God’s faithfulness to you and you will be on your way to fulfil your God intended purpose on this planet.
I hope you have benefited from reading this blog and if so, please share with others. Please also continue to send your feedback and comments to hello@fmministry.co.uk or use the comment box below.
God bless you and let us keep growing in the image of our Lord Jesus Christ
Adesina
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