Posts tagged ‘joseph’
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 7
Let’s remember, that this is all part of God’s plan because it was in Egypt that God determined to produce a nation that would ultimately be completely sold out to Him alone. This is yet future. It has not happened yet as a continual streak. It has occurred here and there throughout history but not as an unbroken way of living before God Almighty. This will happen to the nation of Israel one day, when their hearts will be so sold out to God that they will never leave or forsake Him as a nation again. This will occur in the coming Millennial Kingdom following the Tribulation/Great Tribulation.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 6
Joseph was actually being far more gracious than his brothers had been toward him. He was giving them a way to prove their integrity and character whereas with Joseph, the brothers gave him no chance in spite of the fear Joseph may have exhibited to them. They showed him no mercy but Joseph is being very merciful here.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 5
As things continue to unfold in Scripture, we will learn about more of God’s plan to create and ultimately save a people He will create for His purposes. It didn’t begin with Joseph. It actually began much further back than that, but the time was right for God to actually put His hand to creating a people He would call Israelites (Jewish people), who would not only be given a large place in the Middle East, but would give birth to the Person who would become sin though He personally knew no sin that salvation might be offered to all who would in faith believe.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 4
Sometimes, it is very difficult for us as Christians to accept the circumstances that we find ourselves in through no fault of our own. I’m not talking about having to deal with problems we create for ourselves. I’m talking about those things that happen that affect us that we did not see coming. If God loves us, will never forsake us and will always remain with us, when things happen that we do not expect, is it logical to say that those things just “happened” or took us or God by surprise? We want to ask “where is God?” when in point of fact, He never left and is creating circumstances that might appear negative but they have His purposes in mind. What are those purposes? They are always to do two things. First, they are refine us and recreate the character of Jesus within us. Second, they are designed to always give God glory.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 3
Joseph undoubtedly learned a great deal of patience through these situations and gained much wisdom. I’m sure he was scared and at times, probably overcome with fear (imagine if you were accused of sexually harassing someone and you knew it to be untrue, yet you were not believed and went to prison for it). Over time, as Joseph trusted God, God did provide and He brought Joseph through these difficult situations.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 2
The obvious message for us as Christians is to do the same thing in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. Isn’t this why Paul was able to say in Philippians 4:10-14 that regardless of the situation, he learned to be content? That’s something I bet we can all learn to do better, myself included, don’t you think?
It takes a great deal of faith and trust in Almighty God. It should be something we pursue and can only happen when we truly let go and trust the Lord for His outcome, in spite of way things look to us.
Joseph’s Life and Lessons, Part 1
One parallel we can make between Joseph and Jesus is that just as Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, Jesus also was sold by his own fellow Jews. Joseph had done nothing morally wrong that warranted him being treated so badly. It’s even possible that as a 17-year-old young man, the things he said to his brothers and father were not done in a bragging way as previously mentioned, but possibly in a very innocent way. It would be natural for people listening to these things to take umbrage or to become very jealous if their hearts were not right with God.
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