JOSEPH STORY : God Stories – Part 3 of 10

What?

Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37)

Joseph imprisoned (Genesis 39)

Joseph interprets dreams (Genesis 40)

Joseph promoted by Pharoah (Genesis 41)

Joseph encounters his brothers (Genesis 42-43)

Joseph tests his brothers (Genesis 44)

Joseph reunites with his family and brings them to Egypt (Genesis 45-47)

Joseph receives a blessing and grieves Jacob’s death (Genesis 48-49)

Joseph reassures his brothers and passes away (Genesis 50)

How?

Joseph was obedient to God even in the middle of trials and suffering.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.  So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.             Hebrews 4:15-16

Joseph actively pursued a way out of suffering.

But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.  I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon.”     Genesis 40:14-15

God was present with Joseph.

But you know [the Holy Spirit], for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.       John 14: 17

God used Joseph’s circumstances to transform his life and impact the lives of others.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Romans 8:28-29

Why?

Joseph had fear of the LORD.

Noah (Hebrews 11:7)

Abraham (Genesis 22:12)

Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 31:42)

Moses (Exodus 18:21) vs. Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2)

David (Psalm 111:10)

Solomon (Proverbs 9:10)

Isaiah (Isaiah 11:3)

Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:11, ESV)

Jesus (Luke 12:5)

Early Church (Acts 9:31)

Joseph had faith in the LORD.

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.         Hebrews 11:22

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”                Genesis 50:24-25

All translations in New International Version unless noted