Day 14 – The story of Joseph

Reading: Genesis 37:1 to Genesis 50:26

“So when the Ishmaelites, who were Midianite traders, came by, Joseph’s brothers pulled him out of the cistern and sold him to them for twenty pieces of silver. And the traders took him to Egypt.” Genesis 37:28 NLT

As a young man, Joseph was overconfident and his natural self-assurance increased by being favoured by Jacob and knowledge of God’s plan for his life through his dreams made it unbearable for his brothers who eventually conspired against him. Moulded by pain and combined with his relationship with God, he prospered where most would have failed.

Although his brothers didn’t kill him outright, they probably didn’t expect him to survive for long as a slave. They were willing to let cruel slave traders do their dirty work for them. They thought they would never see him again and gave an untruthful account of his death to their father Jacob.

Ancient Egypt was a land of great contrasts. People were either rich beyond measure or poverty-stricken. Joseph found himself as a servant to Potiphar, an extremely rich officer. His wife failed to seduce Joseph and yet again, with untruthful witness, Joseph was imprisoned. He gained quick favour with his inmates and the guards and from here rose to power through endurance, patience, deep faith and wisdom given by God. This journey of spiritual growth took approximately 13 years. Joseph ensured he gave all the credit for his wisdom to God. From a prideful young man to a mighty servant of God by giving Him the honour for his life even in the worst circumstances.

Joseph had been rejected, betrayed, sold, enslaved and imprisoned. Although his brothers had been unfaithful to him, he was faithful to them – making him one of the Christlike heroes of the Old Testament demonstrating how God forgives us and showers us with goodness even though we have sinned against Him.

Prayer: Father, so many times we choose to wallow in our circumstances and like to point the finger at You instead of understanding Your plan for our lives and ultimately Your Kingdom. May we grow in endurance, patience, and wisdom as Joseph did during our spiritual journey closer to Your heart. Amen.