The Scripture

Gen 35:22, Gen 37-39

The Scene

Joseph was the first born son of Jacob’s favorite wife Rachel.  Rachel prayed for a son, and while her sister, her sister’s maid, and her maid were all able to give Jacob sons, Rachel could not.  When God finally opened up her womb, it was an occasion to celebrate.  Joseph was that son.

As Joseph grew, his father favored him over all the others.  When he was a little older, Jacob made him a special coat.  This made the jealousy his brothers felt even stronger.  When the opportunity came, they planned to do away with him.  The original plan… throw him in a pit and let him die.  But then some merchants came along… plan 2, sell him as a slave. 

Off to Egypt he went as a slave.  Once in Egypt, the merchants sold him as a slave to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s army.  God was with Joseph in Potiphar’s house.  God made Potiphar prosper because of Joseph.  Potiphar put Joseph in charge of all of his house.  But, Potiphar’s wife decided she wanted him for more than just keeping the house clean.  When Joseph refused, she falsely accused him and he was thrown in prison.

The School Master

Psalm 105:17-19 “God had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; 19until what he had said came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.

I have been meditating and thinking about these passages for a few weeks now.  The more I study the life of Joseph, the more I appreciate him and his example.  He is an amazing testimony of faith. 

Why did God choose Joseph and not one of his brothers, Judah for instance?  Judah was the oldest.  Why was he not the one that God chose to send ahead?  Then there’s Reuben.  He’s the one that planned to rescue Joseph rather than leave him to die.  He’s a nice guy, why didn’t God choose him? 

Take a look at Gen 35:22 and chapter 38.  I have wondered why those verses are recorded.  But when you look at it in light of what Joseph experienced with Potiphars wife, they take on more significance. 

God’s choice to send Joseph ahead meant slavery, Potiphar’s wife and prison for Joseph.  But, in God’s foreknowledge, He knew Joseph would have the faith to endure.  What would have happened had Reuben or Judah been in that situation? 

What does this say about God’s shepherding of our faith?  God knew that Joseph would endure.  God trusted Joseph with the challenge, because He knew Joseph would respond in faith.  God also knew this would build Joseph’s faith even more.  (Gen 45:5-7, Gen 50:20)

How do you view trials in your life?  God is the shepherd of our faith!  Just as in Joseph’s life, he desires to grow our faith.  He wants to trust us with challenges so that we can respond in faith, like Joseph did.  But, not everyone is up to the task.  What about you?  Are you up to the task?  Can God trust you with challenges and know that you will respond in faith?  How are you going to respond?  How deep is your faith?