Joseph was faithful to God no matter his circumstance. He went from favorite son to being rejected by his brothers and sold into slavery. Then, falsely accused and cast into prison, God lifted him up to the highest place in Egypt. Joseph’s life foreshadows Christ’s. Don’t be surprised if your life mirrors this too. Just be faithful. God is good.
In a culture of course and uncouth mouths, God’s people should stand out by what we don’t say and how we don’t say it. You can tell where a person is from by the way they talk. Where are you from?
Jacob sees life as a pilgrimage, a short journey on the way to eternity. Surely Abraham and Isaac taught him this. Seeing a heavenly ladder, wrestling an angel, and seeing Joseph alive must have convinced him of God’s promise of paradise.
That the Creator of the universe would even take notice of us is surprising. That He would feel compassion is miraculous. What joy! That our God loves us so.
And God has stooped down, offering His Son to us, exchanging His righteousness for our sin. In Christ, God stooped down to make us great!
There is a weed that looks similar to wheat until maturity when it bears no fruit. Some will question whether the seed was good. Others will want to pull up the weeds. But the purity of the church is the Lord’s job. Ours is to grow and bear fruit.
Whether enslaved or in prison, Joseph was faithful. Stop complaining about your boss or your situation. Bloom where you are planted. And God will give you favor with those over you.
What makes us withhold good? Are we afraid we won’t have enough? Do we wonder if they deserve good? What good is within “your power to act?” Do the good you’ve been empowered to do!
When Jesus withdraws from a place, we should follow. No effective work can be done without Him. Troubling question: Would you notice His leaving?
God is still offering name/identity changes to those who seek Him. What’s your name?