JOSEPH #66 | JOSEPH IN EGYPT #48 | LAST WORDS OF JACOB #37
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3662
JOSEPH #66
JOSEPH IN EGYPT #48
LAST WORDS OF JACOB #37
11. JOSEPH #13
PRINCIPLES OF GODLY LEADERSHIP FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH #7
7. FAITHFULNESS
The faithfulness of Joseph is a wonderful illustration of the mighty work of God in a man willing to put God first in his life.
Joseph lived a life of tragedy and of triumph and throughout the good times as well as the tragic times he was faithful to God.
Faithfulness is being steadfast or firm in adherence to that which one has faith in. It is carefulness in keeping what we are entrusted with.
But did Joseph’s trustworthiness benefit him?
First, his brothers sold him into slavery.
Secondly, he was thrown in prison by Potiphar.
Twice, we have seen Joseph demonstrate his devotion to God, and both times it appears that he is in trouble.
Joseph had a choice each time. He could have turned around and gone home when he did not find his brothers at Shechem. But he didn’t. He carried out his father’s wishes.
And second, he could have given in to Potiphar’s wife. But he didn’t. Instead, he remained faithful to God.
Notice his reasoning in Genesis 39:9. It says,
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
His main concern was what God would think. He understood that he was accountable to God and that the fulfillment of his dream was completely dependent upon God.
Joseph lived a God-dependent life, and he lived it in the midst of great adversity. He knew his future rested in the hands of the Lord.
Psalm 75:6-7 says,
“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
Joseph’s life was about to take another turn. His dependence on God would open a door that would literally change history.
The chief butler and the chief baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt, who then had them thrown in prison with Joseph. There they both had a dream but no one to interpret them (Gen. 40:1-7). Joseph demonstrated his trust and dependence in the Lord by stating,
“Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you” (Gen. 40:8).
The Lord gave Joseph the interpretation, and both came to pass. The butler kept his job, and the baker lost his head.
In spite of the miracle of these interpretations, the butler said nothing of Joseph for two years. Most people would have given up, but not Joseph; he knew God’s plan would be fulfilled.
Then the Pharaoh himself had a dream that all the magicians of Egypt could not interpret. God was about to take Joseph from rags to riches in one inspired moment. When the king learned of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, he sent for him and asked if he could interpret his dreams. Joseph was ready. He confidently answered in Genesis 41:16 saying,
“It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.”
Joseph, by the Spirit, interpreted the king’s dream. Equally as important, the king realized the Spirit of God was in Joseph. His response is recorded in Gen. 41:39-40, which says,
“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according to unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.”
The promotion had truly come from God. Immediately, Joseph found himself promoted to a position of power, second only to Pharaoh.
What is the spiritual lesson for today?
Our faithfulness to God will be tested in the ups and downs of life.
It’s so tempting to become weary or impatient and abandon the vision for an easier way.
But Galatians 6:9 says,
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”
Joseph remained dependent on God, and he never lost his way in the midst of such power and wealth. He kept his God-given vision alive, served others wholeheartedly, and remained totally dependent on God.
Why? Because he had a vision that had not yet been fulfilled. God was going to use him as a slave to save his family and a nation.
It was nine years from the time Joseph was placed in power before his brothers came to Egypt seeking help. Think of the options that were available to Joseph. If he wanted revenge, he could have taken it. He could have acted in pride and demanded an audience with his father and brothers, humiliating them and forcing them to bow before him.
But Joseph did nothing; he refused to act in the flesh and remained dependent on God.
Prosperity and success will test your character infinitely more than hardship! When you’re in trouble and your back is against the wall, you know you need help. But did you know that success has corrupted more individuals than hardship ever has? It’s prosperity that often causes people to lose sight of their God-given vision or to attempt to bring it to pass through their own natural ability.
Even with extreme wealth and power at his disposal, Joseph waited on the Lord and watched in faith as He brought the dream to fulfillment!
“And when Joseph came home, they [his brethren] brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.” (Gen. 43:26).
This is the real test of leadership. Will leaders remain faithful to God in their success, prosperity and acclaim?
Joseph did. He held fast to the confession of his faith until the end.
