Stories of the Saints Digging Deeper Joseph (Part I)

Introduction
Most likely, one of the first things that comes to mind when a person thinks of Joseph is his coat of many colours. The coat has become an icon that has even inspired a hit Broadway musical. But the coat is just one element in an amazing story of sin, grace, the providence of God. During the next three weeks, Joseph will be a central figure in our themes. This week we will focus on one key word: faithfulness the faithfulness of God in Josephs life, and Josephs faithfulness by the power and grace of God.

Faithfulness in All Things

Many are familiar with the basic story of Joseph: he brags to his brothers about dreams of them bowing down to him (Gen 37:1-11). Because this causes them great anger, they plot to get rid of him. Initially planning to kill him 2, they end up selling him into slavery to some Midianites, who end up taking him to Egypt. While in Egypt, Joseph experiences both highs and lows, and ultimately ends up in the right position to help not only his family, but many nations. Throughout all the amazing events of Josephs life, we see one continuing reminder in Scripture: God was with him. From the highs of being second-in-command of all Egypt to the lows of being imprisoned on false charges, God is with Joseph and is faithful to him. And in the same manner, Joseph is faithful to God in all circumstances. In fact, its because of Josephs faithfulness that he ends up in prison in the first place!3 Yet God was with him even in prison. As we reflect on this story, we can see some implications and questions arise for today. Here are a couple questions that hopefully can generate some reflection and discussion this week: Have you ever faced situations where a choice needed to be made between doing the easy or popular thing and the right thing? What was your choice? What happened as a result? Do you find you are able to acknowledge Gods presence easily? Are you more likely to pray and see God at work in the high points of your life or in the low points? Spend some time this week reflecting on how God might have been (or even currently might be) at work in a situation where it is not so easy to see Him.

Setting the Stage: Who is Joseph?

Understanding the background and setting of this story is critical in understanding its depth and richness. Therefore we need to spend a little time on Josephs background. Joseph is one of the 12 sons of Jacob. And in the logical order of things, Joseph should have very little consideration. Reuben, Jacobs first-born son, should logically receive most of the attention. However, we see a continuing theme of the promises of God being fulfilled not through firstborn sons (which would be the logical thought), but through others:1 Jacob himself is a prime example of this, along with Abel and Seth, who weve studied previously. Yet, in a sense, Joseph is a firstborn. He is firstborn to Rachel, the one whom Jacob first loved, though he married her sister Leah first. Rachel was barren, and Jacob had 10 sons with three other women (six with Leah, and two each with Bilhah and Zilpah). Benjamin is the youngest of the twelve, also by Rachel. So Joseph and Benjamin hold special places in Jacobs heart as sons of Rachel. This special affection for those two boys plays a key role in the unfolding of the story.

See the anointing of David in I Samuel 16:1-13 (sep. verse 7) for insight into Gods methods. For more general thoughts on the mystery of Gods ways, see Isaiah 55:89 and Romans 9:1-18 and 11:33-36.

Notice the reason that the brothers do not end up killing him: the actions of Reuben, the firstborn (37:18-24,29). Its easy to lump all the brothers together in this plot, but thats not quite accurate. 3 Genesis 39. Notice especially Josephs response in verse 9 to Potiphars wife, who tried to seduce him.
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