God's Touchpoints - An Old Testament JourneySample

JOSEPH – UNWAVERING FAITH

The touching story of Joseph inspires, as he transitions from father’s pet to second most powerful person in the world. His unwavering faith carries him through the pit, slavery with Potiphar, unfair condemnation to jail, etc.

• The Pet - Clearly the beloved of his parents, the first of Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel, He is given the birthright by his father. This is symbolized by his special long sleeved coat in spite of being the 11th child. Tradition has it that he dons it daily, rather than the traditional yearly occasion of his birthday. [1] This, aggravated by the dreams of leadership he shares, triggers strong jealousy among his brothers.

• The Pit - At an opportune moment they throw him into the pit ignoring his pleas for mercy. Saved from death he eventually is sold to slave traders. The family considers him as good as dead.

What looks like the end of the game, triggers his rise to fame.

• Potiphar’s House - Sold to Potiphar, captain of the guard, he quickly adapts to his duties as a slave, with outstanding performance. Blessed by God, he rises to position of head of all servants.

The dramatic seduction by Potiphar’s wife ends up by Joseph being thrown into prison.

In spite of being thrown at a young age alone into Egyptian culture, Joseph maintains his faith, his principles and connect with God.

• The Prison - Left several years to languish, the only exit from this prison was death, or pardon from Pharaoh himself. In God’s time, Pharaoh had dreams that only Joseph could interpret.

• The Palace – Suddenly he rises to be second to Pharaoh.

This tumultuous rise enabled him to acknowledge that God helps him to:
o Forget his past troubles. (Gen 41:51)
o Be fruitful in the land of suffering (Genesis 41:52)
o Forgive the deep hurts of the past caused by his brothers (Genesis 50:20)

While God put Joseph through the crucible of testing, the phrase “the Lord was with Joseph” rings throughout the story – in Potiphar’s house (Gen 39:2), in prison (Gen 39:21, 23), in the palace (Gen 41:38. 39). That was the secret of his success.

Are we patient enough to allow God to work his purposes in our lives through loneliness, rejection and despair? Do those around acknowledge God’s hand on us?