Wisdom From Old Testament Stories Sýnishorn

Joseph and His Brothers

The story of Joseph comes from Genesis, the first book in the Old Testament. He’s the son of Jacob, whom God eventually renamed Israel. Joseph’s life is one filled with hardship. His brothers sold him into slavery at age 17, he was wrongly accused for sexual misconduct, and was imprisoned for about a decade. But, eventually Joseph was remembered for his ability to interpret dreams and he was called into service by Pharaoh, the king of Egypt (Genesis 39-41). 

The famine Joseph predicted began, and his brothers arrived in Egypt to get grain. Their father sent them to buy grain, but they didn't know that the person selling the grain was the brother they sold into slavery—Joseph. A series of events transpired between Joseph and his brothers before he revealed his identity to them. 

While there is much we can learn from this story that encompasses over 20 years of time, here are two things we should look at and consider implementing in our own lives:

Joseph Grew Where He Was
If you read through the entire encounter of Joseph’s life that spans from Genesis 37 to Genesis 50, you’ll see a man who succeeded and grew wherever he was. When he served Potiphar, he found favor with him. When he was in prison, he was put in charge by the warden. And when he was finally released after interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, he was given control of the entire kingdom, right beneath the king. Joseph grew and prospered where he was. He didn’t wait to lead at age 30, once he was given power by Pharaoh. He led well and was honorable even in bondage. And he eventually led with strength and wisdom that ended up sustaining people through a seven-year famine. 

Joseph Saw the Big Picture
God used all of the hardships Joseph endured to bring a persecuted man to power over and over again. Yet, even though he had favor with both God and man, we can assume that there must have been deep sadness at being betrayed by his brothers and torn from all he ever knew. Through it all, we see that Joseph saw a different picture than the temporary one. He was able, by God’s grace and wisdom, to put all of the puzzle pieces of his life together to see how God allowed all of it to prevent mankind from starving in the famine. He didn’t hold his brothers responsible for something he believed God was doing. He trusted in the broad picture held by God that used him to change the world. 

No matter where we are or what our situation is, let’s choose to grow wherever we are. Let’s recognize there is a bigger viewpoint that we don’t always see. And let’s fully embrace and trust our God as He guides, directs, and orchestrates His purposes in our lives and for mankind.