Joseph's Life StoryExemplo

Being purified through suffering

Joseph went through a lot of suffering and disappointment. And that was not ‘by accident’, but purposely planned by God! By this, Joseph’s character and faith were purified and sanctified. The apostle Peter compares this process to gold that is tested by fire. Once the gold comes out of the oven, it is purer than ever before. When Joseph came out of prison, after being cast off by his own family, being falsely accused by his master, and being forgotten by the cupbearer, he was ‘ready’ for his task as a ruler and for meeting his brothers. God had given him practical wisdom, but also a forgiving and thankful heart. His relationship with the Lord had not been damaged by his experiences, but had only matured.

The ultimate example of this process is Jesus Christ. Although He never committed any sin and thus was holy and pure, we nevertheless read in Hebrews 2:10 that He was made perfect through suffering. He was prepared for His task as “a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God” who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He has in every respect been tempted as we are (Hebrews 2:17, 4:15).

Joseph saved the lives of his family members during the famine. Jesus saved the lives of many by dying in their place. Joseph became a ruler, after being deeply humiliated and treated unjustly. To Jesus Christ has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, after He has been deeply humiliated and even murdered unjustly.

Joseph is an inspiring example. He points us to Jesus, the founder of our salvation.

Which lessons have your learned through studying Joseph’s life story?

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