Learning from OT Greats: Joseph - From the Pit to the PalaceSample

Day 1: Joseph’s Dreams

Thoughts on the Passage

Joseph is seventeen years old. He is the oldest son of Rachel but younger than ten of his brothers (only Benjamin is younger) and is thirteen years younger than Reuben the oldest. So when he gives their father a bad report of his brothers – he is not well liked. When Jacob shows special love to Joseph – it further alienates Joseph. 

Then there are the dreams.

The dreams show everyone that Joseph thinks he will be the most important person (by far) in the family. That makes the brothers really hate him.

The problem is that the dreams are from God. God is telling Joseph that he has a destiny that is greater than the other brothers. He just does not realize that it will be twenty years before it will come to pass. He does not realize that a difficult path awaits him and that he must suffer much in those twenty years. Joseph only sees his brothers acknowledging him as their ruler. 

This favoritism from his father, the dreams, and the alienation from his brothers all form the foundation of family discord and problems (maybe they expose the problems more than create them). These problems threaten to tear apart a family that God has called to be a nation. 

The life of Joseph is about how God brings this family back together – how God takes this disfunction and restores.

It is a sign of hope for every family. It is a picture of the cost to bring restoration.

Application to our Lives

When God gives us a picture of our destiny – be careful. It often needs much time to release. It often takes a lot of maturing before we receive it.

Does God want us to bring restoration? Be prepared to pay a price.

Time to Pray
Father, I know that You have given great things to me. I made many mistakes just like Joseph – a lot of pride, a lot of pushing (too early), and a lot of ignorance about the cost. Today as I look at the life of Joseph, I see a man with a great calling and ability who just did not understand how to keep his mouth shut. That sounds so familiar. Forgive me for rushing and not just waiting on You and Your timing. Your timing with be perfect. Your plan of blessing will come together. Your way…. That is what I want. In Jesus name, Amen.