Uncomplaining in the midst of hardship! ..... Lessons from Joseph (Read Genesis 37 to 50 .... the Reality facts of life) There is so much to learn from the life of Joseph. We learn how it is possible to be transformed (sa pagbabago) from a conceited (excessively proud of oneself; self-centered) teenage (Genesis 37) to BECOME A WISE GOVERNOR WHOM GOD USES .... to save many lives (Genesis 50). Did the transformation take place because of all the hardships that Joseph had to experience? He was hated by his brothers. sold into slavery, imprisoned unjustly for an offense he did not commit ( at ilan din naman sa atin ay nararanasan ito?), and was forgotten by his prison-mate. As read Genesis 37 to 50, already we see the growth in character from the fact that Joseph was uncomplaining in the midst of the hardships. His sterling qualities manifest themselves: as a slave in the household of Potiphar he earns the trust of his master by sheer execellence; samantala in prison he also quickly gains the confidence of the prison warden. Was Josephs attitude governed by his high view of God? He understood that the sovereign God, the God of his fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the maker of heaven and earth, was in control of circumstances. God was sovereign in saving his life, and arranging fro him to go to Egypt (as a slave) ...(how about you going to work to other places or abroad does it mean God have something to do for you???), and ending up as a second-in-command to the Pharaoh himself. God was sovereign over the hardships Joseph had to undergo. The maker of heaven and earth is the LORD OF HISTORY. Josephs main gifts were his God-given ability to interpret dreams and his genius in adminstration. He used both gifts in the service of others, and to give glory to God. A challenge for us to do likewise. We all have given God-given abilities. The greatness of Joseph is most clearly seen in his attitude towards his brothers. They hated him and resented his favorite son status. They plotted to kill him and then sold him into slavery. Even this evil plot and experience Joseph later understood as part of Gods plan. What the brothers intended for harm, God intended for good. That is why Joseph was forgiving and completely non-vindictive! To think that his brothers were afraid he might take vengeance reduced him to tears. The refrain in Genesis 39 is the best summary of Josephs life: THE LORD was with Joseph. not only in arranging his circumstances, but in forming his character, transforming him from a conceited teenager to the great man he become, THERE IS HOPE for us, if we too become worshippers of the God of Joseph, the maker of heaven and earh and the LORD of history. Do we know the God of Joseph? GLORY GLORY LORD HALLELUJAH!
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:17:18 +0000
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