We've all, at some point in our lives, been
introduced to this man. Joseph has been portrayed in many movies and
theatre. His life is definitely a favourite to novelists as well, as it seems
the climactic way his life turns seems to set the stage for what we know today
as a 'well written story' (see Donald Miller's book Storyline 2.0).
His story, in comparison to our own, may be quite different, but we can learn
much about the Sovereignty of God by reading through his story chapter by
chapter, line by line.
I was first introduced to Joseph when I was young. Sitting through Sunday
School classes, I learned much about this man who, through many different
experiences in his life, could somehow say to his brothers after all that had
transpired, 'You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order
to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So
therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. So he
comforted them and spoke kindly to them' (Genesis 50:20, 21). How
could Joseph say such things? What was it about his character that seems to
span the centuries? How can we learn to adopt this kind of perspective in the
lives we lead?
Warren Wiersbe in his Old Testament Commentary writes "The history of
Joseph can be read on at least three different levels. If we read it simply as
literature, we discover a fascinating story involving a doting father, a
pampered son, some jealous brothers, a conniving wife, and an international
food crisis. It’s no wonder that for centuries creative artists have turned to
this story for inspiration...But Genesis 37—50 is much more than a piece of
dramatic literature, for when you penetrate deeper, you discover a story
abounding with profound theological implications. The hand of God [aka God’s
Sovereignty] is evident in every scene, ruling and overruling the decisions
people make, and in the end, God builds a hero, saves a family, and creates a
nation that will bring blessing to the whole world…behind this story is the
heart of the covenant-making God, who always keeps His promises. For the
Christian believer, there’s a third level to the story, for Joseph is one of
the richest illustrations of Jesus Christ found in the Old Testament. Joseph is
like Jesus in that he was beloved by his father and obedient to his will; hated
and rejected by his own brethren and sold as a slave; falsely accused and
unjustly punished; finally elevated from the place of suffering to a powerful
throne, thus saving his people from death. The major difference, of course, is
that Joseph was only reported to be dead, while Jesus Christ did give His life
on the cross and was raised from the dead in order to save us".
So let us follow together through the Life of Joseph, shall we? I am intrigued
by his heart and captivated by how, even in the midst of difficulty, he desired
to glorify the LORD. But let us be ready, not to glorify a man, but to see, in
the midst of one man's story, the ever-gracious and loving Father who '...meant
it for good in order...to preserve many people alive' (Gen. 50:20).
Let's discover together the heart of the Sovereign LORD who desires our lives
to be shaped by the purpose of saving many lives.
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