Joseph’s enduring principle

For 13 years, Joseph languished in prison.  What did he do wrong?  Nothing.  On the contrary, he did good things in Potiphar’s house.  For, on account of him, God blessed the man and his household.

Even in prison, Joseph did exploits for God when he interpreted the dreams of two prison inmates.  He appealed to the cupbearer, “When all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.”

But the cupbearer forgot Joseph, which confirms the Akan proverb, “Good living produces forgetfulness.”

Forgotten, not forsaken

Yet, if God is with you, you may be forgotten by people, but you are not forsaken by God.  The Lord allowed Joseph to remain in prison until the appointed time.  And the appointed time was when Pharaoh had a dream.

God’s timing may not always sync with ours, but God’s time is the best.  The discipline of patience and trust are part of how we walk with the Lord.

Joseph was governed by an enduring principle, namely, reverence for God and for his honour and glory.  Remember the cause of his imprisonment.  Why did he say no to Mrs Potiphar’s sugar-mummy advances?

Joseph’s principle was: “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Such reverence and fear of God keep us away from wrongdoing.

Not I, but God!

Remember Joseph’s response when Pharaoh said to him, “I hear you can interpret dreams.”  Joseph’s immediate response was, “I cannot interpret dreams.  But God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”  Not an iota of glory did Joseph ascribe to himself.  Such humility pleases God and endears us to him.

No matter the abilities God has given us, our achievements and our status in life, it is God who enables us and to him alone be honour and glory.

Gracious provision

Joseph must have been awed by God’s gracious provision. A severe famine was approaching, but not before a bumper harvest would occur. God sees trouble from afar and prepares us to face it.

Of course, God could have stopped the famine, but he chose rather to allow it and then prepare his people to combat it.  He did this to demonstrate his power and authority over them.

When misfortune strikes, don’t ask “Why me?”  Rather say, “Lord, demonstrate your power in my circumstance!”

When Joseph successfully interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, the king was wise enough to appoint him, no one else, to manage the approaching phenomenon.

Note that Joseph did not even ask to be released from prison; nor did he recommend himself to be appointed as governor.  He simply waited and humbly anticipated God’s intervention.

Not only did Joseph interpret Pharoah’s dream; he also recommended massive savings as divine guidance on how to mitigate the dreadful effects of the approaching famine.

Savings is a wise principle of life; for abundance does not demand immediate consumption.  Always put something aside against a rainy day.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8).

Positive side

How did Joseph interpret the difficulties his brothers put him through? He said, “God sent me ahead of you to save lives . . . It was not you who sent me here, but God did.”

By looking at the positive side of his ordeal, he was able to forgive his brothers.  When we are wronged and wish to take revenge, may we be guided by the bigger picture of the circumstance. Apart from bloating our egos, there is really nothing to gain from revenge.

Joseph’s constant reverence to God helped him to overcome any pride that would have made him to retaliate. “God has made me Lord of all Egypt,” he said. It is God who “makes us”, not by ourselves or our abilities.

Forgiveness

This beautiful story of Joseph, which has blessed the world with great principles to edify humanity, would have fallen apart if he had failed to forgive his brothers for mistreating him.

By forgiving his brothers, hosting them, offering them free food for their families, and inviting his father to Egypt, Joseph brought unity, peace, and love that strengthened family cohesion.

Revenge and retaliation can destroy friendship and families, and even hurt the nation. That is why from time to time families and the nation need national reconciliation.

Upon realising the fulfilment of his dreams, Joseph did not tell his brother, “I told you I would be great and that you would someday bow before me.”

No.  Instead, he simply continued to extend kindness to his family and the rest of the people who came to him for food.
Joseph suffered so that others may be relieved.