Read: Genesis 37-50
Who comes to your mind when you think of someone who has given you good examples to follow in life? During a recent game of Bible baseball (Bible trivia), a question was asked about the life of Joseph in the biblical book of Genesis (chapters 37-50). It was a reminder to me of how many wonderful life examples he shows us in those chapters.
Like all of us, Joseph was not perfect. Jesus is the only person to ever live a perfect/sinless life. (1 John 3:5) When it comes to examples sometimes we can learn from others mistakes as well as their positive character traits. In essence, we learn what and what not to do. Joseph displayed some of both in his life, but this week I want to focus on the positive life examples he left. Here are just a few of them…
Make the best of a bad situation: After being sold to slave traders by his brothers in Israel, Joseph made the best of his circumstances and was eventually put in charge of the entire country of Egypt. His wisdom and discernment saved many people from a famine throughout the region.
Resist temptation and stay true to God: While in Egypt one of the leader’s wives tried to tempt Joseph into adultery. Joseph resisted this temptation and stayed true to the Lord. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, and he was thrown into jail. The Lord was with him in jail and eventually he was released to interpret dreams for Pharaoh. This led to him being put in charge of Egypt.
Live a life of grace and forgiveness: Some years later Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt to get food because of a famine. They did not realize that their brother Joseph (whom they had sold to slave traders years before) was now the one in charge of Egypt. Instead of getting revenge Joseph reveals himself and eventually extends grace to his brothers. He then invites the family, including his father Jacob, to come live in Egypt in order to survive the famine.
Make it Personal: There is much more to this wonderful story and many other life examples that can be learned. I encourage you to read it for yourself. The story of Joseph encourages all of us to ask what kind of life example we are leaving for those closest to us. How do we handle the challenges as well as the blessings in life? Others are watching!
Have a great week, Pastor Glen Rhodes
