LESSONS FROM JOSEPH

11/11/XXXX; my birthday. I decided to countdown by learning from the biblical Patriarch, Joseph. Here is what I learnt.

Day -6

The Dreamer

It’s ok to be a dreamer. Sometimes, like Joseph, you won’t fully understand your dreams. But dream dreams that promise a better future, dreams that propel you to work harder every day and be a better person.

Don’t build your dreams on the backs of others but rather let your dreams empower somebody.

Genesis 37

Day -5

Forward Thinking

Thoughts shape us, they define our intent and being. The past has with it its sad moments and happy moments but you can't build a future whilst constantly looking back. You need to let go and move on! Move forward! I wondered why Joseph never went back to Canaan when he became the Governor. He had his reasons, but Canaan came to him somehow. It strikes me, the way he handles his past, with caution. Take caution, forgiving people doesn’t mean being ignorant to their character. Your mental health is very important

Day -4

In service for a purpose

So Joseph finds himself in prison. Yet even in prison he is found trustworthy by the warden and given tasks which he performs well. So it’s really not about where you are or what you do, God gives us all a purpose and we can serve him with little. Joseph was accountable in prison and receives the biggest promotion in history from prisoner to governor. Each of our gifts are for the service of fellow man and ultimately God.

Genesis 41

Day -3

Revelation

Genesis 41 is like a fairy tale. I can imagine Joseph sleeping in his cell, he is abruptly awaken by guards who shave him, dress him and moments later he is before the most powerful man in the world. How his life is transformed in moments he has a beautiful wife, influential job and the best Chariots. What’s astounding about this Chapter is how God reveals himself to this pagan King, Pharaoh. Through a dream, testimony and the ministry of Joseph.

Day -2

To Dine

At the last supper Jesus dined with Judas, the one who would betray him. Joseph in Genesis 43 also dines with his brothers and at that stage he wasn't sure whether they had changed. One might argue they obeyed him out of fear. God prepares a table for his children in the presence of their enemies. Doesn't that mean that we must dine with them? Be careful where you places the knives though.

Genesis 43

Day -1

A Sacrifice

The brothers finished their dealings with Joseph and are on their way home. They had come with Benjamin so they hurry to take him back to his father yet Joseph delays them, he places a silver cup in Benjamin’s bag and claims Benjamin stole it. Judah, who was once keen on killing Joseph is now willing to sacrifice his life for Benjamin’s. Not only his life but he pledged his children as surety. A changed Judah indeed. Judah might have been guilty for his past sins....but no guilt led Christ, the Son of God who was God himself, to the cross. GENESIS 44

Day 0

A promise

Genesis 46:2-3 (KJV) And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.

And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

God promised to be with Israel even in Egypt and his promise still stood to bring his seed into the Promised Land. The interesting human characters we have met, the 12 tribes of Israel are the very gates we will be using to enter heaven by God’s grace. Revelation 21:12