Welcome,
Glad you could join us on another episode on this blog. Our topic for today is also one of topics in the New Beginning Series. Today, we would be looking into the life of Joseph and I pray that as you read, may your eyes of understanding be flooded with light in Jesus name. Amen.
The story of the life of Joseph is a very interesting one. It is filled with betrayal, determination, reconciliation and love. It is a story of a man with a divine purpose, who set out to fulfil it by all means.
Joseph was born into the family of Jacob. He and Benjamin were the only sons of Rachael (Jacob’s favoured wife). The other sons were that of Leah and her handmaid. Jacob loved Joseph more than all the other sons. It was very apparent and pronounced that it made the other brothers hate Joseph. Combined with his various dreams that foretold his greatness, they just couldn’t stand him. Though he was their brother, they despised him. His father also gave him a multi-coloured tunic which was a symbol of precedence over his brothers.
When their father sent him to check on his other brothers, something happened that totally changed his life. As his brothers saw him from afar, they plotted to kill him but they eventually sold him to some merchants on transit. Joseph’s life was totally overturned by this unpleasant wickedness done to him. On the other end, his brothers lied to their father – Jacob that he had been killed by a wild animal.
Joseph had to spend 22 years in slavery and prison, he was betrayed and lied against but he never lost his gaze on purpose. He never compromised his faith in God. He never looked out for shortcuts. Ask yourself today. Are you looking for shortcuts? A striking example of an incidence that happened in his life can be found in Genesis 39. Joseph was lured by his master’s wife to lay with her but he did not.
“Gen 39:7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.
Gen 39:8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;
Gen 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
The reply he gave Potiphar’s wife in verse 9 is very thought provoking. He said how could he “do this great wickedness and sin against God” How many times have you been faced with situations that warranted that you deny your faith? How many times have you been faced with challenges when the only seeming solution was to deny God? How many times have you replied like Joseph? How many times have you replied those people “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”
God is calling us to a life that never compromises even in the face of challenges. Don’t be a compromise-Christian. Joseph was locked up in prison because he chose to defend his faith. How many times are you ready to defend your faith no matter the odds?
For us to have a new beginning like Joseph, we have to be able to stand firm in the face of the challenges of faith. You cannot eat your bread and have it. You cannot enjoy the perverted riches of the world and still enjoy God’s grace. It is not possible. You cannot continue to dine with the world and expect to have a new beginning in your life.
After spending years in prison as a result of taking his stand for righteousness, God provided a way out for Joseph. God gave him a New Beginning. Everything he thought he had lost, all the greatness he thought he would never achieve, God restored to him in a beautiful New Beginning. The promises of God eventually came to pass in his life. No matter how long it seems to be, the promises of God will come to pass in your life. Let’s read how God elevated Joseph,
“Gen 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
Gen 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
Gen 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”
What an outstanding fulfilment. God elevated Joseph and made him the ruler of the whole of Egypt. He became the most popular and most respected personality in Egypt at that time.
God is a God of new beginnings. No matter the troubles or challenges you are currently facing because of your stand for the faith, it will definitely pay off. God will give you the new beginning that will catapult you into greatness. Don’t compromise. Stay strong.
I am sure you have been blessed by this post today. Kindly share with your family and friends so that they can also enjoy these words of encouragement. God bless you.
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