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lola-0204 · 5 years ago

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It's about the Endgame

I will be focused on the story of Joseph. Genesis Chapter 37-42. I will basically summarizing so bear with me, for the entire scripture please read your bible.

Alright I really enjoy the story of Joseph because he went through so much but He still came out on top. God had Him every step of the way even though it didn't seem that way at all during most parts of his journey. Joseph was the most loved son of Jacob and he showed it by the way he treated him. The bible says in Genesis 37:4 that Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful robe as a gift. This probably the norm with Joseph receiving more than his brothers and they hated him for this, they could not stand him.

In Chapter 37, God reveals his endgame for Joseph's life in dreams. He shows Joseph his future, his destination, but doesn't show him the in between and how he is to get to the endgame. God knows where you are going and He knows how you should get there so trust him to do it for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says " For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord " They are plans for good and not for disaster to give you a hope and a future". Our God will never put us in positions that will not do us any good. Joseph's path was already set for him and our paths are also set for us, we just need to walk in the footsteps God has set for us. Joseph in the excitement of wanting to share his blessings with those around him told his family about his dreams but they did not have the reaction he expected. They mocked him and hated him for thinking he could the image of greatness depicted in his dreams. The people around you like Joseph's family may try to discourage you form God's plan and they might not understand where you are going so only need to keep your mind on God's voice. It's the only voice that matters. If Abraham had refused to listen to God's voice he would not be the father of nations. If Moses did not listen to God's voice in the midst of the doubt that constantly surrounded him, the Israelites would be stuck in the wilderness. Let the voice of God be heard above the voices in the world that want to keep you where you are.

The bible says the brothers hated Joseph even more after the dreams and the jealousy remained in their hearts waiting to give way to sin. Jealousy is a gateway sin, meaning it opens the door for people to do many despicable things so they can outdo the person they are jealous of. We see the effects of jealousy with Cain and Abel when Cain killed his brother out of jealousy and also with David and Saul. The brothers were so blinded by their jealousy that did not see that they were all part of the promise as the sons of Jacob. As the sons of Jacob the became the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel, a promise that was part of their destiny since the time Abraham. They didnt see this promise and instead they focused on what was not meant for them. Let's be content with where we are, God knows why you are who you are, what you are capable of with what you have.

Let's carry on with Joseph.... so the brothers got an opportunity to carry out their malicious intent on Joseph when the father sent him to check on them in the field. They see him coming before he arrives an plan to kill him but Rubeun speaks up for him hoping to spare him without the knowledge of his brothers and they throw him in a ditch. Later they end up selling him to some Ishmaelites that were passing through. The Ishmaelites then sold him to Potiphar in Egypt. The brothers thought they got one over on Joseph and crushed his dreams, but they didn't realize that they had just started God's chain reaction. They placed Joseph exactly where God wanted him to be, to move him towards His endgame. Potiphar being the captain of the palace guard started Joseph's political career and the rise to his destiny.

In Potiphar's house as a servant, a person of no value God exalted Joseph by blessing him and making the master notice. He had lessons to learn in that season and God made sure that Potiphar put Joseph in a position to learn. In that season Joseph did not spend time complaining and brooding about where he found himself, but he trusted God and continued to work and putting his best into every task he was giving. Colossians 3:23 tells to "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Joseph did this despite his circumstances and how he got there and we should do the same. Let God define the way you live, react to situations and act, this way you approach everything with love. Joseph had been given a great job with benefits unknowingly by his brothers while they tended sheep.

In the midst of his blessing, Joseph had an enemy whose aim is always to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). This time his weapon of choice was Potiphar's wife who had taken a liking to Joseph. That's the problem with being blessed, everyone wants a piece even if it's for good or bad, you attract attention. At this point with everything in the palm of his hands, it would have been easy for Joseph to turn from God and give into the seduction but he remained steadfast and refused to disgrace God or his master. His answer shows us that he had respect for what he had been given: Genesis 39:8-9 But Joseph refused "Look" he told her " my master trust me with everything in his entire household. Noone here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing?. It would be a great sin against God." How many of us can truly say we would have reacted the same way. Honestly I am sure not many. When we are un certain position in life, we forget God and we live for ourselves and our sinful desires. Strive to maintain a dedication to God that is forever growing and never cease despite where you are in life.

When Potiphar's wife failed, she accused Joseph of raped, which had him not only ripped of all his blessings, his position but also had him thrown in jail. Sometimes faithfulness to God means you have to welcome negative reactions, don't be discouraged God won't leave you alone. Luke 9:23-24 " Then he said to the crowds" if any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish way, take up your cross daily and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake you will save it. Do not be enticed by the false hopes of the world, cling and hold on to God who gives eternal life.

Even in prison Joseph was respected and held in the highest regard, not just the other prisoners but by the prison warden as well. He was put in charge of the other prisoners. If you notice that from the beginning of Joseph's journey he never stopped being a leader, as his endgame was leadership. God was preparing him, teaching him every step of the way. Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them". God is putting the puzzle pieces together for you finished picture, just be patient and do what you are supposed to be doing in the interim.

It took 2 years for Joseph to reach the next level when he got to prison. The cup bearer he helped in the beginning forgot about him, till Pharoah had a dream that not one his trusted wise men could interpret. Joseph was positioned in the right place for Pharaoh to find him when the time came. Even then He still gave God glory telling Pharoah that it was not by his might or power but because of God. Joseph's spirit and his insistence on God is very inspirational to me, this should be where we all aspire to be with God.

At every place in his journey that Joseph was, God never left him. All things he lent along the way, he used to help Pharoah. The politics and administration he lent in the house of Potiphar was put to good use. Pharoah put Joseph in charge of the entire land of Egypt as his second in command. Joseph's dream at 17 was now a reality in Chapter 42 with his brothers bowing before him buying grain in the time of drought.

We have to be vigilant with God. Do not give up when times are tough and do not cast him away when things are good. Joseph faced trials that a lot of people face though the format of the trials is different but in all this he remained faithful to God. With every place he found himself, a plan was in motion. He saw his end but am sure he didn't expect the route he took to get there.

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