This teaching examines the account of Joseph in the Book of Genesis.
Joseph received amazing information from God despite the trying circumstances of his life.
- His siblings hated him
- The dreams that he received were revelation from God, and his brothers hated him, but he stood firm
- Despite the scorn, Joseph remained receptive
- Even his parents rebuked him, yet it did not deter Joseph
- His brothers even conspired to kill him!
Joseph could have been bitter, resentful, etc, but he was not. He never doubted the information that he had received. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt- even there, he received revelation and most assuredly credited God for his success. Joseph was trustworthy, honest, and a man of integrity- his captors just let him get on with his business because they trusted him. Joseph was more concerned with living his life before God rather than people. All of these characteristics helped him stay receptive to God. They did not qualify him to receive revelation; they helped him stay receptive. We have all been accepted and found blameless by the work of Jesus Christ.
Joseph is accused of rape and yet he stays receptive- not easy to do. He was in control of his body and emotions. Joseph is sent to jail and becomes the overseer; once again, God was with him. Even in jail, Joseph does not get cynical; he shows concern for the chief baker and cupbearer. Joseph interprets their dreams and attributes the information to God, and the cupbearer still forgets about him. How hard that must have been for Joseph. He spends the next two years in prison, and Pharaoh has a dream. Joseph interprets the two dreams that Pharaoh had and tells him that it is God who has given him the information. Joseph shows no hesitancy in the revelation that he has received; he is confident. Joseph provides valuable information to Pharaoh, and Pharaoh recognizes the quality of Joseph’s character. The Pharaoh promotes Joseph to second-in-command over all of Egypt. Joseph was not self-seeking; he gave God all the glory, even before he knew he was going to be promoted.
He even names his sons in honor of God. He stayed receptive despite all the incredible hardships that he had endured. He also remained receptive, even when he had the authority that was given to him. We will consider this further in the following teaching.
It was Joseph’s character and mental discipline that kept him receptive to God. He did not earn God’s love, he, like us, already had that. We should never have any doubt about God’s love for us .