Joseph the Prince

God is faithful to His promise and will and carry out his purpose as revealed to those faithfully serving Him. God's purpose for Joseph's life was fulfilled, but the journey to fame was marked by difficulties. He knew God was working with him  at the time of crisis and didn't allow the opportunity and comfort that would last for a moment to destroy God's plan for his future. Proverbs 16:9 - A man deviseth his way: but the Lord directed his steps. The followings are discussed: Temptation, Accusation and Imprisonment; Pharaoh's Dream Interpreted; and God Exalts and Blesses Joseph.

Temptation, Accusation and Imprisonment: Joseph had lived in crisis since he was sold as a slave to Egypt. He trusted God through the difficulty and finally found himself Potiphar's slave. His status was changed and was elevated from slavery to oversee his master's household because God was with him. He was prosperous as a slave, and brought prosperity into Potiphar's house. As a result, Potiphar promoted him to his personal assistant. Joseph was a beautiful and handsome young man that Potiphar's  wife made several attempts to force herself on him, but he didn't fall to the temptation (Genesis 39: 1-12). He was able to overcome the temptation because he determined not to sin against Potiphar and God, so that he would not miss the future blessing.

Potiphar's wife managed to trap Joseph in the crime that wasn't committed, after she had made failed attempts to make love to him. She told her husband that Joseph tried to rape her. Potiphar was probably angry but seemed not to be convinced because of the mild punishment he served Joseph. He sent him to prison reserved for government officials (Genesis 39:13-23). God's blessing continued to work for Joseph, even in the prison as he was loved, treated kindly and given responsibilities.  God will work through those who faithfully served Him and give them the grace to overcome challenges.

Pharaoh's  Dreams Interpreted: God's presence was abiding with Joseph in the prison as he was able to interpret dreams. God can give his people control over the future through revelation. Pharaoh was troubled by his dreams that he sought  interpretation of the wise men and magicians, but none of them could interpret the dreams. When Pharaoh got the information about Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams (Genesis 41:1-13) he sent for him. One of Pharaoh's servants had discovered God could use Joseph to change bad situation and bring blessing. Joseph had remained faithful in all troubles and God blessed him with supernatural knowledge. Problems can provide opportunity to tell others our trust in God. We should'nt allow  anything to destroy what makes God love and have pleasure in us.

Joseph gave credit to God for enabling him to interpret dreams. He interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, telling him the dreams were a warning for the future ( Genesis 41:14-32). God gave the revelation twice to show it was unavoidable and would soon come pass.

God Exalts and Blesses Joseph: Joseph didn't just interpret the dreams, he advised Pharaoh's on how to deal with the famine. Pharaoh discovered God was with Joseph and had given him wisdom. He made him a ruler over the people of Egypt and gave him full authority to make decisions (Genesis 41:14-32). All trials and troubles Joseph experienced had prepared him for leadership position. He didn't see defeat, but victory in troubles as he remained faithful to God.

God's plan was carried out in Joseph's life thirteen years after his brothers sold him into slavery, and when he was thirty years old (Genesis 41:46-52). If Joseph had forgotten about God and fallen into temptation, circumstances could have cut his life short, and he wouldn't have been elevated to the position God wanted him to be. He had kept faith, and didn't succumb to despair during hard times. It's through daily devotion and personal encounter with God that a believer can be strengthened to overcome trial and temptation. Lesson texts: Genesis 39:1-23; 41:1-52.