JOSEPH: PATIENCE PERSONIFIED

In accordance with the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "patience" is a derivative of

the word "cope", which is the ability to deal effectively with something difficult.

Furthermore, and bearing in mind that the reading, study and communication (either

verbal or written) of the Word of God is a function of context, context, context. And

hopefully adhering rigidly the context of today's message, and as it relates to the

varying degrees of difficulty Joseph was tasked with. The Bible puts it like this: "Beloved,

think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange

thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;

that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." (1Peter 4:12-14).

Beyond the thrill of a rollercoaster ride, and the terror of a raging inferno, the foregoing

passages are tailor-made for this most encouraging and intriguing story of the

Patriarch Joseph as is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 37-50. It truly is a

gratifying, and yet, grievous narrative of a seventeen year old son who is celebrated by

his father and condemned by his older brothers. Nonetheless, he would be used by

God, as a type of Christ, in a mighty act of deliverance (salvation) of a nation.

This God ordained demonstration of love paralleled the love that Jesus wrought at

Calvary and on the Cross for us: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only

begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through

him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is

condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of

God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved

darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:16-19).

More specifically, and in consideration of the role his older brothers played in wreaking

havoc in the life of Joseph, and in response to the favoritism they witnessed from their

father Jacob (or Israel). Clearly, this qualified as envy at the very least. Ultimately, his

older brothers demonstrated that they were the product of a jealous spirit fueled by

animosity gone bad. In other words, they hated their younger brother, Joseph, and

began to plot his elimination. Needless to say, and I am convinced beyond a shadow of

a doubt, this adds another dimension to the meaning of the act of betrayal.

Nevertheless, and as dismal as things appeared to be at surface level, from Joseph's

naive persistence and a heart for God would be the qualities that defined his character

and fortified his faith! That is the key, my beloved. And as is the case for those of us

who profess to be followers of Christ Jesus, the key that unlocks the door the Kingdom

of Heaven is genuine humility, a broken spirit and a contrite heart. These serve as the

very fabric of love: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love

God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he

also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren." (Romans 8:28-29).

God blessed His servant Joseph with such gifts, and Joseph used them to realize the

Lord's purpose and plan for his life. Thus, Joseph became a type of Christ in the Old

Testament to enact deliverance, safety preservation, healing and soundness!!! Let us

cease not to put into practice that same brand of faith (i.e. saving faith) in order to

thwart the work of the devil. He would like nothing more than to put his foot on the

necks of each and every one of us.

In other words, his mission is to inflict pain, suffering, suffocation and eventually

separation and death. I can confidently express that He would like NOTHING more than

to witness your separation, my separation and the worlds separation from Almighty

God. In the Bible, separation is another word for death or a state of unforgiveness.

This is a state of being spiritually dead, or dead in your sins. I simply cannot put too

much emphasis on this subject matter. Hear this truth spoken by Jesus: "These words

spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for

his hour was not yet come. Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek

me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." (John 8:20-21).

To elaborate further on the notion of Joseph serving as a type, shadow or a parallel of

Jesus Christ, I like think of Joseph satisfying the role of the "New Covenant Connection."

He became the connection between God's covenant with Abraham and the fulfillment

of the new covenant upon the coming, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. He served

(via God's providence) as a means or source of deliverance (Salvation) to preserve the

posterity of the 12 tribes of Jacob (or Israel). Including himself, these represent the

sons of Jacob who's descendants became known as the "Children of Israel."

Additionally, the name Joseph implies: "God will increase."

The following are selected highlights of the various events and experiences that

defined the life of the Patriarch Joseph:

Genesis 37 (Joseph 17 years old)

• His brothers plot to kill him

• Reuben pleads with his brothers not to commit this heinous act

• Reuben suggested that Joseph be deposited into a pit

• His brothers agreed, removed his coat of many colors and into the pit he went

• Afterward, they had a bite to eat, and as though it was an ordinary day (!?!?!?)

• Juda decides and suggested that Joseph be sold to Ishmaelites, and all agreed

• Before they could get back and extract Joseph from the pit, Midianite merchantmen extracted and sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver (bring to mind anybody else?)

Genesis 39

• Joseph brought into Egypt and placed in the custody of Potiphar, Pharaoh's captain of the guard

• Scripture teaches us: "And the Lord was with Joseph..." (Genesis 39:2).

• Joseph was given authority over all the household of Potiphar and his possessions.

• Potiphar's wife expresses a desire for Joseph's company (seeking to seduce him) and begins to pursue him relentlessly ("day by day")

• Joseph rejected her advances, and thus refused to commit such a "great wickedness against God." It is noteworthy that he names God as the object upon which his allegiance, faith and obedience rested, as opposed to his earthly master

• Because of her false accusations, Joseph was imprisoned. But again, scripture reminds us: "...the Lord was with Joseph..."

• The keeper of the prison surrendered to Joseph all the affairs of the prison, and giving him full authority over the entire operation.

Genesis 40

• We now see in these verses, the prophetic dreams of Joseph coming to fruition: The butler and the baker of Pharoah are hastily imprisoned for committing acts that, obviously, warranted imprisonment. Once confined, they were immediately under Joseph's authority, and as were the balance of the prisoners. At this point, it certainly appears as though both the king and the captain of the guard were granting Joseph favor and responsibilities nothing short remarkable! However, appearances have known to be deceiving. For the plight of Joseph was not a series of events planned by man, but a destiny ordained by God (Job 23:10-12).

• Joseph's prophecy of the butler's restoration and the baker's condemnation comes to pass.

• God, in His sovereignty, gave Pharoah the ability to know and understand that Joseph was truly filled with the Spirit of God: "And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38).

And as I bring closure to this somewhat abbreviated and epic account of the story of

Joseph, I would highly recommend that those of you who have yet to read it, please do

so. And thus, in keeping with the Lord's will, that the foregoing narrative shall spark

your interest, my beloved!!!