Leaders of the Bible: Joseph

Genesis 37:12-28, 39:1-17, 41:37-45

Stories of adversity are ones that we are drawn to. I think a reason why is because in some way we see ourselves as one of the characters in the story, whether it’s good or bad. We can be the one who is oppressed and in other ways (knowingly or unknowingly) we can hinder and oppress others. We are drawn towards sin (Romans 3:23) and can believe our way is better than God’s. The story of Joseph is one that is a myriad of ways we can relate to; a story of jealousy, lineage, adversity, triumph, and mercy. 

The story of Joseph is one you have probably heard many times before; the story of a young man named Jacob (descendent of Abraham) who has 12 sons, but the one he loved most was Joseph. Joseph was given a very beautiful colorful coat that further proved his favor among their father. The brothers being wildly jealous of Joseph, sold him into slavery. But, Joseph years later becomes a leader and saves the entire Middle East from famine. That’s the short version of a very lonnnnng long story - but as a prominent story and leader in the bible, we have a lot to learn from him. 

By the time Joseph was 30, through a series of really interesting circumstances which I don’t have the space to explain, he rises to power. A key phrase you will read is that ‘the Lord was with him’. Joseph’s leadership was not just because of his obedience of God’s word but because the Lord allowed Him to experience these things. It was within God’s sovereignty for Joseph to end up where he was and the result of a difficult story was seen through redemption. Joseph didn’t deserve the things that happened to him, and we could find other stories like that too; Job or even Jesus. But, with God’s authority over the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1) we are able to watch a story of adversity unfold into one of reconciliation. 

When thinking about leadership in your own life, how tempted are you to believe that good leadership comes from your abilities? How can you believe that God is with you and because of that you can step into leadership boldly? How are you tempted to believe your past dictates your present and future? Process and repent these things. Ask God to turn you back to Him.