Wisdom Wednesday: The Wisdom of the Early Believers
Part 7 The Wisdom of Joseph
Submitted by Debbie’s Dad
“Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Gen 50:18–20) NASB 95
In this series we proceeded from Job, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) to the 12 Sons of Israel examining the wisdom theme throughout their lives. Last week, we looked at the legacy of these early believers who, without any written scripture, were addressed by the unseen God and followed Him.
Now, we look at the favored son of Israel – Joseph. The account of his life reveals his fear of the Lord and the resulting wise behavior, as evidenced by his behavior in extreme circumstances.
- Favored Son and Rejected Brother – Joseph was loved by his father more than his brothers, and when he had dreams that clearly showed him reigning over his brothers, their jealousy turned to hatred. Joseph was then sold to slave traders headed to Egypt and reported as killed by his brothers. (Gen 37:12-36) We wonder – was it right to share this dream with his brothers? Did he not know they would hate his apparent arrogance? (Gen 37:1-11).
- Imprisoned Foreigner –Sold as a servant, Joseph grew in favor until he was betrayed and falsely accused and sent to prison, where God favored him with wisdom to interpret dreams, but he was betrayed again, yet trusted God throughout his trials and suffering. (Gen 39-40) He demonstrated the wisdom of trusting God in these darkest hours (again) and God miraculously raised him up to become a leader for the Pharoah, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt”. (Gen 41:41).
- Gracious to his Rejectors – (Gen 42-45) When he finally was approached by his brothers who rejected him, Joseph was harsh and cunning but did not reveal himself to them (chapters 43-44). But he was gracious when he revealed himself to them (45) and wisely acknowledged the providence of God. “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.” (45:7–8) This demonstrated Joseph’s wisdom of forgiveness and acknowledgement of God’s work in his and in the evil of his brothers’ lives to fulfill God’s larger purpose.
- Fruitful Son – Genesis 49 records the extended blessing of the aged Jacob to his sons. In this chapter, he acknowledged that Joseph was fruitful, strong, blessed beyond his ancestors (Abraham and Isaac), and distinguished among his brothers. (Gen 49:22-26)
- Wise, Exalted Leader – When Jacob died, his brothers feared that Joseph would finally get revenge on them now that the constraint of their father was gone, but Joseph once again reiterated his acceptance of God’s work in his life, “But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Gen 50:18-24)
Joseph’s life is a path of privilege to pain, and suffering to exaltation. He feared God, grew wise is God’s ways and played a pivotal role in saving his family, the Children of Israel, from famine and enabling them to recover in Egypt. His wisdom was demonstrated in his acknowledgement of God’s hand in his life and his acceptance of the path from betrayal by his brothers to benevolence toward his brothers.