The affection of his father, Jacob, gained Joseph the jealousy of his brothers. His naivete earned him their hatred. His loyalty and truthfulness got him prison time. His friendship and service did not bring him an honorable mention. Yet, the Bible teaches, he was obedient to God and continued to do good!
For this, God's favor was upon Joseph when his brothers considered killing him; when he was sold to the Arab traders; when he came to Potiphar's house; when he ended up in Potiphar's prison; and when he was brought out and appointed to the highest rank in the land, second only to the Pharaoh. God's favor upon Joseph was not a hidden matter, but it was apparent to all around him. For God gave Joseph success and blessed everyone around him!
All through, the humility of Joseph was remarkable. In verse 33 of Genesis, chapter 41, we read of Joseph's counsel to the king, "My suggestion is that you find the wisest man in Egypt and put him in charge of a nationwide program." Here was Joseph who had spent more than a decade away from the love of his father and mother, forcefully sold into slavery by the very brothers he loved, rotting away in a foreign prison, forgotten by all, yet he did not use this golden opportunity in front of the king to get out of the prison by trumpeting the ability to interpret dreams as his own. He did not recommend himself to administer the king's program to battle the coming famine, nor did he make a proclamation to deliver success if appointed as an overseer of the king's program. He continuously, without fail, gave God the glory and gave his counsel without an expectation of a remuneration!
When Christianity is replete with self proclaimed prophets, apostles and miracle workers who trumpet achievements as their own, like warriors of old would display enemy scalps, for the world's recognition, we have to remind ourselves that our savior Christ loved the Pharisees, the Sadducee, and the unbeliever. He forgave his detractors - the ones who rejected him, publicly ridiculed him and then killed him! Christ was able to forgive them because he was humble and he continues to forgive us our shortcomings. Isaiah 53 speaks of his humility and sacrifice. Lord grant us your grace to be humble that we may forgive our detractors and continue to do good.
I need you now by Plumb
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