Fit For Service (Part 7b-Joseph)

This is week twelve of our study: Fit for Service.  In our last lesson we learned that Joseph was long suffering/patient, he exhibited self-control and was trustworthy. Today we will continue looking at the life of Joseph to see what made him usable by God.  

Fourth, Joseph was forgiving. 

Genesis 41:21-25, Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.” 

 “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy?” Reuben asked. “But you wouldn’t listen. And now we have to answer for his blood!” 

Of course, they didn’t know that Joseph understood them, for he had been speaking to them through an interpreter. Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes. 

Joseph then ordered his servants to fill the men’s sacks with grain, but he also gave secret instructions to return each brother’s payment at the top of his sack. He also gave them supplies for their journey home. (NLT) 

Genesis 45:3-5 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. (NLT) 

Imagine coming face to face with the person(s) who had mocked you, abused you, caused you to be enslaved, imprisoned, and prevented you from being with your family. Our natural human reaction would probably be to retaliate or at least talk to them in a harsh manner.  Our human reaction would not likely be that of forgiveness.  However, that is just how Jesus told us to response. Joseph demonstrated this kind of forgiveness toward his brothers.  

Matthew 6:15, But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (ESV) 

Colossians 3:13, Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (ESV) 

Finally, Joseph was discerning and demonstrated wisdom.   

Genesis 41:33-40, “Therefore, Pharaoh should find an intelligent and wise man and put him in charge of the entire land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh should appoint supervisors over the land and let them collect one-fifth of all the crops during the seven good years. Have them gather all the food produced in the good years that are just ahead and bring it to Pharaoh’s storehouses. Store it away, and guard it so there will be food in the cities. That way there will be enough to eat when the seven years of famine come to the land of Egypt. Otherwise this famine will destroy the land.” Joseph’s suggestions were well received by Pharaoh and his officials.  

So Pharaoh asked his officials, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.” (NLT) 

Genesis 41:47-49, 53-54, As predicted, for seven years the land produced bumper crops. During those years, Joseph gathered all the crops grown in Egypt and stored the grain from the surrounding fields in the cities. He piled up huge amounts of grain like sand on the seashore. Finally, he stopped keeping records because there was too much to measure.  

At last the seven years of bumper crops throughout the land of Egypt came to an end. Then the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had predicted. The famine also struck all the surrounding countries, but throughout Egypt there was plenty of food. (NLT) 

Genesis 51:56-57, So with severe famine everywhere, Joseph opened up the storehouses and distributed grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout the land of Egypt. And people from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world. 

Jospeh exhibited both wisdom and discernment in his dealings with the Egyptians during the seven years of plenty so that during the seven years of famine they could be provided for.  He not only saved the nation of Egypt, but his wise actions also allowed him to save people from the surrounding nations, including his own family! 

James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (ESV) 

Proverbs 3:13-18, Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. (ESV) 

God gives us wisdom to fulfill the mission, ministry, calling, etc. He has given us.  We, like Joseph, must tap into that wisdom in all our decisions.  God will always lead us if we seek Him!  

In conclusion, we have learned that Joseph was long suffering/patient, he exhibited self-control, he was trustworthy, he was forgiving, and he was discerning and demonstrated wisdom. May we, like Joseph, be Fit for Service!