Ordinary People – Extraordinary Lives: Joseph
Brian Sump
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
The end result in Joseph’s life:
The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.” Genesis 39:2-6 NIV
- Joseph was extraordinarily successful and prosperous
The back-story of Joseph’s life:
“So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.” Genesis 37:28 NIV
“When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.” Genesis 39:19-20 NIV
- Joseph was extraordinarily humble
- He received unjust punishment (Genesis 37:28, Genesis 39:19)
- Joseph was extraordinarily obedient
- He listened to God’s voice (Genesis 40:8, Genesis 41:33-36)
- He responded to God’s requests (Genesis 41:47-50, Genesis 47:13)
- Joseph was extraordinarily patient
- He waited on God to lift him up (Genesis 41:50-52)
- Joseph was extraordinarily faithful
- He denied himself pleasure (Genesis 39:8-10)
- He gave God the glory (Genesis 45:7-9, Genesis 50:19)
- Joseph was extraordinarily gracious
- He restored those who betrayed him (Genesis 50:18-21)
- He gave generously to those in need (Genesis 47:23-24)