Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a picture of integrity, suffering, and divine providence. He was deeply loved by his father, who gave him a tunic of many colors (Genesis 37:3), but envied by his brothers. Their jealousy led them to sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:28), thinking they had silenced his dreams.
Yet, even in Egypt, God was with Joseph. Genesis 39:2 says, “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man.” He rose in Potiphar’s house, was falsely accused, and imprisoned, but God continued to favor him.
In prison, Joseph interpreted dreams through God’s wisdom, which led to his promotion before Pharaoh. Genesis 41:39-40 says, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this… you shall be over my house.” He became second in command and stewarded Egypt through a severe famine.
Joseph’s rise was not just for personal deliverance, but for the preservation of life. When his brothers came to Egypt, he tested and ultimately forgave them. In one of the most profound statements on God’s sovereignty, Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”
Joseph is also noted for his purity. When tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he refused, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
Hebrews 11:22 records his faith even in death, as he made mention of the Exodus and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Joseph’s life teaches us about enduring faith, forgiveness, and how God uses suffering for redemptive purposes.
