Wednesday, October 23rd

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22

 



 Joseph has always been one of my favorite Bible heroes.  He was humble, selfless, and demonstrated a very powerful walk with the Lord.  He didn't just talk about his relationship with God; he lived it.  It's no wonder why Joseph's testimony earned him a position in our Wall of Faith chapter, Hebrews 11.

 

Most of us know the story of Joseph.  Although he was the eleventh son of Jacob, he was the firstborn child with his beloved wife, Rachel.  Joseph was his father's favorite, of this there can be no doubt.  However, Joseph behaved himself wisely and was always a blessing to his family.  He had been taught the ways of God, and unlike his brothers, Joseph had a personal relationship himself with the Lord.  Even so, Joseph was often abused by his brothers, humiliated, and finally, sold into slavery.  I can't imagine how Joseph's heart must have been ripped out as he was bound by a band of Ishmeelites and sold as a slave---by his own family!  Even in Egypt, Joseph was blessed by God.   When Potiphar's wife wanted to have an adulterous relationship with Joseph, he refused and left her standing with his coat.  When he was cast into prison, Joseph served God anyway.  When he was forgotten by those who promised they'd talk to Pharoah about his case, Joseph continued faithfully---blessing those in prison with him and being obedient as a prisoner.  Finally, after Joseph was released from prison and made 2nd in command of all of Egypt, he didn't allow success to influence him.  He STILL walked with God.  His God-led wisdom was the reason that the Hebrew people were saved from certain death during the famine in Egypt.  From the mire in the dungeon to the throne in the palace, Joseph humbly and obediently served God.  In the bad times, he clung to the Lord's protection and guidance; during the good times, he praised God and allowed himself to be used without being lifted up in pride. 

 

Joseph was a man of great faith.  During his death, he explained that God would deliver his people out of the bondage of Egypt.  Now, what's significant about this is that at the time Joseph spoke about being brought forth out of Egypt, the children of Israel (Jacob) were not even in bondage!  The forced slavery didn't come about until after a new Pharoah took the throne who did not know Joseph.  When Joseph's life came to an end, Joseph reminded those at his bedside that even though they would be in bondage in Egypt, there would come a day when the bondage would end.  Even in death, Joseph chose not to dwell on the bad (the coming enslavement) but focused on the good (there would come a deliverer).

 

Joseph---absolutely one of my favorites.  Never let anybody tell you that young people can't make a difference.  Joseph did.

Scripture Reading for the Day:

Proverbs 23
Romans 4