LESSONS FROM THE BIBLICAL JOSEPH

There are many incidents in the Bible from which we can draw didactic lessons. One of these experiences that has shaped my outlook on life and how I connect with those around me is the story of Joseph.

At a certain time, in the land of Canaan, lived a man named Jacob. He had married two sisters as wives, daughters of Laban, with whom he had worked with for fourteen years.  Leah, being the elder sister and Rachael being the younger of the two.

Both wives bore him twelve sons, but he loved his son, Joseph, the son of his wife, Rachael, the most. Joseph was a kind and gentle boy who always tried to do the right thing. He was also very talented and had a gift for interpreting dreams.

One day, Jacob gave Joseph a special coat of many colors as a gift, which he wore proudly. This coat made him stand out from his brothers and made them jealous of him. They became resentful and began to pick on him.

One night, Joseph had a dream in which he saw his brothers bowing down to him. He told his brothers about his dream, but they only grew more envious of him. One day, Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers while they were tending to the sheep. When they saw him coming, they conspired against him and planned to kill him.

However, one of his brothers, Judah, intervened, suggesting that Joseph be thrown into a pit which was just around the corner. The motive powering this decision, was to create an opportunity of distraction so that Judah can secretly save Joseph. Even though, this intent was noble and what any average man would think for a brother he really loves, God had other plans for Joseph. His brothers decided to sell him into slavery.

Joseph was taken as a slave to Egypt, where he was sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. Despite facing numerous difficulties, Joseph remained loyal to his faith in God and worked diligently. He earned Potiphar’s trust and was appointed to oversee his household affairs.

Despite his success, Joseph’s misfortunes continued when Potiphar’s wife made advances towards him, which he refused. In retaliation, she falsely accused him of attempting to rape her, leading to Joseph’s imprisonment. Undeterred, Joseph maintained his faith in God and used his gift of dream interpretation to help his fellow inmates.

One day, Pharaoh had a perplexing dream that nobody could decipher, but news of Joseph’s talent reached him. Joseph was summoned to interpret the dream, and he revealed that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by his interpretation, Pharaoh appointed Joseph as his second-in-command, entrusting him with the responsibility of preparing for the impending famine.

When the famine struck, Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt seeking food. Not recognizing him, they were unaware that Joseph was now a prominent Egyptian official dressed in royal attire. Joseph tested his brothers, but ultimately forgave them and reunited with his family.

Some of the lessons I have distilled from my understanding of the story of Jacob are as follows;

1. Being circumspect in speech is important.
2. Be observant of how those around you treat you.
3. Stay serving your community with your gifts.
4. Define your values and get ready to defend them when under pressure.
5. Excellence and skill can distinguish an individual but it is the grace of God gives a man with skill and an excellent spirit, an edge.
6. Whatever is meant for harm, God can turn it around for good.

In conclusion, the story of Joseph is wrought with several lessons. It teaches us the concept of diligence, honesty, discipline, resilience, steadfastness to faith, the importance of forgiveness amongst others.