Genesis 39:21-22, “But the LORD was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the LORD made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.”
Joseph’s life is an example of someone who experienced disappointments and betrayal. His hardships were the training ground for repeatedly severe setbacks that ultimately positioned him for God’s ultimate purpose for Joseph, a role he could not see at those times of suffering, which shows us God’s omnipotence, who works everything according to His will.
When Joseph was young, he wore his special, king-like robe, which his father Jacob had given him, around his brothers. However, it was a type of robe, primarily worn by royalty in those days, that indicated status. It was ankle-length, long-sleeved, and colorful. This display of favoritism may have contributed to Joseph’s perceived arrogance and boastfulness, which created tension with his brothers. The robe was a symbol of Jacob’s favoritism of his son Joseph, which aggravated his brothers. In that day, most people wore a knee-length robe, like a jacket or coat, that could be used to bundle belongings for a trip, wrap up babies, and serve as a knee-length blanket to sit on. So, you can see the difference between Joseph’s robe and the robes his brothers would wear.
Joseph’s brothers never spoke kindly to Joseph due to their hearts that were filled with anger, envy, jealousy, hatred, and the eventual plot of murder (Gen. 37:21-22). But Reuben, recognizing the gravity of their actions, convinced his brothers not to kill Joseph and had a plan to rescue him. Judah realized that if they killed Joseph, they would have to cover up their crime, so instead came up with the idea to sell Joseph to a group of Ishmaelite traders, which they did. Their actions teach us about the destructive power of envy and anger, and how God’s mercy can still work through human mistakes to fulfill His divine plan.
Now fast forward to Genesis 39:21-22. Joseph learned the value of righteousness, loving God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and endurance in his faithfulness to God, despite unjust circumstances. Joseph’s brothers tried to cover up their sin with trickery, deception, and lies against Joseph to their father, Jacob. Still, God saw it all and had His divine plan for them, showing God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and wisdom in guiding Joseph through his trials, and integrity in Joseph’s life.
Joseph’s talents and knowledge came from God, as they also do for us. Joseph had specialized training (while in prison, of all places) that prepared him for the future position God had in store for him all along. While in prison, he learned a new language (Egyptian), a new culture, gained new intelligence and skills, had a positive attitude, and did his best to do the best job he could, no matter how small the task. But he also saw the spiritual blindness around him. Joseph then grew in discernment, which prepared him for his eventual promotion to be the king’s governor. He went from being Joseph, the favored son of Joseph, to a slave in Egypt, a prisoner, and ultimately the governor in Pharaoh’s court (Gen. 41-42). Side note: Egyptians considered themselves superior to Hebrew shepherds, calling them uncultured and lower in rank. Joseph’s family were Hebrew shepherds.
Are you feeling great disappointment? Do you feel you are being treated unjustly? Trust that God’s presence is with you, guiding and strengthening you through every challenge. Above all else, guard your heart, for it determines what flows out of your mouth– Proverbs 4:20-23. Kill those seeds of sin that will destroy you as they did to Joseph’s brothers. God sees your efforts as he saw Joseph’s: to have integrity and to work hard, doing his best even in small tasks, while he was in prison. Those efforts paid off: they pleased God and earned Joseph recognition and advancement for his diligence, and he was promoted to prison administrator. Joseph’s reputation was enhanced, his confidence grew, and he gained more experience, knowledge, and spiritual maturity. The warden, in the prison where Joseph was kept at this time (Gen. 39:21-22), “had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The LORD was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.” Remember, you are not alone, and trusting in God’s presence will bring comfort and hope during your struggles because you are secure in God’s almighty hands.
Listen to Aware Worship – Trust In God (Featuring Mark Gutierrez).