“The character of Joseph”
Summary
When we think of "the patriarchs", the following likely come to
mind...
a. Abraham, man of faith
b. Isaac, son of promise
c. Jacob father of the twelve tribes of Israel
Yet consider this about the patriarch Joseph...
a. More space in Genesis is devoted to him than the others
b. There is not a single word of reproof against Joseph
Indeed, "The Character Of Joseph" is worthy of careful study...
a. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life
b. His magnanimity as ruler and brother
-- Make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an
illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the
world in perfection (ISBE)
[Let's review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful
character displayed by this man of God. We begin with..]
JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN
A. HATED BY HIS BROTHERS...
Telling on his brothers didn't help - Gen 37:2
Favoritism by his father certainly hurt - Gen 37:3-4
His dreams made it worse - Gen 37:5-11
They eventually sold him as a slave - Gen 37:12-36
Spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him - Gen 37:21-22
Spared death by Judah, who suggested slavery instead - Gen 37:26-27
B. FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER...
Some children rebel against their parents to win approval from
their siblings
Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his
wishes
[One might think such ill treatment, followed by separation from country
and kin, would produce bitterness and hopeless in such a young man. Yet
"The Character Of Joseph" really shines as we consider...]
. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT
A. OVERSEER IN POTIPHAR'S HOUSE...
1. Blessed by God, Joseph found favor in Potiphar's eyes...