Articles
LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS (Part 4)
B.R. Smith wrote, “All the world loves a story, and the life of Joseph is one of the world’s greatest.” When one studies the life of Joseph, one cannot help but be enamored with the resiliency of Joseph. Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery by them at a young age, thrown in prison after refusing to commit adultery, and forgotten by Pharaoh’s butler after perfectly interpreting his dream. Yet his attitude, humility, patience, courage, and the rest of his character was shaped by great faith. Joseph’s life dwelt in the extremes, yet he remained constant in his loyalty to God. This loyalty paid off as he was put into a position that was second only to Pharaoh, that allowed him to forgive his brothers; thus, saving their lives from great famine, preserving Abraham’s seed, and the covenant of redemption for all of mankind. The Christian would do well to remember Joseph when he or she begins to question why the trials and tribulations of this earth would start to befall him or her. Peter wrote, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Pet. 4:12). Christ, who was without sin (Heb. 4:15), endured more than anyone while here on earth. Why would a Christian think he or she is immune to the sufferings and hardships of this world? One is served well to understand that the temporary discomforts of this world fail in comparison to the benefits of longsuffering. The Christian can look forward to being exalted by God, just as Joseph. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18).
