HE’S STILL GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS—PART 2
Top Ten Oddest Country Songs
10. How Can I Miss You When You Won’t Go Away
9. If the Phone Doesn’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me
8. When You Leave Walk Out Backwards, So I’ll Think You’re Coming In
7. If I’d Shot You When I Wanted I’d Be Out By Now.
6. If You Won’t Leave Me Alone, I’ll Find Someone Who Will
5. I’m So Miserable Without You It’s Almost Like You’re Here
4. Sorry I Made You Cry, But At Least Your Face Is Cleaner
3. Take Me To The Cornfield Darlin’ And I’ll Kiss You Between The Ears
2. If My Nose Was Runnin’ Money I’d Blow It All On You
1. All The Oil’s In Texas, But the Dipsticks Are in DC.
LIVING A LIFE OF PRIVILEGE AND FAVOR
From the time of Joseph’s birth he was his father’s favorite. He was the firstborn of Jacob’s favorite wife, Rachel, whom he dearly loved. This was the Rachel for whom he had worked 14 years. Not only did he love him most, he unwisely showed him great favoritism
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons,… and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. Genesis 37:3 (NIV)
Some scholars believe that this robe was really a long sleeved tunic which extended to the ankles. You can’t work very well in a garment that has sleeves and extends to the ankles, especially if it’s expensive and ornamented. It would be like a construction worker showing up in an Armani suit. In Joseph’s day the working garb was a short sleeveless tunic. This left the arms and legs free to move about. By giving Joseph this elaborate garment (which was also a sign of nobility) his father was implying “You won’t have to work hard like your brothers.”
Unfortunately, as favored as Joseph was, his family was more dysfunctional. The home in which Joseph was raised was comprised of a family filled with angry jealous and deceitful people. Within that toxic environment Joseph’s brothers had watched their father play favorites with Joseph. Their jealousy had turned into resentment and hatred.
Adding insult to injury, Joseph was a dreamer.
Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. Genesis 37:5 (NIV)
BLINDSIDED BY ADVERSITY—BETRAYED BY FAMILY AND ENSLAVED
With so much animosity towards Joseph, one wonders what Jacob was thinking when he sent Joseph on a journey to meet his brothers by himself. Was he totally oblivious to the seething hatred brewing in his own household? Had he no concept of the danger into which he was sending his favorite son?
Talk about hostility. As soon as they saw Joseph coming in the distance the brothers immediately reacted with “Let’s kill him.” And they weren’t kidding! The firstborn, Reuben, intervenes and suggests that they not kill him, but rather throw him into a pit.
So they did exactly that. Then they sat down to eat lunch.
What happens next is just chilling.
Judah said to his brothers, "What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? [27] Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites Genesis 37:26-27(NIV)
They sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver.
It must have been bewildering for Joseph as he was put in chains and led away for the long journey south to Egypt. At one point in the journey he would have looked off the east to catch a glimpse of Mt Hebron near his home.
Joseph eventually found himself in a country and culture he didn’t know, surrounded by a language he didn’t understand. The favored son of Jacob was now a common slave, and forced into a situation that seemed even worse than the pit into which his brothers had thrown him.
Joseph had to adjust quickly. He had come from a rural culture, and unsophisticated people, and a home where he was the pride and joy of his father and mother. Now he was bought and sold like a cheap piece of merchandise.
Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites Genesis 39:1
Potiphar was nobody to fool around with; he was a man of seasoned military experience with power over life and death. Yet Joseph not only adjusted to his new surroundings he flourished in it.
Joseph’s Response—He Prepared His Horse For Battle
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. [31] The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21:30-31 (NIV)
Many of you are facing adversity today. No one can predict the outcome, but that’s not our responsibility. According to the ancient wisdom of the Proverbs our job is to make our horse ready for the battle.
This could have been the last chapter right here. This could have been the period of Joseph’s story in the bible..
The Lord was with Joseph… Genesis 39:2 (NIV)
The sovereign God of Israel was intimately involved in Joseph’s life. He guided him.
Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. Genesis 39:3-4 (NIV)
Things started to look up for Joseph. He was gaining power and authority (even as a slave). He had his own private quarters, access to very confidential information, and the complete trust of his employer. On top of that he was a handsome, well built man. Things are definitely about as good as they can get for a slave.
BLINDSIDED BY ADVERSITY—FALSELY ACCUSED AND IMPRISONED
and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, "Come to bed with me!" [8] But he refused. Genesis 39:7-8 (NIV)
I guess that’s what you call the direct approach.
He refused based on his loyalty to his master Potiphar and he refused based on his loyalty to God.
She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:12
I read these words and I think to myself this is the time for God to reward this man. God, if you’re ever going to reward Joseph do it now! Reward him for steadfastly refusing to surrender to temptation day after day after day! Reward him for running instead of yielding! Reward him for his integrity and desire to obey you!
Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, Genesis 39:20 (NIV)
Joseph’s Response—He Prepared His Horse For Battle
This could have been the final chapter right here.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, [21] the Lord was with him; … Genesis 39:20-21 (NIV)
So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, Genesis 39:22 (NIV)
the Lord was with Joseph Genesis 39:23 (NIV)
When Joseph came to them the next morning, he saw that they were dejected. [7] So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, "Why are your faces so sad today?" Genesis 40:6-7 (NIV)
BLINDSIDED BY ADVERSITY—FORGOTTEN BY A FRIEND
The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. Genesis 40:23 (NIV)
Joseph’s Response—He Prepared His Horse For Battle
When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: Genesis 41:1 (NIV)
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph… When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Genesis 41:14 (NIV)
I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." [16] "I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Genesis 41:15-16
PROMOTED AND REWARDED
You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." Genesis 41:40 (NIV)
Roll “It Is Well” Video Here (Available on Sermonspice.com)
While I’m Waiting
The Valley Song
Blessed Be Your Name
