How did Little Joey Turn out So Good?

Genesis 37 - 50
Moses in preparing his novel called Genesis relates some fascinating human interest stories. One that endears me each time is how Joseph saves the universe! What? You’ve never read that part? Well my friend it is there as plain as day in chapters 37 - 50.

Joseph was a casula. Whoa brother you lost me there. Casula (ka-SOO-la) is a Portuguese word which usually means, “Spoiled rotten little brat”. Well... that might be the Amplified version of the definition. It actually means the youngest child in a family. The “baby”.

Joseph being the casula got doted on by daddy. Jacob’s favoritism lead to such bitterness that Joseph´s brothers wanted to kill him literally. While planning to do just that Joseph was saved by big brother Rubin. That, “salvation” lead to a life of slavery in Egypt shortly after being sold to a caravan of Ishmaelites. Lovely little family tradition that. Let’s sell the casula! Yay! Sounds like something from Star Wars.

Soon after his unexpected journey in chains to Egypt Potiphar buys him. If you have read this charming account you probably have noticed a phrase like, “and God was with Joseph” repeated several time. It is a good thing that God was with Joseph. Just imagine if He wasn’t. Things might have turned out bad. Oh, wait, how could it get much worse than nearly being murdered by your siblings and then sold into slavery. Well it did get worse.

Everywhere that Joe went things got better for all concerned. For all but Joe that is. In his slavery Mrs. Potifer is enamored with the handsome lad and all but drags him into her bed. When he squirms out of her grasp, leaving his cloak, she squeals on him and he goes to prison for at least two years! My Word! This guy is doomed!

Through all of these seemingly endless difficulties Joseph shines. He is used by God to be a blessing each situation. My question is, “Why?”. Why did Joseph turn out so good after going through enough bad experiences to make the strongest person bitter? The answer to this question will encourage those of you who are in tough straights or seemingly impossible situations right now.

Maybe you are like Joseph and have been treated unjustly your whole life. Look through Joseph’s glasses to see what he saw. His prescription is revealed in Genesis 45.5-8 and Genesis 50.20. Read those passages right now. It will help your vision.

Paul, in Romans 8.28 Tells us that ALL things are working together for the good to them who love God and who are the called according to His purpose. The, “all” in Paul's phrase is a Greek word that means... All. Elsewhere Paul tells us that we are to give thanks in “Everything” that happens to us (1 Thess. 5.18). That Greek word means... everything.

Joseph had learned that lesson. He saw God in every situation, trouble and trial. God was acting in both the good and the apparent bad. His action was working toward a greater good. That good would eventually save the universe with the birth of Jesus the Christ. Joseph suffered so that you could be saved. Do you see it? Who will be helped by your suffering? Put on Joseph’s glasses and have a look around.

Tottering!

I was watching my one year old grandson, Brandon, today. He had on some baggy little shorts, weird flip-flops over his socks, and he was tottering. It made me think about how I often feel these days. Funny how that when we are little and "innocent" and tottering in our baggy pants, with our little potbelly sticking out from under our t-shirt we look precious. When we are older and tottering in our low slung trousers and the same potbelly, we looks pathetic! I guess that the two drastically opposite points of view are based on the viewer's chronological perspective. Brandon is growing and I'm dying. He is cute because the little guy has a lot to learn and we love to see him progress. The old guy has already had his chance at learning and what he is progressing toward is not quite so much fun to ponder. When I have these weird thoughts I praise my God because He never lets go of my hand whether a tottering little guy or an old one. And I found this verse to prove my po...

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