The thing about the Old Testament is that it's so hard. It's difficult for me to know what to take literally, what rules still apply (I'm thinking sacrificing animals- no; ten commandments- yes); most of all it's scary to see my tender, merciful God as such a (seemingly) harsh disciplinarian. On the other hand, there were some really wicked characters in Genesis! However, when God gives us a hero, he really gives us a hero.
The things we know about our big figures in the Bible are things like this: God uses them for huge things (to be ancestors of Jesus, for instance); they are flawed (this is my favorite! I love a good guy who screws up); they are blessed like crazy (wives, kids, camels, you name it, they've got it!); and have mercy, do they persevere. Job gets the blue ribbon for perseverance of course, but Joseph should at least get an honorable mention. Let's recap:
1. He is born into well-to-do (get it? well?) family and is dad's favorite. Blessed!
1. Jealous brothers throws him in well and sell him into slavery. Where God blesses him!
2. His master's wife repeatedly comes on to him. He perseveres and is thrown in jail. Where God blesses him!
3. He is able to interpret a dream that may be his ticket to freedom. He is forgotten. But God is going to bless him!
Perseverance. Joseph had to master it in a big way. A big, heroic way. Let's celebrate him with a little diddy from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.
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