Golden Boy - Genesis 37, 39 - 41

“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.” (Genesis 37:5)

Israel had a son called to Joseph, who was somehow a bit special.  Jacob didn’t do him many favours by marking him as his outstanding favourite over his eleven brothers.  Little surprise that it took Joseph many years and a lot of pain to learn the terms of the covenant established with his father: LOVE didn’t want to bless him so that he could rub everybody else’s nose in it.  LOVE wanted to bless him so that he could be a blessing.

Even against extreme temptation and oppression, Joseph remained faithful, ending up in prison in Egypt.  His life turned around only when he learned to use his phenomenal gifts for the benefit of others.  Joseph wasn’t just a prophet, he was an excellent administrator and leader.  So Pharaoh appointed Joseph ruler of all Egypt.

The spiritual gift of administration is one of the most under-valued gifts in the church today.  If God has gifted you with an ability to lead organisations, how are you putting this gift to maximum effect?  Just because you might work in commerce or government, as Joseph did, don’t limit your gifting or think of it as any less spiritual.  Don’t forget, Joseph could interpret dreams too.  Key to your success in the long term will be your determination to keep your integrity.  God promises to help you and will provide a way forward for you even when it is extremely tempting to cave in (1 Corinthians 10:13).

As we pray today, let’s remember all those working in commerce and government.  We must pray for them to have strength and wisdom to keep their integrity and not fall in to temptation.  Let’s ask God to prosper his people and raise up courageous, wise and righteous leaders in commerce and government.

“’I cannot do it, Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘But God [can]…’” (Genesis 41:16)