THE PEOPLE IN THE BEGINNING: JOSEPH

Life was the pits.

Seething with bitter jealousy, his ten older brothers “stripped off Joseph’s robe … and threw him into the pit” (Genesis 37:23–24). “The pit” was the pits.

Life didn’t get much better when he was sold to cruel slave-traders and carried to far-away Egypt, only to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Falsely accused by Mrs. Potiphar, Joseph was condemned to die in the dungeon.

In the maximum-security Egyptian prison, Jospeh served his fellow prisoners with kindness. When the king’s cupbearer was released, he might have put in a good word with Pharoah… he didn’t. For two long years, the cupbearer forgot his friend. 

Joseph had every reason to become bitter, to harbor hatred and resentment. He was alone and forgotten. He was innocent. He didn’t deserve it! It wasn’t his fault. For Joseph, life was the pits. With a chip on his shoulder, Joseph could have plotted vengeance. He could have given up in utter despair.

But Joseph didn’t give up. He didn’t play the blame-game. He worked hard for Potiphar. He worked hard for the jailers. And he worked hard for Pharoah. Mostly, he worked faithfully for the Lord, his God.

When given the opportunity for vengeance, he dealt compassionately with his brothers. “You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:20–21).

Is life the pits? Learn from Joseph… trust the Lord.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).