Joseph needed the love and support of his family.
Joseph received unhealthy favoritism from his father and jealous rage from his brothers.
Joseph needed a mentor to help him adjust to life as a slave in a strange land.
Joseph received unhealthy attention from an adulterous woman bent on corruption and seduction.
Joseph needed exoneration from false accusation.
Joseph received a prison sentence, and the one man positioned to appeal for Joseph's deliverance forgot about his plight for a full two years.
The story of Joseph is familiar to many of us who have been attending church and/or reading the Bible for a long time. But, God has a way of taking the familiar old words and painting them in new light. Pastor Joy opened our eyes to the level of spiritual maturity resident in the life of this young seventeen year old whose early adulthood was marked by abuse, separation, and hardships imposed by family and society.
Our pastor shared that we pursue intimacy with God regardless of where we are; Joseph was still connected to the Lord even though his circumstances were not good. Joseph certainly evidenced a life of closeness to God. Instead of being angry and bitter, Joseph showed compassion and concern toward the very people who abused him.
What about us? Do we pursue intimacy with God regardless of our station in life? Is our life marked with God-infused holiness, forgiveness, and love? Do we, as Christ instructed, love our enemies and pray for our persecutors?
Loving our haters in our own strength is an impossible task. But with the Spirit of God resident in us, we can easily operate in love... His love.
Lord, fill us with Your Spirit, so that we can authentically forgive and love those who conspire to hurt us.
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