Genesis 37:1-11

The life of Joseph, son of Jacob, is recorded for us in Genesis 37-50. His story shows how one person can face difficult circumstances and still remain faithful to God.

Often we may meet a person and ask the questions, “How are you?” and hear a response, “Well, under the circumstances….” Many people do live under their circumstances.

Joseph’s experience throughout his life is a powerful example of how we can live with the circumstances that come our way and see positive results in them.

Let’s look at this particular part of his life. We see him at this time as a dreamer, and all that was brought upon him because of that. This shows us that God looks on him and us in a very special way.

• Not superior, but special
  • Joseph’s family got the wrong impression of him and his dreams
    • He was viewed as very special to his father, Jacob
      • Born of the woman he truly loved
      • Born later in life when hope seemed gone
    • God had another view of him as special
      • God saw qualities which He would be able to utilize
• Not superior, but selected
  • This is a matter of God’s choice
    • David
    • Paul
  • This is a matter of gifts
    • God gifts certain people for certain work
    • This is not a matter of pride
• Not superior, but separated
  • God was separating Joseph for special work
    • His dreams reflect this
      • His brothers hated him
      • His father pondered it
  • For now, Joseph had to live with misunderstanding

What can we draw from Joseph’s life at this point?

• God chooses ordinary-appearing people to serve Him
• Sometimes people misunderstand what God is doing in us
• We have a responsibility to move according to what God is directing us to do
• We must leave the results of obedience to Him