A Weekly Meditation of Pastor Chang (November 1, 2009)

<The Characteristics of Spiritual Leaders> (45)

<The Greatest Statesman in the Human History –

Joseph in the Bible> (9)

When Joseph’s father, Jacob, died with a full life on the earth (147 years), he was buried with a great and honorable funeral service. But afterwards, the family had a little bit of disturbance – it was because of Joseph’s older brothers – they were scared about the possibility that Joseph would take this opportunity to revenge them.

They passed the message and met Joseph personally with a very humble way – threw themselves down before him, asked for his forgiveness. But Joseph wept. A Godly man such as Joseph, how could he hold a grudge against his own brothers? He was a man of God, he had faith and true life in God he trusted, he would never hold any anger or hatred anymore against his own brothers when thing was gone. Besides, he had another perspective to view what had happened. He, therefore, reassured and told them kindly. He said, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So, then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” (Gen. 50:19-21)

There is a Chinese saying, “The capacity of a good prime minister can row a boat.” It means, he can bear all kind of different opinions and difficulties or even under attack, he still can handle well. Joseph was more than that. He never revenged. I used to think that what the Bible’s teaching and any ancient wise and experienced sayings people should follow. Yet, to know is one thing, to exercise is another. It is not easy to forgive and forget. Even by a little bit accidental harm or hurt, some Christians cannot forgive and forget. Therefore, unless we are willing totally surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and willing to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. It is not easy for anyone to forgive as Joseph did.

As I have observed, Joseph had at least 3 another kinds of spiritual characteristics that we can learn from:

First of all, his humility: I believe that anyone if he as Joseph could hold such a great position and power; probably he could have all kinds of reasons to be proud of himself and become arrogant. However, Joseph was different, he knew: it was because of God that he could be promoted to have such a high position. Probably that was the way which kept Joseph humble always.

Secondly, his wisdom: During the 7 years of famine, he used his wisdom to manage and save the entire nation of Egypt and the nearby nations. He provided grains to feed people and livestock. And because of that he purchased the land, livestock, and people of the entire nation and made them be loyal to Pharaoh. A new political system was established which last for at least 400 years of peace for the nation. Later on, it was because of changing dynasty 400 years later, Egypt forgot who Joseph was, then, Israelites got prosecuted. But because of Joseph who provided a long peaceful period for his people to grow from one family to become a new tribal nation.

Thirdly, his faithfulness unto death: He was a man of God, always trusted in the Lord. Joseph was the only person in the entire human history as a prime minister in Egypt for 80 years. There is no one like him who held the power so long and so successfully. I believe that when he was on his position he might handle many difficult situations well with his great wisdom which were not recorded in the Scripture or in the history. Otherwise, as a foreigner in Egypt, he could remain on his position until his death, it was incredible. I believe that he never violated his vision which came from heaven.

Each time when we study Joseph, we can find that Joseph was almost to be a perfect person in the Bible that we can learn from. His lifestyle and image are adorable. Should we learn from him? May the Holy Spirit keep teaching us!

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