Joseph finds Favor

January 8, 2012


Background Scripture: Genesis 41
Lesson Passage: Genesis 41:37 – 46, 50 – 52

Favor speaks of acts of kindness provided graciously to another. It depicts a yielding or deference by one towards another that is inferior. Favor is not something that can be demanded because the one receiving it is in no position to make such a demand. Neither can favor be earned because then it would not be favor but rather wages. So when one receives graciously from another who is superior then the former has received favor of the latter. As we study the scriptures that teach us about the life of Joseph, it becomes quite apparent that God’s favor or grace rested upon Joseph. Note that this is apparent because of the many ordeals that Joseph endured in his life. A subplot to the whole storyline is that God showed favor to Joseph by causing his superiors to see Joseph through the eyes of grace. God was not causing things to magically appear in Joseph’s life. Instead, He was working in the hearts of men and causing them to show unusual kindness towards Joseph in some rather dire situations. Joseph benefited from the work that God was doing through others around him. Joseph’s contribution was that he maintained good character and as a result God took care of his reputation. This is the statement that my former pastor was fond of saying, If you take care of your character, God will take care of your reputation. Joseph represents living proof of that. No matter what situation Joseph found himself in, he seemed to have maintained a good disposition in spite of it. When he was sold into bondage, he responded by being an exceptional worker. When he was falsely accused and imprisoned, he responded by being a counselor for the other prisoners when they appeared to be emotionally down or sad. Only once is it recorded that Joseph asked a favor for himself in return for his own act of kindness. Two years went by and there was no response to Joseph’s request. When Joseph was summoned by Pharaoh after two years of unjust imprisonment, he did not act rashly. Joseph shaved himself, changed clothes, and went before Pharaoh. Whenever opportunity presents itself, we should respond with the kind of character that is worthy of it. Joseph did not pretend to be something or someone he was not. He stated clearly that God is the one who gives the interpretation of dreams. The interpretation of dreams did not come from within him but rather from God through him. Joseph was a vessel worthy of God’s use. He allowed himself to be used by God but he gave the credit or glory to God for the results. God worked on the heart of Pharaoh such that he put everything under Joseph’s command except his own throne. Not only did Pharaoh do this verbally, but he gave him his own ring to exercise authority, he gave him the garments that were indicative of his new leadership position, and he put a gold chain around his neck to show that Joseph was now at the top of the ladder in Egyptian society. Joseph, the man of impeccable character, had suffered many things unjustly but God had allowed him to have favor in the eyes of those who could rectify his situation.

Robert C. Hudson
December 28, 2011