The other side of Joseph

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors.  4But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him"                                      Genesis 37:3.  NKJV

Joseph is one of my main characters in the Old Testament. He went through so much - hated by his brothers, sold into slavery, accused of attempted rape and thrown into prison where he remained for many years. Finally, God raised him up and, he was made Prime Minister of Egypt second only to Pharaoh.

 However, there was another side to Joseph. Before all of this happened, he was recognised by his father, Jacob, as the favourite son and to confirm this, Jacob made him a coat of many colours which signified that he was the first born son and entitled to Jacob's inheritance. But this was not so, he was the 11th son of twelve and most certainly did not qualify for this position within the family.

Joseph arrogantly strutted around wearing this infamous coat and began having dreams which when interpreted pointed out that, one day his father and brothers would have to bow down to him. He should have left this bit out because it enraged his brothers and they began to hate him, plotting against his life. Joseph was totally insensitive to his family's feelings. He had a chip on his shoulder, lording it over his brothers. His life over the next few years would teach him humility. One would have thought that Jacob would have realised how his own upbringing had caused so much of a scandal within the family. But it just fiew over his head.  

Joseph had to go through many trials over the next few years and it was not easy. If you have ever been separated from your family at a young age and had to live in foreign surroundings - or even foster care - you would know how Joseph must have felt. But even though he was in this position, he decided he would work hard and, even though he had a long prison sentence, he made the most of it and, he began to change. He spent a lot of time with God, that is obvious because of his witness to all around. And eventually, God raised him up to Prime Minister.

When the chips are down in your own life, learn from Joseph and begin to serve your masters well. God will recognise your hard work and the changes that you are making. At the right time, He will raise you up. So begin to get excited right now. Once that He sees your determination and your hard work, He will rubber-stamp it and you'll be on your way.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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