Perspectives
Nothing shouts, “Attitude is Everything!” more clearly than the life of Joseph.
Sold into slavery by his brothers, he could have been a pitiful victim but instead ended up in charge of his master’s household.
Refusing advances made by the master’s wife, he is imprisoned due to her vengeful lies. Joseph could have chosen resentment at being punished (instead of PRAISED) for his integrity; instead, the attitude he chose led to his being put in charge at the prison.
Then, he does a huge favor for one of Pharoah’s officials and asks ONE thing in return: “… mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.“ Guess who forgot all about Joseph. Joseph could have been bitter.
Now Joseph is running a country in crisis. Thanks to his wise planning, Egypt is well supplied with stores of grain sufficient not only for its own citizens but for everyone else as well.
And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere. Genesis 41:57
Among those who came was a group of brothers from Canaan, brothers who didn’t recognize a sibling they’d “gotten rid of” long ago, but Joseph recognized them!
Joseph has what seems an irresistible chance to gloat.
But he doesn’t.
He orders that, as proof of honesty, one brother be held in prison while the rest take home food and return with the youngest. He also (unbeknownst to them) has their money returned to their sacks.
A horrifying discovery awaited not only Joseph’s brothers but his father as well:
Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!” Genesis 42:36
Jacob isn’t about to send Benjamin back with them! So the brothers waited. And Simeon stayed behind in Egypt.
When at last the food ran out, Judah took personal responsibility for Benjamin’s protection and, having no other option, Jacob gave in, sent gifts, and instructed the sons to pay back double what had been returned in their sacks. But he wasn’t happy about it.
It had been a long time since the sons of Jacob’s beloved Rachel had seen one another.
Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there. Genesis 43:30
Interestingly, however, he still doesn’t reveal his identity. This time, when they leave, he not only has their money returned to their sacks but also his silver chalice put in Benjamin’s. Then he sends his servant after them …
Again, the brothers find themselves bowing before Joseph.
Judah begs to take Benajmin’s place as Joseph’s slave so that Benjamin might return home to his father.
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it. Genesis 45:1-2
The brothers were terrified - and speechless!
And HERE is that tremendous attitude that makes Joseph among the most inspiring of Bible characters:
“And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:5,7
They’d sold him into slavery and broken the heart of his father, yet Joseph tells them, “Don’t be angry with yourselves!”
Joseph could have held them responsible for a long list of grievances, injustices, and lost years of life enjoyed with his father and younger brother; I’m sure I would have.
But Joseph has a different take on the situation:
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Genesis 45:8
What an amazing example of the difference perspective makes in our lives!
From one point of view, Joseph had every right to be angry and entitled to revenge against those responsible for his suffering. From another, he had the honor of ruling all of Egypt; he’s a hero saving the day all because God put him right where he needed to be.
Joseph had the choice to focus on the bad things that others had done to him or the good things that God was doing through him. It’s the same choice we get every day.
Why in the world would anyone choose bitterness over blessing?
The next time I’m tempted to let some unfairness, perceived insult, or injury by another person get the best of my attitude, I’m going to follow Joseph’s lead!
Here’s to discovering unexpected treasures amid the challenges of life.
I hope you too are filled with joy and wonder as you recognize what amazing things God can do through YOU!
Until next time, Kim