JOSEPH SERIES: THE PATH TOWARD LEADERSHIP

During the months of September, October, November, and December, I wrote a series on the life of Joseph. Since completing that series, I have reflected on some of the events that happened to Joseph, and in this blog, I am going to share a key point that all of us need to understand.

All of his youth Joseph was pampered by Jacob, his loving father. Jacob gave Joseph a special coat to wear and made him report his brother’s activities, which caused his brothers to react negatively to him. Also, Joseph shared two dreams with his family in which he was exalted over them. These dreams helped influence his brothers in their desire to rid themselves of him, and when the opportunity arose to do so, they sold Joseph into slavery,

Joseph was taken in chains down into Egypt, where he was sold to Potiphar. He lost his freedom and privilege lifestyle; however, I concluded Joseph adjusted to being a servant from reading about his time in Potiphar’s household. The spirit of excellence rested on him, and he found favor with Potiphar, who elevated him to the position of overseer.

Unfortunately, he was falsely accused of assault by Potiphar’s wife, and he ended up in prison. While there, he displayed that same spirit of excellence he had in Potiphar’s house, which resulted in him being put in charge of the prison’s affairs. An opportunity arose for him to interpret two of Pharaoh’s staff’s dreams, which he did, and Joseph requested one of them to tell Pharaoh about him; however, it took two years for that request to come to fruition.

When he was finally released and standing before Pharaoh, he did not request Pharaoh to send him back home to his homeland and father. Instead, he willingly accepted the position that Pharaoh assigned him. He undoubtedly realized this change was in line with the dream he had in his youth, and he accepted the fact God altered his path. Additionally, from reading his words in Genesis 41:51, “For God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house,” it appeared Joseph had obliterated his family out of his future, and he made himself content and satisfied where he was placed.

Joseph was made a servant, and from servanthood, he became a leader. Though the bible does not record Joseph’s everyday experiences, I am sure a portion of it was not pleasant. Despite his desire to be released from servanthood ahead of time, God kept him in it. In that position, God allowed him to develop skills to be utilized in the future, and at the appointed time, God caused him to be released and flourish as a leader.

This is an excellent lesson for all of us to learn. Servanthood is not comfortable, but the end product is rewarding. Furthermore, while serving, do it with excellence and gain skills for future use.