by Bryan Ridenour

Created on: March 13, 2011   Last Updated: March 14, 2011

One of the greatest accounts in the book of Genesis centers on the life of Joseph.  The first born of Jacob and Rachel, and Jacob's favorite son, lives out a life of faith, even though he faces hardships and trials.  Though children often focus on the story of "Joseph and the coat of many colors," kids can learn many other biblical principles from other occurrences from the life of Joseph.

In Genesis 42, you find that the world suffers from a severe famine.  After years of servitude and incarceration, Joseph now sits on the throne in Egypt, functioning as a Prime Minister, second only to Pharaoh.  Because of Joseph's unmatched wisdom, Pharaoh appointed Joseph to oversee the distribution of grain to not only the Egyptian people but to all others seeking sustenance in time of great need.  During this famine, people from Canaan journeyed to buy grain, including Joseph's brothers.

It's been approximately 25 years since Joseph's brothers stripped him of his beautiful coat and sold him to a caravan of slave `traders.  Joseph's life has been full of ups and downs.  He served as an administrator in the household of Potiphar.  While he was in that position, Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of inappropriate behavior.  Taken off to prison, Joseph continued to walk faithfully with God.  While behind prison bars, the guards noticed Joseph's character and integrity.  Joseph advanced to being overseer in the prison.  In spite of slavery and imprisonment, the Bible reminds the readers that "God was with Joseph."  And although the reader may be tempted to feel sorry for the young man, Joseph trusted God with the details of his life.

When Joseph recognized his brothers entering into the palace, Joseph had every right to scream, "I told you so."  At this point, children should be reminded that as a boy, Joseph dreamed of ascending to power and he shared this dream with his family.  The brothers scoffed at such a prediction and hated the favorite son even more.  Now, a quarter of a century later, Joseph sits on a throne.  And even though Joseph's brothers fail to recognize their "long-lost brother," they bow in homage.

Many in this world seek to play the "I told you so card," but Joseph takes the higher road.  In fact, during the seven years of bounty preceding the famine, God blessed Joseph with two sons.  He named his first born Manasseh, meaning "God has made me to forget."  This name indicates Joseph's willingness to forget the ill treatment he experienced at the hands of his brothers.  This name indicates his desire to forget the wrongful accusations of Potiphar's wife and the years of being forgotten in the King's prison.

Several lessons can be taught from this text.  First, Joseph models grace.  He forgives.  Too many in today's society seek out means of revenge instead of forgiveness.  Secondly, remind children that even when the world seems to forget us, God's still working out His plans for our life.  And lastly, be patient.  We live in a "fast food" society.  We want everything quickly.  The Bible states in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."  Sometimes those directions come slowly, at least in our own reasoning, but right on time in the eyes of God.

Joseph is a great character to study, for his life foreshadows in many ways the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

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