Topical Bible: Waiting: Joseph

◄ Waiting: Joseph ►

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Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Genesis, known for his unwavering faith and patience during times of adversity. His life exemplifies the virtue of waiting on God's timing, a theme that resonates throughout his narrative.

Early Life and Dreams

Joseph's account begins in Genesis 37, where he is introduced as the favored son of Jacob, which incites jealousy among his brothers. At the age of seventeen, Joseph receives prophetic dreams indicating that he will one day rule over his family. In Genesis 37:5-7 , Joseph shares one of his dreams: "We were binding sheaves of grain in the field, and suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to mine." These dreams, though divinely inspired, further fuel his brothers' envy, leading to his eventual betrayal.

Betrayal and Slavery

Joseph's brothers conspire against him, selling him into slavery to a caravan of Ishmaelites heading to Egypt (Genesis 37:28). Despite this betrayal, Joseph remains faithful to God, demonstrating patience and trust in His divine plan. In Egypt, Joseph is sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, where he rises to a position of responsibility due to his diligence and integrity (Genesis 39:1-4).

Imprisonment and Interpretation of Dreams

Joseph's steadfastness is further tested when he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned (Genesis 39:20). Even in prison, Joseph's faith does not waver. He gains favor with the prison warden and is entrusted with overseeing other prisoners (Genesis 39:21-23). During this time, Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, accurately predicting their futures (Genesis 40:5-19). Despite his request for the cupbearer to remember him, Joseph remains in prison for two more years, exemplifying patience and reliance on God's timing (Genesis 40:23).

Elevation to Power

Joseph's period of waiting culminates when Pharaoh has troubling dreams that none can interpret. The cupbearer recalls Joseph's gift, leading to his release from prison to interpret Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:14). Joseph reveals that the dreams foretell seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30). Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appoints him as second-in-command over Egypt, entrusting him with the task of preparing for the impending famine (Genesis 41:39-41).

Reunion and Fulfillment of Dreams

The famine eventually brings Joseph's brothers to Egypt in search of food, fulfilling the dreams he had as a youth. In a poignant moment of reconciliation, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, attributing his journey to God's providence: "And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you" (Genesis 45:5). Joseph's ability to wait on God's timing and his forgiveness towards his brothers highlight his deep faith and understanding of God's sovereignty.

Legacy of Patience and Faith

Joseph's life is a testament to the power of waiting on the Lord. His account encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. Through trials and tribulations, Joseph's unwavering faith and patience serve as an enduring example of how God works through those who wait on Him.

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Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
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Library

The Story of Joseph
... It was a long journey for such an old man; but joy gave him strength to endure it,
and at the end Joseph stood waiting to welcome him"Joseph the great ruler ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/joseph the dreamer/the story of joseph.htm

The Request of Joseph of Arimathea to be Allowed to have the Body ...
... When Joseph of Arimathea left Pilate's palace, he instantly rejoined Nicodemus,
who was waiting for him at the house of a pious woman, which stood opposite to ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlvii the request of.htm

Joseph of Arimathea
... we believe to be wrong, we may be, imperceptibly to ourselves, emboldening others,
who are secretly waiting for some such lead. II. If Joseph required bravery ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/joseph of arimathea.htm

Joseph, the Prime Minister
... The long years of waiting had nourished powers which the seven years of busy ... Whatever
our task, let us do it, as Joseph did his, with strenuous concentration ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/joseph the prime minister.htm

Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old...
... he was humbly standing last of all, the high priest cried out to him with a loud
voice, saying: Come, Joseph, and receive thy rod; for we are waiting for thee. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 8 now it came.htm

The Man Born Blind and Joseph of Arimathea
... Joseph is there first, and while he is waiting for Nicodemus to come, he looks down
the hill; and I can imagine his delight as he sees his friend coming with a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/vi the man born blind.htm

July 29. "My Helpers in Christ Jesus" (Rom. xvi. 3).
... the kitchen and to suffer in prison before he can rise to the throne, and as soon
as Joseph is ready for the throne, the throne is always waiting for Joseph. ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /july 29 my helpers in.htm

Joseph and Nicodemus
... Joseph of Arimathea is described by two of the Evangelists as 'a disciple'; by the
other two as a devout Israelite, like Simeon and Anna, 'waiting for the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/joseph and nicodemus.htm

The Flight into Egypt.
... They had gold that the wise men had given them, and Joseph knew how to make many
things of wood, so they lived quietly in Egypt waiting until the Lord should ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii the flight into.htm

Jesus is Born in Bethlehem
... Joseph and Mary stayed in Egypt, waiting for the angel to bring them word
that it was time to go back again to Palestine. And one ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter ii jesus is born.htm