Why the story of Joseph?

As I have gone through the book of Genesis, I was stunned by Joseph's character. I was surprised at the life story of this simple young Hebrew man who later became a ruler in a foreign land. I was astonished to find the extraordinary qualities of faith,endurance,love and wisdom all in a single man.The book of Genesis gives sufficiently elaborate description of Joseph's life. I just filled in the small gaps and retold the entire story in a simple way.

My idea was to emphasise God's faithfulness in the life an obedient young man. As for me, the greatness of Joseph lies neither in his ability to interpret dreams with divine wisdom, nor in his righteousness when he refused to lie with the wife of his Egyptian master but in his forgiveness towards his own brothers who hated him. Joseph personifies the love of God, the love that always loves each and every one without expecting anything in return.

I admire Joseph's unwavering faith in God. Joseph remained faithful to God and honoured Him by always doing what is right. God also honoured Joseph by elevating him to be the deputy of Pharaoh.

My dream of telling the story of my favourite hero in the Bible has also come true!!!

Some more observations...

1. God blesses the one who seeks Him with a humble heart. He gave Joseph dreams and the ability to interpret them.
2. Nothing is accidental. Joseph endured all his sufferings because he saw the invisible hand of God in the shaping of his life.
3. Nothing is impossible to God. Joseph, who was a prisoner in Egypt was made the ruler of that country within a single day.
4. God can use a single person to save the lives of many. Joseph was used to save the lives of his people and the people of Egypt during the seven years of famine.
5. God values a righteous person. Joseph was blessed because he feared God and did not sin against Him.
6. God forgives. Joseph understood this and hence he could easily forgive his brothers.
7. God gives hope. Joseph trusted God because of His promises.

Some observations about Joseph's life

1. He knew who he was. He understood that he was an inheritor of God's promise.
2. He was righteous.He did not approve the wicked nature of his brothers.Because of this, he was hated by his own brothers.
3. He understood God's plan in his life. He believed that his dreams would come true one day.
4. He endured all his sufferings.He forgave his brothers. When things went wrong, he did not blame any one.
5. He feared God and did not indulge himself in sin even though there was nobody to watch over him.

6. He waited for the opportunity. Although he was put in prison, he made the most out of it.

7. He was an able administrator.Perhaps he was the first ever ruler in human history to introduce the large scale storage of food grains.
8. When he died, he had the hope that one day his people will inherit the promised land.