Acts 7:9-16 CSB
"The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, but God was with him [10] and rescued him out of all his troubles. He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over his whole household. [11] Now a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food. [12] When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there the first time. [13] The second time, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. [14] Joseph invited his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five people in all, [15] and Jacob went down to Egypt. He and our ancestors died there, [16] were carried back to Shechem, and were placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
Answer in the Details
It is not with Abraham that the start of the Jewish nation begins; it is with God. God working in this world to save humans so that we might have fellowship with him.
Have you ever had something occur in your life—that sad thing that seems so strange—the happening that makes you question if God really loves you? This occurred again and again with Joseph. If anyone understands a life of accepting the will of God, it is Joseph. The patriarchs of the Jewish nation, the sons of Israel, sold their younger brother Joseph into slavery. Imagine the pleading and the begging to be loved by those who should protect you, but instead, you are thrown away out of jealousy. But God saw. He would build Joseph up and bless him, but then something else would occur. Potiphar’s wife lied about him, and Joseph found himself in a deep, dark prison. Even in this, Joseph did not lose his faith in God and was blessed. This blessing brought Joseph to stand in front of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Through God’s power and gift, Joseph was put over Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself.
We find that Joseph suffered so that his father and jealous brothers could survive to continue the nation started by Abraham. Joseph went into the sands of time after finding peace with his brothers and reuniting with his father, his own sons became the beginning of two of the tribes of Israel. Our loving Father will let suffering occur so that others might be saved.
As Stephen keeps talking, we see his answer to the Sanhedrin in the story he is telling. God’s ways are beyond human reasoning. Just as Joseph suffered for the earthly nation of Israel, Jesus suffered and gave His life for the entire world. Suffering is allowed by God to save others.
There are parallels to be seen. As Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him the first time they met him, many in Israel did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. As Joseph suffered so that the nation of Israel might survive, Jesus suffered for everyone so that they might be saved. God’s blessings are given among men by those who are faithful in obedience, who look beyond the hurts of this present world.
Reflection Questions
- When you face suffering that seems “strange” or unfair, how do you keep your faith focused on God’s bigger picture?
- Joseph chose to forgive those who threw him away. Who in your life do you need to offer that same grace to, trusting that God is in control of your story?
- Joseph was in the right place at the right time to save his family, even though his path there was filled with suffering. How can you trust that God is placing you exactly where you need to be to serve His purpose?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the life of Joseph, and for the reminder that even when we are rejected or betrayed, You are still with us. Forgive us for the times we doubt Your love in the middle of our own suffering. Help us to see the bigger picture, knowing that our trials are often the path You use to bring help and the offering of salvation to others. Give us hearts that are quick to forgive and spirits that are steadfast in obedience, no matter what we face. In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
