E12 Gen 39-41 – The Maturation of A Biblical Hero

What a difference 13 years, some adversity and most importantly the favor of God make. At the end of chapter 41 Joseph is 30 years old and second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt (Gen 41:46). A whole different specimen from what we were introduced to when he was 17. (Remember when you were 17?)

 

Gen 39-41 displays the transformation of Joseph into a Biblical hero. The most important ingredient in this transformation is given to us early and often. The author of Genesis makes it difficult for the reader to miss this piece of the story, God's presence. Chapter 39, the account of Joseph in Egypt, opens not with a hopeless victim, but rather an admirable and capable young man who clearly displayed the presence of favor of God to the people around him (Gen 39:2-3).

 

"The Lord was with Joseph…" I love that phrase, and we read it at least 3 times in this chapter. (Gen 39:2,20-21, 23) We are not told that Joseph felt the presence of God, but instead we are told that everyone that came in contact with Joseph attested to the fact that God was with Him. I wonder if Joseph felt, what everyone else saw in him? Could it be that we have the presence and favor of God not for us to feel it, but for others to see God displayed in us?

Joseph also displays some other signs of maturity. First, he maintains his sexual purity in spite of constant pressure (Gen. 39:10). Thus becoming an example for every would-be-hero for God; when our sexual purity is attacked, we are to run like Joseph. The Apostle Paul version of this in the New Testament is to "flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor 6:18)

Secondly, Joseph begins to display humility in the using of the gift that God gave him. The gift of dream interpretation is a rarity in the Bible. Those who are used dream interpretation usually display the gifts of wisdom and knowledge in a very developed manner. In earlier chapters Joseph displayed childishness in using this gift; he now uses this gift with the confidence and propriety that comes only when a person fully knows that is not them doing the work but rather God (See Gen 40:8; 41:16).

And lastly, Joseph masters the vital skill of everyone Bible hero; learning and gaining from painful circumstances. Joseph was able to turn his physical and emotional suffering into spiritual fruit. And he named his children appropriately, so he will never forget. Genesis 41:51-52:
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." ⁵² The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Manasseh literally means "made me forget." Ephraim means "twice fruitful." By not allowing himself to be controlled by past circumstances Joseph aced his final exam from hero school. Joseph is now ready to make an impact for God!

 

Questions for Reflection:

1. The transformation begins with God's constant presence. Do you see God present in your life?
   
2. When you call on the Name of God, do call on the name of Yahweh Shammah, The Lord is Present?
   
3. Are you protecting your integrity like a hero/heroine?
   
4. Are you able to point to the place in your life when or where your past pain or circumstances no longer had mastery over you?