Applying Joseph's Example in Difficult Circumstances Biblically
Applying Joseph's Example in Difficult Circumstances Biblically
Joseph's story, as recorded in Genesis, provides a powerful example of faith and resilience in the face of adversity. Sold into slavery by his brothers, wrongly accused and imprisoned, Joseph's life was marked by hardship and injustice [1]. Yet, he remained faithful, trusting in God's sovereignty and providence.
According to Calvin, Joseph's experiences demonstrate that "the Lord was with Joseph" even in the midst of suffering, supporting and comforting him [4]. This divine presence enabled Joseph to maintain his integrity and eventually rise to a position of authority in Egypt. As Torrey's Topical Textbook notes, Joseph's story illustrates that "God is with" his people in their afflictions, providing comfort and deliverance [2].
One key aspect of Joseph's example is his response to his brothers' wrongdoing. When they came to Egypt seeking aid, Joseph was able to forgive and show compassion, recognizing that God's providence had brought them to this point [3]. Calvin comments that Joseph's actions demonstrate the importance of cultivating "sobriety" and recognizing God's hand in the events of our lives.
Joseph's story also highlights the importance of sympathy and compassion towards others who are suffering. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note, the author of Hebrews encourages believers to "remember those in prison" and to "be bound with them" in their suffering [5]. Joseph's own experiences in prison gave him a deep understanding of the struggles of others, and he was able to show empathy and kindness to those around him.
In applying Joseph's example to our own lives, we are reminded that faith is not about avoiding difficulties, but about trusting in God's presence and providence in the midst of them. As Calvin observes, Joseph's story teaches us to "behold, by faith, God from on high holding the helm of the government of the world, and... to keep ourselves within the bounds of our vocation" [3].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Joseph — (increase). + The elder of the two sons of Jacob by Rachel. He was born in Padan-aram (Mesopotamia), probably about B.C. 1746. He is first mentioned when a youth, seventeen years old. Joseph brought the evil report of his brethren to his father, and they hated him because his father loved him more than he did them, and had shown his preference by making a dress which appears to have been a long tunic with sleeves, worn by youths and maidens of the richer class. (Genesis 37:2) He dreamed a dream foreshadowing his future power, which increased the hatred of his”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 27.17: comprehend, than, as vessels of clay, proudly exalt themselves against their Maker. To save much people alive . Joseph renders his office subservient to the design of God’s providence; and this sobriety is always to be cultivated, that every one may behold, by faith, God from on high holding the helm of the government of the world, and may keep himself within the bounds of his vocation; and even, being admonished by the secret judgments of God, may descend into himself, and exhort himself to the discharge of his duty: and if the”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 16.15: does not record his prayers, yet, since it is certain that he was not crushed beneath the cross, and did not murmur against it, it is also probable that he was reposing on the hope of Divine help. And to flee unto God is the only stay which will support us in our afflictions, the only armor which renders us invincible. 21. But the Lord was with Joseph . It appears, from the testimony of the Psalmist just cited, that Joseph’s extreme sufferings were not immediately alleviated. The Lord purposely suffered him to be reduced to extr”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:3: Remember--in prayers and acts of kindness. bound with them--by virtue of the unity of the members in the body under one Head, Christ (Co1 12:26). suffer adversity--Greek, "are in evil state." being yourselves also in the body--and so liable to the adversities incident to the natural body, which ought to dispose you the more to sympathize with them, not knowing how soon your own turn of suffering may come. "One experiences adversity almost his whole life, as Jacob; another in youth, as Joseph; another in manhood, as Job; another in old age" [BENG”