Joseph and his colored robe Gen 37 and on
We often talk of Joseph and the “Coat of many colors” his Daddy gave him. But, this story is not about a robe Joseph got from his dad.
This is a story about how dysfunctional and hurtful relationships can become – even in families, community and government
This is a story about bully’s and how they hurt people
Yet, through all of the hurt we see here, this is a story of VICTORY
This is a story about staying strong and trusting God’s Vision
This is a story about God at work in our hardest times
Joseph was bullied by his brothers, his dad, his leaders – and their wives. Why?
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- Because Daddy loved him more
- Because of his youth – Verse 3
- Many of his brothers were much, much older
- Joseph came from a broken/multi- generational home
- 12 kids from 4 moms and 1 dad
- There was going to be some trouble
- Because he was a tattle tale – V2
- Because he had a God given vision – a purpose V8
- Because he spoke out – maybe too much V8
- Because of His looks 39:6
- Because he was moral/righteous 39:7
- 12 kids from 4 moms and 1 dad
- Because of his youth – Verse 3
- Because Daddy loved him more
Even Reuben, the brother who tried to save him was a bully
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- He knew what was going to happen and did nothing
- Oh, He made a plan to sneak around, be a secret friend/ally, and save Joseph – But it blew up in his face and Joseph was sold as a slave. HE REALLY DID NOTHING TO HELP!
How was he bullied?
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- Talked about and Conspired against
- Thrown in a hole and Sold into slavery
- Reported as dead
- Stalked and hunted
- Lied about – brothers and Potiphar’s Wife
- Thrown into prison falsely charged – 2 years
- Used for what he had to offer
- Did Joseph DESERVE to be treated this badly?
- He may not have been perfect but to have his family plot to kill him and sell him into slavery? NO!!!
- To be unjustly accused and condemned? NO!!!
I am sure there were times Joseph wanted to:
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- Give up on God
- Give in to the temptation to get along to get along
- Give out – worn out from the ridicule and horrid treatment
- If Joseph would have ran away he would have missed the greatest blessings of his life
- God took all of the bullying that Joseph received and used it for His good purpose
- Joseph was protected even if it was in a hole, a cell or palace)
- His family was cared for
- His country was fed
- His family was restored
- The lies were brought to truth
Maybe you have been or are being bullied
Maybe you are on the verge of giving up
Learn a lesson from Josephs live
- PERSEVERE
- There are GREAT THINGS AHEAD IF YOU TRUST GOD
- This world has a habit of pouring out tough times
- Use them to Make you stronger and Build your FAITH
- Allow God to turn what the world meant for evil into GOOD (DO NOT STAY IN THE HOLE)
- Build relationships with those God puts in your path (baker and cup bearer)
- Work hard to succeed even if everyone seems to be working against you!
- God is standing with you even if everyone else is standing against you! YOU NEVER HAVE TO STAND ALONE
- This world has a habit of pouring out tough times
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