What's the Source of Joseph's Character?

I've been meditating on the story of Joseph (see Genesis 37-50) and am struck by his character as compared to his (many) brothers who had different mothers. Could his upright character have been instilled in him by his mother? Did his father, Jacob, prefer Joseph to his ten other brothers because of Joseph’s mother's work?

Joseph's Character Qualities

Early in his story, we see that Joseph works alongside his brothers, recognizes bad behavior and reports it to his father. Subsequently, Joseph is sent by his father to make sure his brothers are doing okay. (Does Joseph's father believe he is both discerning and responsible?)

After his jealous brothers sell him into slavery, Joseph, around seventeen years old, moves quite quickly into a position of authority in his master Potiphar’s home. (Had Joseph's mother shown him how to organize his life, plan his work, relate to other servants, and work hard so that he would merit such a rapid rise in his master's home? Since the Bible does not highlight the faith of Joseph's brothers, could it be, I wonder, that Joseph's mother trained him to love the Lord?)

Genesis 39:3 says "his master saw that the Lord was with him.” It appears that Joseph walks with the Lord in such a way that his unbelieving boss recognizes his faith. As a slave, Joseph could have become bitter and lazy, but instead he works so diligently for his owner that his owner places his entire household under Joseph's care.

Then comes the disturbing story about Potiphar's wife and her false accusations. Joseph winds up spending a significant amount of time in prison (maybe 10 years? --He was in prison until age 30).

Many years earlier, God sent Joseph two dreams that seemed to show that the world would bow down to him (see Genesis 37:5-9). After many years in prison--and slavery prior to prison--I feel compelled to think that Joseph must have begun to wonder if those dreams would come true.

But then Joseph is pulled from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. And he says to Pharaoh, with what appears to be full conviction: “The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.” Please remember that God had given Joseph his dreams in two forms. And Joseph apparently chooses to believe that God speaks through dreams and God’s dreams come true.

As I read this portion of Joseph's story and remember how much time has passed from when he experienced his own dreams--and how hopeless his own position appears to be--yet how Joseph seems to accept God's dreams on faith anyway, the man's faith takes my breath away.

Joseph not only interprets Pharaoh’s dream, he also speaks with great authority and wisdom and makes a recommendation concerning what Pharaoh should do: “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. They should collect all the food of these good years that are coming and store up the grain under the authority of Pharaoh to be kept in the cities for food. This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine.” (Genesis 41:33-36)

Joseph’s close walk with the Lord allows him to interpret the dreams, and helps him formulate a good plan on the spot.

Pharaoh listens to Joseph’s good advice and places him in authority over all the land--thus fulfilling Joseph’s dreams.

I wonder if the time Joseph spent in prison allowed him to consider how to run a country more efficiently? He stands before Pharaoh and recommends Pharaoh should collect a fifth of the harvest. Joseph had run a large, well-to-do household and a larger prison. It seems those experiences also contributed to his administrative ability so that he was prepared for the task ahead of him.

I am greatly impressed by Joseph’s character, his poise, and firm commitment to the Lord.

None of Joseph's brothers show similar character. The only difference between Joseph and his brothers was his mother. I believe she had a strong impact on his life.

I pray that, as mothers, we will grasp the amazing privilege we have to impact our children. May we teach them to love the Lord, to work hard, and to learn from the world around us. May we thus prepare our children for whatever task God calls them to do.

When Joseph meets his brothers again sometime in his late 30s, he states emphatically concerning their having sold him into slavery: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

May we rejoice and do well as we raise up the future leaders of our world. May our children learn from us and one day speak God's truth with authority and passion.