""For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield."" In Joseph we recognize the elements of a noble character, piety, pure and high morality, simplicity, gentleness, fidelity, patience, perseverance, an iron will, and indomitable energy. He was also a man of enduring faithfulness in the midst of hardship and strong opposition. After being released from slavery he proved himself to be a wise administrator, a loving and forgiving brother, and a devoted son. Above all, in adversity, he showed himself to be a man of God with a steadfast dependence upon the Lord and a faith in the covenant that the Lord had made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though separated from his family, Joseph remained steadfast in his loyalty to his God. How difficult were these days as a slave and prisoner in jail can perhaps be gauged by Amos' statement when he wrote of the ""affliction of Joseph."" Later, however, when he was raised to the second highest position in Egypt we learn something of the blessings with which God rewarded Joseph for his righteousness. The Lord blessed him, and Joseph's life continues to supply hope and encouragement to sorely tried believers down through the ages. Joseph's own summary of the vicissitudes that his brothers thrust upon him when they sold him into slavery is found in his well known statement, ""You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."" Dr. Cyril J. Barber is pastor emeritus of Plymouth Church, Whittier, CA. He lives with his wife of fifty years in Hacienda Heights, CA. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren.

Profiles of the Patriarchs, Volume 3 and Incomparable

Write a review

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account