Profiles of the Patriarchs Volume 3

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 Josephs life continues to supply hope and encouragement to sorely tried believers down through the ages. Josephs 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.