[188 words]
Paul prayed that the Colossians would “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10). There is a special person in the Old Testament who behaved this way about 1700 years before Jesus was born, and he is actually a type of Christ.
Joseph was betrayed by his own family, but bitterness did not rule his life. He was sold into slavery but was not a slave to anger and rebellion. He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and unjustly imprisoned, but he remained positive. He was forgotten by those he helped in prison, but never gave up. He was raised to a place of great power, but there was not a thought of vengeance concerning Potiphar or Joseph’s brothers.
Instead, he saw God’s providence and blessings through all of his pain and suffering. Joseph walked worthy of the Lord. Let us be encouraged to do the same.
Rick Laing
Highland church of Christ
Austin, TX