Joseph A Man of the Kingdom Principle - "Faithfulness"

Pr. Benny Thomas

The account of Jacob is not only the story of a broken family restored but God's way to save the world. Jacob and his sons enjoyed God's protection and blessing. Also, during the famine, through Joseph's provision many 'people are blessed'. Because Joseph has a clear understanding of God, and Joseph believed in the Lord and he remained faithful to God in every situation.

JOSEPH- A Man of KingdomPRINCIPLE OF FAITHFULNESS

We are called to live with Kingdom principles. Great people in the Bible are with Kingdom principles; they cling to kingdom principles in every situation of their life, so it is no wonder they are remembered all through these generations.

There is a story of a man, Tom Smith, who died without any earnings or even a house for his family. Before his death he called his children and advised them to follow his footsteps so that they can have peace of mind in all that they do. Once his daughter Sara said, “Daddy, it's unfortunate you are dying without any deposit in your bank. Other fathers' that you tag as being corrupt, thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children; even this house we live in is a rented apartment.” After some days Smith died.

Three years later, Sara went for an interview in a multinational company. At the interview the Chairman of the committee asked, "Which Smith are you...? Sara replied, “I am Sara Smith. My Dad Tom Smith is now late.” Chairman cuts in, “O my God, you are Tom Smith's daughter...? He continued “that man is responsible for where I'm sitting now. He signed my papers without taking any bribe, without asking me anything. He just looked at my merits, and he signed it. He recommended me. And that's what got me this job. Today I am sitting in this chair because of him. Young lady, consider your job is done.

Sara Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the company with two Cars with Drivers, Duplex attached to the office, and a salary of £1, 00,000 per month excluding allowances and other costs. In an interview, she was asked the secret of her success, with tears, she replied, “My Daddy paved these ways for me. It was after he died that I knew that he was financially poor but rich in integrity, discipline and honesty” It pays to build a name, the reward doesn't come quickly but it will come however long it may take and it lasts longer. Integrity, discipline, self-control and fear of God makes a man wealthy, not the fat bank account.

Faithfulness- Key factor in the Kingdom of God

The account of Jacob is not only the story of a broken family restored but God's way to save the world. Jacob and his sons enjoyed God's protection and blessing. Also, during the famine, through Joseph's provision many 'people are blessed'. Because Joseph has a clear understanding of God, and Joseph believed in the Lord and he remained faithful to God in every situation. So he knew the purpose of his life, which is in the hands of his God. Hence, he was not sad about his miserable situations that were formed by many people. Moreover, he was consistent in following kingdom principles and he realized faithfulness is the key factor in the Kingdom of God.

Be faithful- in unfavorable situations

Joseph was faithful in keeping Kingdom principles in his heart all through his life. It is easy to keep Kingdom principles in favorable situations such as in our own family, in the church, among our own people. But it is more important and necessary to keep Kingdom principles in unfavorable situations. We see many godly people in the Bible kept Kingdom principles in unfavorable and lonely situations such as Daniel and friends, Job, and Apostles, etc.

Joseph is the best example of the one who kept the kingdom principle of faithfulness in the lonely, abominable, ungodly foreign land. In all those situations he proved that he was a man with Kingdom principles. One of the significant things that pass through the account of Joseph's life is “the Lord was with him”- when he was a slave (39:2) when he was in the prison (39:21) of course in the palace because Joseph's skill in interpreting dreams was one of the indications that God was still with him (40:8). He was a man with Kingdom principles so it does not surprise us that God was with Joseph. Kingdom principle of faithfulness, “be faithful in small things” pulls him into several struggles in life:

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1. He informed his father about his brothers' mistakes without considering its consequence on him (37:2)

2. He shared to his family the dreams he saw (37:6, 9). Even though that troubled him more, and even questioned his survival in his own family. Truthful- not our benefit but of the kingdom- (I Corinthians 10:24)- “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others”

3. In Potiphar's house- faithful servant. Man never misused his opportunities and authorities-(39:9) “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”

4. In the prison (39:22) he remained an obedient and submissive prisoner.

We understand God rewards our faithfulness and He remains faithful to us from generation to generation. Joseph remained faithful in all situations and he experienced God's faithfulness. So Joseph was a man with many kingdom principles.

He stands as the link to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise, savior of a generation in world history because of his faithfulness before God and the people. Let us live with the kingdom principle of faithfulness.

Kingdom Perspectives | Nov-Dec 2020 8