Reading Servant of the Servant I found myself relating to Joshua, because I have always been a dreamer. I can relate to him having told his brothers about the dream that changed his life. All through my childhood I would dream of things to come. I would talk to family members out of sheer wonder and find some accepting and some telling me I was crazy. Like Josephs siblings my sister and brother betrayed me and sold me out.
However, the rejection and denials of my dreamer experiences would not bother me until later in my life. I think as a child it’s easier to accept your having different experiences than others, because of the child like thinking. As I moved into the latter years I begin to experience more rejection, isolation, and ridicule, because I had a different perspective regarding the word of God. I would find solace accepting I was peculiar as Titus 2:14 says, Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
What characteristics and experiences do you see in yourself and life that resemble Joseph. Characteristics that stand out regarding Joseph and myself are being resilient during setbacks, because the setbacks have been numerous. The setbacks however, have taught me forgiveness because of unfailing love for the Father (P26). From the Fathers perspective, I begin to see people are hurting, which in most cases is why jealousy in the heart allowing betrayal to rise in a loved one occurs. My point is with a heart like Christ we begin to ask God to pardon our enemies sin toward us asking God as Jesus, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
It’s not easy going through repeated setbacks, nor rejection at all, but when you see and believe the purpose of God in your life, your faith in the promise kicks in. I believe Joseph believed God and stood steadfast through the power of his spirit man. Often when I read the Biblical text of Joseph’s pit experience humility and focus he displayed encourages me to press forward toward the high mark in Christ.
Isolation was a part of Joseph life, which will call the individual with similarities to Joseph walk to quiet time with God. Through isolation we’re able to get a clear understanding on hearing from God if we recognize and take the time with God serious. Isolation sharpens the gifts within us like Joseph in prison practicing patience until his prevailing day comes. I am sure he had much time to pray while imprisoned, which gave him time with the Lord also strengthening his inner faith and relationship with God. Inevitably, Joseph has divine favor on his life and him being a covenant keeper moves him through the challenges that came his way (P23).
I want to be faithful like Joseph as well as Debra in my calling, distributing unwavering integrity and faithfulness. I would also like to display the strength and humility Joseph walked in, looking over temptation as he did with Potiphar’s wife (P25).
Howell, Don N. Jr. Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2003.
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Kim M. Warner
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