Joseph's legacy

[Michael Pupko]

The mention of the story of Joseph’s remarkable life in this lesson brought into focus for me the rewards and jealousies that can come with a person’s actions. Joseph was placed in a position he didn’t personally seek; first sold into bondage and then as an adviser to the pharaoh. Maybe due to that Joseph stayed focused upon listening to God and thus being able to follow the correct path in spite of material obstacles. This wisdom from God lead to his being raised to an important adviser in the Egyptian government. His wisdom was superior to all but he loyally served those appointed above him and shared his blessings with them as well as his brethren. The blessings were not exclusively for the Children of Israel, but rewarded the Egyptians as well since they were able to flourish in spite of the seven years of drought which ensued. One would think that the Egyptians would have wanted to learn the principles behind his wisdom and accept Joseph and his people at least as equals.

Instead the future generation of Egyptians became jealous of the Israelites. Thus began the persecution which didn’t prevent the Israelites from flourishing and ended in Moses leading them out of bondage into prosperity as long as they followed God’s Word. Meanwhile the Egyptians suffered from plagues that the Iraelites avoided, the added loss of many soldiers in the Red Sea, and gained them nothing positive.

This story and others in the Bible prove that sharing blessings blesses all and nothing is gained from being selfish!!

[BarbaraW]

Thank you for your post, Michael. How true it is that nothing is gained by selfishness. Among other things on the subject, Mrs. Eddy wrote, “A wrong motive involves defeat.” (Science and Health, p. 446) Joseph must have been motivated by great love not only for God but for man.

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