THE LIFE OF JOSEPH never ceases to challenge me. Every time I read it, I feel the emotions of a lot of what he went through (Genesis Chapters 37-50). Joseph’s life is an example to us that we can be winners regardless of the opposition, jealousies and actions of those around us. As a young man Joseph dreamed his dreams – dreams that came from God and proved to be very prophetic. However, Joseph’s own brothers did not accept his dreams, and jealousy, then hatred, grew in their hearts toward him. When an opportunity presented itself, those brothers sold Joseph for money, and then lied to his (and their) father that a wild beast must have killed him. Joseph finished up in Egypt and, because of his heart attitude toward God, God blessed him and made him successful. In Egypt he was falsely accused of trying to rape Potiphar’s wife, that led to Joseph being thrown into prison and discredited. But even then Joseph continued to live for his dream, and God blessed him in prison. His leadership qualities came to the fore and Joseph was a trusted man. He moved prophetically – even while in prison – and accurately predicted the outcome of the butler and the baker’s dreams. They in turn forgot Joseph and he spent further time in jail.

But the day came when God saw that "His man" was ready for the literal fulfilling of the dream Joseph had carried for a number of years. In one day the tide turned and Joseph went from prisoner to prime minister! Suddenly Joseph was accepted for the man he was - ironically not by the Israelites, but by the Egyptians. Joseph’s influence, wisdom and leadership skills made him the "saviour of Egypt." He guided the nation through the years of plenty and of drought. His authority and respect were enormous, only Pharaoh himself being higher than he.

Joseph’s life demonstrates the power of influence. At the death of his father (Jacob), the Egyptian respect for Joseph was so great that a multitude of top Egyptian leaders went to Jacob’s burial, which was back in the land of Canaan. This is how the Bible puts it:  

"So Joseph went to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house . . . And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering" (Genesis 50:7-9, NKJV).

One could easily understand it if it was talking of Joseph’s funeral. But this was Joseph’s father’s funeral – someone who had not been in Egypt for very long. It was a public demonstration of the gratitude for, and the influence of, Joseph’s life and ministry that had made a huge impact upon the Egyptians.

What about our lives? Are we carrying that same power of influence? With Jesus and the anointing of the Holy Spirit we should be having a very positive impact upon other Christians and non-Christians alike. Dream your God-given dreams! Let your power of influence grow and grow. Be a Joseph of the 21^st century to the glory of God. He wants to "speak" to others through your life and the power of your influence – Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  1 John 4:4; Matthew 5:13-16; Genesis Chapters 37-50.

Please Pray This Prayer:

"Dear Lord, I come to You in that precious and worthy name of Jesus Christ Your Son. I ask that You help me to understand more and more clearly what manner of man/woman that I am. Help me to see that with You inside of me by the power of the Holy Spirit – the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead – that I can have tremendous influence in the lives of others by simply allowing You free reign in my life. Help me to yield more and more to You, Lord Jesus, so that multitudes will be in the Kingdom of God because of the power of my good and positive influence. In Jesus’ name I pray this, Amen."

The Gospel Faith Messenger Ministry,  New Zealand. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.