Favor Wasn't For Him

  By: Lauren Thomas

Sure, Joseph was hated by his brothers, sold into slavery in a foreign land, and ended up in prison on false accusations. But have you noticed how much favor Joseph had? Next time you read his story, look for all the times he has – what the world might call – good luck. Genesis 39:2 says that “the Lord was with Joseph,” that he was a “successful man,” that everything he attempted succeeded. This caused him to win favor and authority and blessing. This all happened prior to him being falsely accused of a crime. But even in prison, Joseph was promoted, given authority, and had success from the Lord.

Have you ever met someone like that? Joseph literally reminds me of someone I know who constantly has “chance” encounters that leave him with surprising benefits. He’s a friendly, happy type. I can’t leave it to coincidence to explain the things that happen to him. It has to be some kind of divine favor.

 

Exactly like Joseph.

 

There are some things to note about all this favor Joseph had: 1) it came from the Lord, and 2) favor wasn’t for him. That first one needs little explanation. God caused him to succeed and blessed Him. It wasn’t chance. It wasn’t coincidence. It wasn’t good luck. It came from the Lord. But the second requires some reflection.

 

If you continue reading through Genesis, you come to a verse where Joseph speaks to his repentant brothers, giving them commentary on the circumstances of his life.

 

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 50:20 ESV

 

To understand why Joseph’s favor wasn’t for him, we have to look at the metanarrative of Scripture. Joseph’s position allowed him to provide for his family during a long famine. But it wasn’t just Joseph’s family that he preserved. He preserved the descendants of Abraham, from whose lineage God had promised a Savior. God gave Joseph favor, not to live a comfortable life, but in order that through him, God might bring about the birth of Jesus, son of Abraham, son of David, son of God.

 

What’s the point for us? That all depends on how you read it.

• When we experience the Lord’s favor, we should use it to bless others.
• When we feel tempted compare and feel jealous of those with apparent favor, we can remember that God is working out his plans through all people in all times.
• We can thank God because the favor He gave Joseph became the favor we receive in the form of grace through Jesus Christ.

Joseph’s favor wasn’t for him. Joseph’s favor is for us.

 

Reflection:

A definition of grace is God’s unmerited favor. How does it feel to know that God has favor for you through Jesus?

What is your responsibility in light of the favor that God has bestowed upon you?