Topical Bible: Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Joseph

◄ Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Joseph ►

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Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life account is a testament to the providence and blessing of God, even in the midst of adversity. His journey from a favored son to a powerful leader in Egypt illustrates how God can elevate His faithful servants to positions of wealth and influence.

Early Life and Adversity

Joseph's early life was marked by favoritism from his father, Jacob, who gave him a richly ornamented robe, symbolizing his special status (Genesis 37:3). This favoritism, coupled with Joseph's dreams of future prominence, incited jealousy among his brothers, leading them to sell him into slavery in Egypt (Genesis 37:28).

Rise to Power in Egypt

Despite his initial hardships, Joseph's unwavering faith and integrity earned him favor in the eyes of God and man. In Egypt, he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The Lord was with Joseph, and he became successful in Potiphar's house, eventually being put in charge of all that Potiphar owned (Genesis 39:2-4).

Joseph's fortunes took another turn when he was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and imprisoned. Yet, even in prison, the Lord's favor was upon him, and he was placed in charge of all the prisoners (Genesis 39:21-23).

Elevation to Wealth and Authority

Joseph's ability to interpret dreams, a gift from God, became the key to his rise to power. When Pharaoh was troubled by dreams that none could interpret, Joseph was summoned. He interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as a divine revelation of seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine (Genesis 41:25-30).

Impressed by Joseph's wisdom and discernment, Pharaoh appointed him as the second-in-command over Egypt, saying, "You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you" (Genesis 41:40). Joseph was given authority over the land, and he was clothed in fine linen, given a gold chain, and rode in a chariot as a sign of his new status (Genesis 41:42-43).

Stewardship and Provision

During the years of abundance, Joseph wisely stored surplus grain, which later became a source of salvation during the famine. His prudent management not only preserved Egypt but also provided for surrounding nations, including his own family, who came to Egypt seeking food (Genesis 41:48-57).

Joseph's wealth and authority were not merely for personal gain but were used to fulfill God's purposes. His position allowed him to reunite with his family, preserve the lineage of Israel, and demonstrate God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

Legacy

Joseph's life exemplifies how God can bestow riches and authority upon His servants for His divine purposes. His account is a powerful reminder of the blessings that can accompany faithfulness, integrity, and reliance on God's guidance, even in the face of trials and tribulations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 45:8,13
So now it was not you that sent me here, but God: and he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... are not simply sensual enjoyments, but also riches and luxury. ... to teach us this,
he uses the examples of Sheol ... is, the angels in heaven, the saints upon earth ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... this duty; but to give you some examples of the ... if not all the miscarriages of the
saints and people ... of this world, and of the durable riches and righteousness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Forgiveness, how won, [950]29; must be shown to others, that we may receive it
ourselves, [951]142; of injuries: Moses, Noah, Joseph, examples of, [952]262 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... neglect we have an occasion ministered unto us, to behold our own imperfections;
so our Lord has taken occasion thereby, to make manifest the riches of His ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Christian Behavior
... soul doth indeed consider the greatness and riches of the ... you see how wise men and
fools, saints and sinners ... And all this doth tend to the possessing his heart ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

part ii
... he falls ill and dies, having lost his soul through the accumulation of riches. ... and
authorities, as well as from the examples of all God's saints, who for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... righteous, as children, young men, fathers, or saints that fear ... God has purposed
to magnify the riches of his ... one that God makes righteous by possessing of him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... and of single marriages derived from examples in the ... For these are the riches, and
these the ornaments of ... might upon these terms be numbered with the saints. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... I am 'less than the least of all saints'; I was ... the more he wants, the greater are
his riches, if he ... When Joseph's mistress tempted him to lie with her, he was ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Clark, in his Looking-Glass for Saints and Sinners, 1657, published the
narrative:"'Not long ... of others, but to satisfy his own mind as to his possessing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm