A Different Light on Joseph

This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of the bad things his brothers were doing. [Genesis 37.2]

I think I am seeing this event in a better light than any other time before now.

Before, I was convinced that Joseph was just a tattle-tale. But today, it appears to me that Joseph, still very young in his particular gifting, was only "doing his thing" as a true manager.

I can see that, more than just tattling on the other brothers, it would make sense, knowing Joseph's whole story, that what Joseph was doing was simply being who he was - a manager - seeing things that needed to be done differently (more correctly in this case) and being compelled to do something about it. Joseph was displaying, at a very young age his God-give ability to 'run things.' Joseph had a sense of how to do things and do them right.

But Joseph's brothers did not share his gift. Nor did they appreciate his gift. Instead, they resented that Joseph had better ideas than theirs and had a better relationship with their father (think authority here) of trust.

From a young age, it was obvious that Joseph was leadership material. He was a manager of undeniable ability. Could Joseph have handled things differently? Possibly. However, it must be remembered that management was in Joseph's DNA. No matter where he went and what he did (the whole story bears this out), Joseph made things go better. He was obviously good at organization and planning. He had unmistakable insight and, for this, those is the highest positions recognized this trait and put it to work. It all started with his father Jacob.

The main problem with performers like Joseph is that they are typically hated by others. Their peers usually become jealous. The Joseph's of the world usually acquire a huge target on their backs by the non-performers. This story bears this fact out.

I am sure, after Joseph's experience with his brothers, he learned a valuable lesson about 'those who do' and 'those who don't' and the potential pitfalls between the two.

However, there was another lesson Joseph unprepared for - lust. As a good-looking young man with proven management ability, Joseph's previous experience with his hating brothers could not prepare him for the wife of Potiphar. Another lesson had to be learned the hard way. No, it wasn't Joseph's fault, but yes, had he had a little more experience, he might have avoided his vulnerability. I am sure that mistake was not made twice!

For me, this fresh look at Joseph today is enlightening.

Father, thank You for helping to see Joseph in a different light today than ever before.