A Different Upbringing

Gen 37:1 And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.

Joseph and Jacob become inseparable. While others are on the fields – Joseph has a different upbringing. Jacob is a deeply spiritual man who has learnt a lot of bitter lessons. He teaches Joseph the old truths. He explains the deep and narrow way of Jehovah, the jealous God. Joseph has a lot to learn in a very short time and is immersed at home. What Joseph knows is not the same as what his brothers know. His understanding is made different. His perspective is made completely different. Joseph was always with their father, occasionally going out but only to bring back evil reports. His brothers see him as definitely unfairly favored.

Perhaps your early upbringing is peculiar and different. Your way of looking at things is very different from others. Joseph will need his different upbringing in the pit. Joseph will need his different outlook in the house of Potiphar. Joseph will need the lessons of Jacob when forgotten in jail for two full years. The wisdom and friendship to an old man is not in vain … it will yield something different. Joseph did not have an ordinary upbringing. He was the best friend of a deeply spiritual old man. Joseph was only seventeen but had a mind that was decades ahead of the others who preferred to be in the fields than listen to an old man. But it had a reason … it all had a reason. There is a purpose to everything you have gone through. It is no coincidence that you did not fit in to play with your colleagues. Rejoice in your uniqueness. God has a special purpose for your life. Teach me to love to be with you JESUS … to love your company … to learn from you. Teach me to enjoy and appreciate my uniqueness. There were times when Joseph must have preferred to play around with others. The company of Jacob is boring but it was required for his destiny.

Be drawn closer to Jesus. Come apart and spend more time with Him for present and future strength. A time of fasting is a time of separation and consecration … to Him. You must come alone.

Song.

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

Words: Charles Austin Miles

Prayer: O Lord draw your saints all over the world to you … to learn of you … to love you. Amen

 

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa