Selfless Service

Gen 47:11 And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Gen 47:12 And Joseph nourished his father, and his brethren, and all his father’s household, with bread, according to their families.

Joseph began to play the role for which he was preserved. He gave possessions to His family. We do not read much about Joseph accumulating possessions for himself. Instead, we see a selfless person more careful to see the brothers that ill-treated him in the past well taken care of. Joseph is without any bitterness as he becomes a great blessing to his family. Only the best was given to them.

I researched to see what Joseph had for himself, but found no references on personal accumulations. He must have taken what was given him, but in all humility, he does not ask Pharaoh for any personal favors for himself. Someone once said that selfishness is at the root of all sin, while love covers all misdeeds. The actions of Joseph overflowed with love and forgiveness. Joseph is an example that shows we can truly forgive completely and live as blessings to those who have deeply hurt us in the past. The text also shows that God has been known to arrange for nourishments and provision in the least likely places.

Joseph was not selfish or bitter. He had gone through several painful experiences, but he had diverted energy that could have been wasted on bitter thoughts to service. There is the greater joy of serving and blessing those who had treated you badly. Discover that joy. But this was exactly what Jesus also did. It was painful and not easy to die for those who were spitting and deriding Him. May we follow the footsteps of Jesus.

Song.

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,

Come, follow Me!

And we see where Thy footprints falling

Lead us to Thee.

Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow;

We will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.

Tho’ they lead o’er the cold, dark mountains,

Seeking His sheep;

Or along by Siloam’s fountains,

Helping the weak:

If they lead thro’ the temple holy,

Preaching the Word;

Or in homes of the poor and lowly,

Serving the Lord:

Then at last, when on high He sees us,

Our journey done,

We will rest where the steps of Jesus

End at His throne.

Prayer: Lord, lead us to follow your foot prints. 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