Joseph Genesis 37-48
Learning from early experiences - Joseph started off pampered and privileged. He tried to be a leader because of his perceived position of privilege rather than internal substance and earned leadership legs (Gen 37). In a way, he was set up to fail because his daddy set him up his leadership based on favourtism, rather then relationship. Leadership is something that he tried to ‘wear’, to put on -- his multi coloured coat --(because dad said so) instead of a passion and purpose driving from within. He was leading from ego and naivety and it created jealousy, conflict, uniting the team against him. However, before we are too unfair and judgmental of this young man, there was something significant that was set in motion within him. Commitment to God and integrity of character was not something after – but something that was embedded as a young man. It is not that Joseph was wrong in his interpretation of the dreams of the future. However, he may have shared his vision somewhat prematurely. He had the knowledge of the dream, but not the wisdom. Where as, the dreams where meant to be dreams of hope and deliverance, they were heard as aspiration of arrogance and dominance. There could be a lesson here for me on how quickly I communicate a new idea or vision before fully understanding it myself – and more importantly, how it will sound in the ears of others. We need to learn to listen to our voice with the ears of others, before we communicate. As a result, he ended up in the ‘pits’. Leadership is not something I put on or take off. It comes from the inside out – it not the external title or privilege, but from an internal position of humility and wisdom. Leadership is all about relationship and trust. I need to be aware of the relationship I have with those whom I lead. What is my trust quotient in their eyes?
The pressure that molds or breaks – A primary key to Joseph’s future was in his response to adversity and the set back he experienced. Firstly, he kept his integrity. In the face of temptation and having the available option to cut corners with the possibility of an advantage for self gain, he stood firm. To yield to Potiphar’s wife promised quick ease and pleasure and an immediate advantage. To oppose her meant immediate loss and an uncertain future. Unfortunately, his integrity did not seem to serve him well when confronted by Potiphar himself. He certainly did not have a sense of what his future held – but he was resolute that his integrity was more important than the wealth or power or saving of his own skin. Secondly, he doesn’t give up even when it seems that everything is lost and there’s little to gain. A leader often finds they are leading regardless of the situation - 12 years in prison and Joseph did not allow bitterness to rule his relationship with others, or God (I find this amazing). It is his consistency that wins over the long haul.
Who is Potiphar’s wife? We are too quick if we simply gloss over Joseph’s encounter with Potiphar’s wife. She was Joseph’s alluring temptation to take the easy path, and preserve his comfort and position. She was what was in front of Joseph offering pleasure, a short cut to power. She was the beautiful and sexy alternative to personal integrity, trust and character. She held the all the cards so to speak. Joseph was given great leadership and authority of Potiphar’s corporation. Joseph would have been perhaps like the CFO. He would have had all the perks to go with it. The newest in chariots, the finest of clothes, eating the choicest of foods and living in the plushest of homes. Ancient slavery is not what we think of today – particularly in a position such as this. When Potiphar was away Joseph, in matters of the estate, carried all the power, authority and position of the Captain of Pharoah’s elite guard. What Joseph stood to lose was – everything. However, what I find most remarkable is that when the choice was presented, we encounter no hesitation on Joseph’s part – no cost benefit analysis, no pro’s and con’s list – when his integrity, trust and character is threaten – this young man does not hesitate in his decision. His choice had already been made – it was already embedded in his DNA. For him, there simply was no choice – he chose the right even though everything went wrong.
True Leaders will be revealed in adversity– Joseph never ‘applied’ for his leadership position – it found him. However, he never sought to avoid them either. He was elevated to the position because of his behaviour, integrity, character and attitude. There is a fine line between ambition and pride. I do not think (personal opinion) that to be ambitious is to be sinful or an undesirable quality. The key here is ‘What is my ambition?’ God is the most ambitious being I know. His desire is that “none would perish, that all would be saved”. The sin, is the pride that says: “I deserve this more than you because…” However, the more ‘talented’ and ‘ambitious’ one is the greater the need for a life committed to and journeying in humility. (Mark 10:42-45)
Rather than these set backs destroying Joseph – they honed him and establish a solid foundation tried and tested by adversity. The prison years became a twelve year business preparation school. Again, Joseph would have no idea of the greatest of God’s plan that lay ahead. The only choices before him were a) whether he would maintain his integrity trust and character in the moment and 2) to be faithful and wise with the seemly small opportunities that came before him or wallow in the sea of despair. There is little doubt Joseph would have had to wrestle with his demons of disappointment, disillusionment and depression – the deadly dragons of leadership. Somehow, against all odds, he mastered the triple “d” threat.
Leaders know how to be honouring and empowering followers – Once Joseph got over himself (a difficult and traumatic experience) all those he worked for (good or bad) benefited and profited from Joseph, even if they didn’t realize it. Joseph wasn’t about self promotion, but serving others. Joseph actually ‘serves’ himself into leadership. That’s kinda cool if you ask me. Joseph knew and was willing to be led.
Leaders are not retaliative but restorative- Joseph had every reason and opportunity to take revenge and make people pay, but he never allowed his authority and power to supersede his humanity. His position was a vehicle, never an identity. He learned to keep his emotions and impulse in check and be a thinking leader who manages his emotions rather than a leader that was led by his emotions. There is no doubt, he was a man of deep emotion and pain – consider the first meeting with his brothers. But he didn’t allow this emotional pain to morph into a desire for revenge. The primary reason? He never believed he deserved his Leadership position – it was a gift from God to be used for His purposes.
Leaders do not lead for themselves, but for others - Joseph used his position to serve, benefit and elevate others, rather than protect, enforce and horde what was ‘his’. Joseph had an interesting tension to work through. He was charged to lead on behalf of Pharaoh – and yet at the same time remain true to his commitment to God. He needed to honour Pharoah, to speak on his behalf, advance his purposes and mission – while at the same time retain the integrity of his own core. I would love to sit down with Joseph and talk to him about how he did that – it’s a massive deal. He found a way to remain true to the Sacred while serving faithfully in the secular.
Anyway, I was just thinking…
Neil
Prayer: Father make us leaders of Your Image. May we seek You always in our leadership. Open our hearts and minds to hear from You this day as to how you would transform us to be honouring and usable leaders.
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