November 10, 2025, Monday Message:
Hebrews 11:22 NLT: “It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.”
This is one more demonstration of faith, and a good example for us. Joseph’s story is unique. He was Rachel’s firstborn but Jacob’s 11th son, and as it turned out, Jacob’s favorite. Joseph was gifted the famous “coat of many colors,” but a better translation might be “a coat with sleeves.” Men who worked outside in cold weather wore thick vests with no sleeves, leaving their arms unencumbered to perform the required tasks. But Joseph’s coat with sleeves meant he wasn’t required to perform physical work. The elder brothers didn’t like that. Jealousy set in, and eventually the siblings kidnapped their younger brother, leaving him in a pit in the wilderness. He was rescued by Egyptians and subsequently became a servant of Pharaoh.
It all fell apart when Pharaoh’s wife took a liking to Joseph. That landed Joseph in prison until he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream. Joseph’s interpretations were given to him by God, so the grateful Pharaoh restored Joseph’s position, making him kind of like “Secretary of State” for Egypt.
When drought resulted in a food shortage in Canaan, the Israelites traveled to Egypt seeking assistance. In a way only God could plan, the person to grant aid was in the line of Israel’s patriarchs. Of course, Joseph would help his people!
To summarize, Joseph had an unshakable belief in God and God’s ability to make things right. It’s called faith! God had protected him while growing up, and protected him as he was kidnapped. God protected him as he was taken to Egypt and given a good job in Pharaoh’s court. Pharaoh’s wife lied, landing Joseph in prison, where he was protected. God’s truth pleased Pharaoh, and Joseph was restored to a key government position, exactly where God wanted him to be when his Israelite brethren needed assistance!
Joseph’s faith never ended. His faith never got wishy-washy. He was “all in,” forever a fan of the Almighty. More about “all in” faith tomorrow!
Pastor Norton Lawellin
Jesus In the City Fellowship
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