Why did God lead Israel on a detour shortly after being liberated from slavery in Egypt? This place in the wilderness certainly was not on route to the Promised Land! They soon discovered that they had encamped in the most vulnerable, hopeless place possible, and Pharaoh was in hot pursuit of them again! What was God doing?

We begin our study of the life of Joseph by asking what the goal of God is, and how he chooses and prepares his worker to accomplish his plans and purposes. The story of Joseph reveals how God's work is tied up in the worker he chooses. There are so many principles illustrated in this story that it serves as a clear paradigm by which we can understand how the Lord shapes his workers today.

Growing up in Jacob's family was growing up in a dysfunctional setting. In the midst of this confusing setting, God gave two dreams to a young teenager, who had no idea of what they meant or their purpose. It would take 22 years for these to be worked out, in a manner far different than anything Joseph could have imagined. This lesson examines some of the methods God uses to shape his vessel for the fulfilment of his promises and purposes.

After being sold once by his own brothers, Joseph is forced to another country where he will be sold a second time as a slave. He will serve ten years in Potiphar's house, a completely different environment than he had every known. What sustained him all these years? And how will he respond when after ten years of faith, of making right choices, he is rewarded by once again being thrown into another pit? Where is God? Isn't God a God of justice? Why does he allow this to happen?

The story of Joseph can be told by observing the many garments that he wore. Each garment reflects a stage of his development as he progresses from promise to fulfilment. We are all familiar with the coat of many colours, but which ones come after that?

What were some of the deep lessons Joseph learned after being imprisoned for a crime he did not commit? Joseph had to make decisions that could turn the pain of iron in the soul into a pillar of steel. Many times, prison is where a great leader is born! Watch how Joseph is transformed and made to sit on the second highest throne in all of Egypt!

Now that Joseph has been vindicated and exalted, the story shifts to the coming of his brothers. His dreams move towards the next stage of fulfilment. When ten brothers went to Egypt and bow before the governor, why didn't Joseph reveal himself to them right there and then? Why did he speak roughly to them? Why did he throw them into prison? Was he vengeful towards them or did he have another goal in mind? Genesis 42 is full of emotional drama!

Joseph's brothers need to return to Egypt to buy more food, but Jacob will not release Benjamin. Once they arrive, they are treated by the governor in a completely different manner than their first visit. Why were they treated to a banquet at his residence? What was behind the drama of hiding the governor's silver cup in Benjamin's sack? Why accusing the brothers of rewarding evil for the good they received? This story reveals the necessary work that must transpire in the human heart for broken families to be healed. Will Joseph's strategy work?

The climax of the story is upon us. Joseph can no longer control his emotions. Is he ready for this moment? Are his brothers? Is Jacob? The entire story is about to take an unexpected twist. It has taken twenty-two years to build to this point. In a few minutes, all will be told, and the future dramatically changed! Genesis 45 is a powerful story of reconciliation and forgiveness.

The life of Joseph serves as such a comprehensive picture of Jesus to come. The introduction of the baker and cupbearer reveals a massive amount of light about the nature of ministry, and much about the greater Joseph to come: Jesus!