​Joseph: He Obeyed Quickly and Completely

We are currently, on Tuesday mornings, looking at seven different characters from God's Word. Last week we looked at ​Abraham: God’s Powerful Promise to a Patriarch. Today, we're looking at ​Joseph: He Obeyed Quickly & Completely.

These characters are also featured in (Part Three: Days 21-27 Men of God Character Study) our Come and Gather: Family Time With God 27-day devotional. Or, what we lovingly refer to as Gather. Our text today is found in Genesis 37:

“And Israel said to Joseph, ‘Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.’ And he said to him, ‘Here I am.’ So, he said to him, ‘Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.’ So, he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 

And a man found him wandering in the fields. And the man asked him, ‘What are you seeking?’ ‘I am seeking my brothers,’ he said. ‘Tell me, please, where they are pasturing the flock.’ And the man said, ‘They have gone away, for I heard them say, let us go to Dothan.’ So, Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.” ​Genesis 37:13-17

3 Things to Note

1. Joseph was approximately 17 years old at the time of the incident described in Genesis 37 (Genesis 37:2)
2. Joseph was the favored son in the house as had been evidenced by the giving of the coat of many colors by his father (Genesis 37:3)
3. Because of Jacob’s favoritism and Joseph’s immaturity in dealing with his family he is hated and despised by his brothers (Genesis 37:4, 5)

2 Things to Remember

1. ​Joseph obeyed quickly “Here I am” (37:13)
2. Joseph obeyed completely “So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan.” (37:17)

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​It is abundantly clear throughout Scripture that God expects from His children no less than what was expected of Joseph by Jacob.

Joseph’s immediate response in verse 13 indicates his respect for his father and the fact that he searched for his brothers until he found them demonstrates his complete obedience even though it took extra time and initiative to accomplish the assigned task.

​It was at an early age that Joseph began to set a pattern of obedience and it was that character trait that set him apart, and God rewarded him abundantly.

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​Faith for the New Year Journal: 31 days of faith-filled Scripture, devotions and prayer to start the New Year right with God! (Fruitful Vine Woman Journal Series) by Nicci Anna Kilcoyne

The Faith for the New Year Scripture Journal is a 31-day journey to seeking God, meditating on His Word and setting your faith for the New Year.

​Inside, you'll find a page for each day of the month in January where you can read Scripture, a micro-devotional, space to copy the Scripture of the day and a place to journal your prayers. Perfect for the busy woman who needs a little guidance and structure or for a season of prayer and fasting to start your New Year right with God!

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How do you instill the character trait of obedience, both quickly and completely, in your children? For more on Joseph, head over to Joyfully Abundant Life's post Did you ever think about the fact that it was God who sent Joseph to Egypt?

Come and Gather: Family Time With God published with permission
​Pastor Jeremy Sweatt, Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, Connecticut