Rev. E. Anderson
PRIMED, TIMED TO BECOME PRIME MINISTER
Reading Genesis 37
Introduction
YOUNG PRIME TIMER: Looking at the life of Joseph right from the outset it is possible to conclude that here was a young person who was divinely primed and timed to succeed. There was an evident plan with respect to his existence and this knowledge and conviction inspired and directed his thinking, believing and procedures, and it was present so early in him. None are too young to be primed and timed by God, in fact, He loves it that way. EVIDENT DIVINE TOKENS: It is possible to discern and trace evidences of this priming and timing and know that these factors can be reproduced again in others. He is but a pattern set up by God of what can actually occur again and again as his life is viewed, valued and the things that were birthed and developed in him be further generated in those who desire the same. One of the great reason for the record and signs of this special feature is that it will promote even more being primed and timed people by God. GREAT QUALITY THROUGHOUT: Joseph was not a five minute wonder. He did not simply burn and shine for a short while, but consistently through his career on earth in his relationship with God and his life and work, he demonstrated immense graces, virtues and gifts that are most noticeable. As each stage and phase is negotiated he expresses tremendous qualities that pleased heaven and made him a worthy and noble person to be commended to all.
Here are some of the things to be observed that serve as a present inspiration.
1. HE WAS BIRTHED INTO A CHOSEN RACE
From a very early age he would be conscious of the fact and reality that he was special and unique. The reason for this would be the knowledge of his ancestry and pedigree. He had a father, grandfather and great-grandfather who had known unusual and extraordinary experiences with God and that his family had been singled out as chosen by God to fulfil an exceptional destiny, and he was an essential part of it. It had all started with Abraham – Genesis 12: 1-4.
Those who have been divinely born again are divinely chosen and are a new race of people chosen to succeed and achieve divine expectations – see Ephesians 1: 4. Christians are not low but high-born to rise to eternal prominence and presidency!
2. HE POSSESSED A SPIRITUAL AND LOVING FATHER
One of the great blessings and advantages that was his lot in earliest days was to have a good, godly father. Jacob had not been the best of men but he had always entertained a deep desire for God and en route in his life God had been shaping him up in many ways. He had a great story to tell of God’s goodness, faithfulness and promises and in Joseph he found a good listener and learner. With tender, generous and spiritual care he invested into this son that he believed was different and was destined for significant things. Joseph was prepared to be mentored and this was a means of priming and timing by God.
It goes without saying that every Christian has a great loving Father that wills to share things of enormous value and benefit. We must possess the aptitude to listen and learn and so be primed and timed in and according to His will.
3. HE HAD DEEP ASPIRATION AFTER THE THINGS THAT MATTERED
This youth was not lacking in desires of a God-ward nature and it seems apparent that he was reaching out for the deeper and greater considerations of life. He did not want to exist in a vacuum but longed for real purpose to enter into his being and procedure. It is evident that he had moral and spiritual principles operative in his living which God must have been pleased with. There was no coarseness, vulgarity or unbecoming mannerisms only the will to be a quality young man. At this time God must have been pleased by giving him some unusual dreams that evidently had some immense significance with respect to the future – Genesis 37: 5-10.
It is vital that at the earliest stage possible we make known our affection for God and aspirations for spiritual realities and blessing.
4. HE LEARNED TO COPE WITH ADVERSITY
He is one of the characters of the Bible that we know knew how to deal with major, personal problems and afflictions. His brothers were not very pleased with him and revealed their evil attitudes. Being sold into slavery and sold as a slave was not a very nice thing to happen but he managed it with grace and dignity. Being made a prisoner was also a galling experience but somehow he holds his head high and maintains his faith. In such, he was divinely primed, time and sustained – see Psalm 105: 17-19.
No Christian believer is immune from adversity and trial and must see such as part of God’s training and timing for greater status. They are part of the divine deal in coming to effectual leadership and ministry. Within those experiences a proper spiritual attitude must be birthed and developed – see James 1: 2-4.
5. HE RESISTED THE SUBTLE TEMPATION TO SIN
Opportunity readily presented itself to sin but he reacted rightly against it through the wisdom and grace of God. It was quite a thing to be desired by the mistress of the house and she could put on the charm and make things seductive. But he was primed and timed by God to reject this trap and safeguard God’s Name and his own integrity and spirituality – Genesis 39: 8-10. His name has gone down historically as one person who knew how to confront temptation and overcome.
The Christian is assured that temptation will come to try but that there is a way of escape if it is divinely sought – 1 Corinthians 10: 13. Your reaction to this sort of thing will reveal whether you are primed and timed by God.
6. HE WAS ABLE TO USE THE SKILLS OF MANAGEMENT
He did possess unique skills and abilities that marked him out as a person who possessed wisdom and strategy to direct things in a successful manner. As he was primed and timed by God he was graced with practical as well as spiritual powers that enabled him to give leadership. In a humble but dynamic manner he was able to use his God-given talents and potential for good, in Potiphar’s home, the prison and later in a national way. He would be the first to recognise that God had equipped him with such aptitudes.
As life is lived for God, it is within His sovereign power to bestow and bless people with certain capacities that cause them to be fruitful and stand out in ministry. He can take ordinary people, prime and time them for exceptional service – e.g. Peter, from fisherman to apostle etc.
7. HE MANIFESTED A GREAT SPIRIT OF FORGIVENESS
The time came when he had to evidence a terrific attitude towards his brothers that had greatly grieved, wounded and offended him. But he knew that God had primed and timed him in order to demonstrate this spiritual grace and he made this obvious – Genesis 45; 1—8. It says that ‘Joseph could not refrain himself from all that stood by’ – v1. This was the crucial moment when love, grace and forgiveness had to break out in an incredible manner. He had been made ready for this display by God and he was not lacking in this grace.
It is possible to discover and know how good and great people are when this comes into view. Joseph had not become hardened by all that had gone wrong but softened by God to give an example of unreserved mercy, forgiveness and absolution. God is glorified when this is in full view.
CONCLUSION
The same God that was with Joseph and in his generation is still existent and operates in similar manner. None are too young or old to be primed and timed by and for Him for major significant roles.
There are stages and experiences to be successfully negotiated by His help and input and when is all worked out, the person is in a place to live and serve the Lord to the maximum.
