Lesson Eighteen

FAITHFULNESS REWARDED

Memory Verse: Job 23:10
Further Study: Genesis 41-50; Patriarchs and Prophets 219-240; The Story of Redemption 103, 104; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 57-72

I like chocolate. Put some nuts in the chocolate and I like it even better. If those nuts are hazelnuts or almonds, we’re talking serious temptation. Resisting chocolate for me is generally under control from February to November. But when December rolls around, candy seems to become abundant, and I’ve discovered that it takes about the month of January to empty our pantry of all things tempting that arrived during the holidays. And then it begins. Teaching my body yet again that chocolate needs to be in moderation or not at all to be healthy and thin(ner).

While this probably isn’t the best example of character building I could offer you, it is exactly what I thought of today as we reach the conclusion of Joseph’s story. This was no ordinary man. As we review his life, from riches to rags to riches again, everything he did whether son, slave, prisoner, or potentate seemed to emulate a strong character. How did he consistently stay secure in the presence of temptation?

How did he consistently stay secure in the presence of temptation?

Answer: Joseph never let go of God. Even when it seemed to Joseph that God let go of him, Joseph clung to God. We see glimpses of this in his response to Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:9) as well as in his response to his brothers (Gen. 45:5-8). Joseph determined that he would follow God in any and all circumstances—no matter how small, difficult, or distasteful. For Joseph, wherever he was was where God wanted him to be. While temptation was present, it did not conquer him but instead built character. 

“There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. . . . By faithfulness in that which is least they [people who follow God] acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 222-223). 

That chocolate bar in my pantry completely qualifies as a little thing. But resisting it or at least parsing it out over days instead of consuming it in minutes, helps build my character. The irritations of life— work, people, traffic, or whatever is eating away at you or causing serious temptation—may seem big or small, but they become tests for us to choose between God and His plan or our own way. 

Sometimes we will fail. Sometimes we win. But keeping score isn’t what it is all about. 

Sometimes we will fail. Sometimes we win. But keeping score isn’t what it is all about. Having Jesus in focus is what matters. Character to fit us for heaven is something that happens over a lifetime. With every decision involving Him, knowing we are right where He needs us to be, we will find ourselves building character one moment at a time, even when it is as small as resisting chocolate.

Digging Deeper 

To read Joseph’s life and desire to emulate it isn’t a bad thing—in fact, what you may not realize is that the life of Joseph is parallel to Christ’s. To make choices as Joseph did is another way to say, I want to live like Jesus. Consider these comparisons between the two:

Making it Real

Joseph was given the daughter of the priest of On as his wife. Together they had two sons. Joseph’s sons grew up as the grandsons of one of the most high-profile priest families in Egypt. Their father was second to Pharoah in his power. Yet at the end of Jacob’s life, Joseph brought his two sons to be blessed by his father, a shepherd, and of no consequence in the eyes of Egyptians. This blessing was not simply a rite of passage, but it was a joining of his sons to his father’s family leaving behind the riches, glories, and temptations that a life in Egypt would offer.

Your children are the most precious gifts that God has given to you. We are told to daily bound our children upon the altar of the Lord (Child Guidance, p. 527). We are asked to be ready to answer the question at the judgment: What have you done with My little flock that I entrusted to you? (Manuscript 70, 1903). These are serious and sobering questions.

1. If you are parenting young children today, ask yourself, What am I doing to build their character? To grow them spiritually? To prepare them for Jesus’ soon coming? Depending on the answer: Is there something you should you do differently?
2. If you are parenting middle schoolers, how can you spend meaningful spiritual time with your children? Could you begin having family worship? How about having some fun Bible questions at the dinner table? Think of ways to turn their hearts more toward Jesus.
3. If you are parenting teens, you are experiencing a time when temptation can sometimes be the hardest as well as so many things competing for their time. Take advantage of car trips. Some of the most meaningful conversations with a teen can be while driving. Do you have a bedtime routine with your teen each night? Now is a great time to implement that if you don’t. Before they go to sleep, head to their room, and ask about their day. Share what’s on your heart to help them learn to share their hopes and dreams. Pray with them. And be sure you do it all with the lights out. Sounds odd, but it makes a difference! Meaningful sharing time for teens seems to happen when the room is dim. 
4. Parenting days over? Look for ways to build your own character. Reach out to your adult children. Look for ways to share spiritual moments with them. Have grandchildren? Read or tell a favorite Bible story, perhaps the life of Joseph. Introduce them to Starting With Jesus. Pray for your children and grandchildren each and every day.
5. Don’t have children? You are still valuable as a “mother or father in Israel.” Young families need your wisdom and care. Reach out to nieces and nephews. Look for families to sit with in church bringing items that will interest and amuse their children so they can listen to the sermon. 

Respond & Share

What character traits did Joseph have that were also found in Jesus? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being the grandmother of two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus.

Coming next week:
“GOD PREPARES A DELIVERER”
Based on Exodus 4:12; Exodus 1-6;
Patriarchs and Prophets: pp. 241-263; The Story of Redemption: pp. 105-116;
The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 75-105