Joseph: A Life Marked by Divine Favour
In the year 2000 our then Senior Pastor, brought a word for the year to us. The word was “The Year of Divine Favour”. I then had a unique opportunity of expanding this word to our church and I taught on the “Marks of Divine Favour” using the life of Joseph as a basis.
The story of Joseph is a masterclass in the workings of divine favour. His journey from the pit to the palace illustrates how God’s favour transforms adversity into destiny. Let’s explore the areas where favour worked for Joseph, backed by Scripture.
1. Favour Covered Joseph with Distinction
Joseph’s journey begins with a unique covering of favour that set him apart from his brothers. His father, Jacob, loved him more than his other sons and gave him a coat of many colours (Genesis 37:3). This outward sign of favour created envy among his brothers, yet it marked Joseph for God’s purpose.
- Genesis 37:3-4: “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children… also he made him a tunic of many colors.”
2. Favour Protected Joseph in the Pit
When his brothers plotted to kill him, divine favour intervened. Instead of taking his life, they sold him into slavery. Even in betrayal, God’s hand shielded him from death and preserved his destiny.
- Genesis 37:26-28: “So Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?’ … So they sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver.”
3. Favour Directed Joseph to Potiphar’s House
Joseph’s journey to Egypt wasn’t random; God’s favour directed him to Potiphar’s house, a place of training and preparation for greater things. As a slave, he found favour in Potiphar’s eyes and was made overseer of his household.
- Genesis 39:2-4: “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man… So Joseph found favor in his sight and served him.”
4. Favour Protected Joseph in the Face of False Accusation
When Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph, favour ensured that he was not executed—a typical punishment for such a crime. Instead, he was imprisoned, where God’s favour continued to work.
- Genesis 39:20-21: “Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison… But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
5. Favour Positioned Joseph for Promotion
Even in prison, Joseph rose to a position of influence. His ability to interpret dreams, a gift nurtured by divine favour, brought him into the presence of Pharaoh.
- Genesis 41:14: “Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh.”
6. Favour Provided Joseph with Wisdom
Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams showcased his God-given wisdom. Favour not only gave him insight into the future but also the strategy to navigate it.
- Genesis 41:38-39: “Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’ … ‘There is no one as discerning and wise as you.’”
7. Favour Positioned Joseph as a Leader
Pharaoh recognized Joseph’s exceptional qualities and elevated him to the second-highest position in Egypt. This was divine favour at work, turning a prisoner into a prime minister.
- Genesis 41:40-41: “You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word… See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”
8. Favour Provided Abundance in Famine
Through Joseph’s leadership, Egypt experienced unprecedented abundance, even during a global famine. Favour ensured that Joseph’s wisdom blessed not only his nation but also his estranged family.
- Genesis 41:47-49: “Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly… So Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea.”
9. Favour Reunited Joseph with His Family
Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food, and God’s favour orchestrated a reunion that brought healing and restoration to their fractured family. Despite their betrayal, Joseph extended forgiveness, a hallmark of divine favour.
- Genesis 45:4-5: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
10. Favour Positioned Joseph to Fulfill God’s Purpose
Ultimately, the favour on Joseph’s life was about more than personal success—it fulfilled God’s covenant with Abraham to preserve His people and bring them to the Promised Land.
- Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”
Conclusion
Joseph’s life shows that favour is not just about ease and comfort. It is a divine tool that covers, protects, provides, directs, and positions us for God’s purposes. Wherever you are in your journey, trust that His favour is working for your good and His glory.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the favour You have placed on my life. Like Joseph, help me to trust You through every season, knowing that Your favour is working to position me for Your divine purpose. May Your favour cover me, direct me, and bless others through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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