The Cream Always Rises to the Top

Joseph is one of the most accurate types of Jesus in the Bible. Others to be considered: Melchisedec, Isaac, sacrificial lambs, Joshua, etc.

But in Joseph, we find no fault. He was sold into slavery by those of his own household for 20 pieces of silver. He was falsely accused and imprisoned. “He never said a mumblin’ word” when he was taken from judgment to prison.

Here is something that strikes me, Joseph could have, maybe even should have, exacted revenge on so many…

      1. His rotten-to-the-core, conniving, jealous, lying, treacherous brothers who perfidiously sold him into slavery.

      2. That salacious, dark-hearted, lustful wife of Potiphar who lied about a good man for spurning her advances. Note that Joseph never accused her, never cried out against her wickedness.

      3. Those human-trafficking Syrian merchants who sold Joseph into Egyptian servitude.

      4.  Potiphar himself, who chose to believe his scandalous wife on the spot and had a good, innocent man committed to prison.

      5. The Butler. He was blessed to be reinstated to his office as cup-bearer to the Pharaoh, and should have rendered to Joseph props at his earliest convenience. But he forgot! How could you forget the one formerly called a dreamer, but is now the consummate interpreter of dreams?

Joseph could easily have couched himself as the victim, but became a victor. He might have taken on the role of vigilante, but became the savior of the ancient world. His attitude, compassion and spirit of service are exemplary. He foreshadows impeccably the coming Savior Who would come unto His own, yet His own would receive Him not. He would be the object of false witness, rage, jealousy, treachery and betrayal. Yet, on the cross, He Who could have presently called 12 legions of angels to deliver Him and destroy His abusers, chose forgiveness.

Perhaps today, you will be wronged. You will be overlooked, under-appreciated, vilified or worse. You will have the power to hold a grudge, get even, give them a piece of your mind. Or, you can take the example of Joseph, or even Jesus and bless those who persecute you.

One allows you to get even, the other allows you to rise to the top. The Cream always does.