May 23

“He sent a man before them; Joseph was sold for a servant.” Psalm 105:17

Of the many typical servants of God in the Old Testament, Joseph is perhaps the most perfect. Yet while the Scripture reveals no apparent flaw in his character, we know well that his was no easy pathway.

From a comparatively early age, his life was a series of bitter trials. He was the victim of much injustice. In spite of his faithfulness, he was dogged by one trouble after another. When did his troubles begin? Surely with his dreams. In them he saw what God was going to do and recognized his own place in God’s plan.

It was his dreams that started things off. They represent spiritual vision. By them he saw what his brothers could not see. “This dreamer cometh,” they said, and hated him. But because he saw, Joseph could stand fast through all those grim experiences, and by him God was able to fulfill his plan for his earthly people.