The Few Sheep

The Few Sheep

David never lost a public battle. He was a giant killer who produced giant killers. He reclaimed Jerusalem from the Jebusites, brought back the ark and restored the worship of Jehovah in Zion. The mountains that surrounded Jerusalem which fortified the Jebusites, became a symbol of how God securely surrounds his people[1].

To raise David, God used a few sheep[2]. The sheepfold where David looked after a few sheep of a poor farmer was his training and testing ground. The one positive thing going for him was - keeper of a few sheep. Faithfully caring for the sheep in the dangerous plains and hills shaped his character. Before God raises you, he also will ask you to first look after some few sheep. David was so faithful with the sheep that he would literally put his life on the line in their defense[3]. David gave his heart to it. He did such a good job that he was able to draw his description of good shepherding in Psalm 23 from his own quality practice. He was with the sheep in the valley of the shadow of death and they lacked nothing. 

When he was alone in the sheepfold, he learnt to play the harp and to praise God. The harp skill brought him before the king. When he fought the lion and the bear, he learnt faith and skill he would need to conquer Goliaths. When he patiently tendered for the little lambs and saw them grow to being big and confident, he learnt the patience necessary to transform malcontents of society to giants for God. In all he learnt to trust God and experience his unfailing favor.

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[1] Psalm 125:2

[2] 1 Samuel 17:28

[3] 1 Samuel 17:34

Three Impacts of Promotion

Three Impacts of Promotion

Joseph’s promotion did not bring just personal benefit. He saw it as an opportunity to serve those around him. He remembered the mentors who helped him, the parents that cared for him and God who favored him. Joseph’s father, Jacob, did a lot to shape Joseph’s faith and character. Time and trouble tested and proved the quality of his work. Joseph therefore made sure his promotion benefited his family, his nation and his faith community.

Impact on His Family. He facilitated provision of food and shelter to his parents and siblings. In many cases, children abandon their parents when they become more learned and prosperous than they do. They wait to honor them by expensive coffins and latest burial suits. Joseph shared his elevation with his family members.

Joseph even forgave his brothers for wanting to kill him (Genesis 45:1-7).  That way he facilitated family reconciliation. Nucleus and extended family relationships are breaking down for lack of a peacemaker. Many members are suspicious of one another and plot to pull each other down not realizing they also pull down themselves in the process.

Impact on His Nation. Joseph served his adopted nation so well that his promotion saved the nation from starvation during years of famine. The nation became economically stronger than other nations. In other words, he used his promotion to promote his country. It was an elevated platform from which to shine for God (Mathew 5:14-16).  Where it is darkest, light is needed the most. Darkness is unrighteousness and needs in the society.  Your workstation, community position, sports exploits etc are lamp stands, platforms that put you in public view. The question is how you use the advantage.

Impact on His Faith Community. Joseph played a significant part in the life of the Jewish faith and nation. He also happened to come from this nation (Mathew 6:33). He remembered the welfare of the people and business of God. Anything done that moved patriarch Jacob is major on God’s agenda. Your promotion also is for the sake of God’s work, to give to the work of your church, to missions’ workers and those who instruct and preach in the faith.

Evaluate your promotion based on how it has benefitted the kingdom of God, your family, and nation.

Three Accompaniments of Promotion

Three Accompaniments of Promotion

For Joseph[1], promotion did not come alone. It came with privileges, pressures and imperfections that he had practiced to manage on his life journey.  Inability to handle the accompaniments of promotion results in demotion or a fall. The following are three things that came with Joseph’s promotion.

1) Privileges. Joseph’s position attracted honor and respect. He had power to influence decisions and make things happen. He gained a home, a chariot, and luxuries he could imagine.  Privileges however also come with pitfalls that include pride, pleasures on demand and abuse of power.

2) Pressures. Promotion comes with pressure to perform that has its perils. The pressure can leave no time for other important things of life. As a result, performance comes at a personal toll of fatigue, ill health, stunted personal development, strained vital relationships and spiritual decline. Willy Adei taught avoidance of five sacrifices: sacrificing your marriage, sacrificing your family, sacrificing your friendships, sacrificing integrity, and sacrificing eternity

3) Potipheras. On Joseph’s promotion, Pharaoh gave him for a wife, Potipherah’s daughter whose name Asenath meant ‘belonging to the goddess Neith’.  Her father was some Egyptian priest of On. Interestingly earlier in his life Joseph had run away from Mrs. Potiphar but as governor he had to live with a Ms. Potipherah. Perfect situations do not exist under the sun, even in your church group. Even best of promotion comes tainted with blemishes. You find yourself saying ‘Wow it is such a great opportunity but …’ The qualifiers after the ‘but’ can be certain lazy or difficult individuals you have to live with, learn from, study or work with,  or a work structure, a work schedule, a type of work or certain aspects of your responsibility you would eliminate given a choice. Thanks to God, who gives grace to monitor and govern such imperfections. Joseph did not allow the Potipherahs to shape his values[2]. That way he protected his reputation and promotion.

How well are you coping with the pitfalls of privilege, the perils of performance pressure and the imperfections of Potipheras that come with promotion?

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[1] Genesis 41: 41 – 55

[2] Genesis 41:51-52; Genesis 42:18

Three Guarantees to Promotion

Three Guarantees to Promotion

God’s design is for you to grow and progress in what you do. He is revealing his dream for you as he did to Joseph. God showed him the wonderful vision of a high authority and leadership role but did not forewarn him about the rough road ahead. There were no detailed maps and plans with signs to show distance covered and remaining to destination. God however guaranteed three things.

>> His Presence. When you read his awful experiences and the set backs he suffered you cannot help feeling for him. When you read about his victories, you likewise are prone to want to applaud him as your hero. You however have a constant reminder that the Lord was with him[1]. It is encouraging to know he did not triumphantly go through the pit, slavery and prison alone. God's presence had everything he needed.

>> His Peace. Peace comes from confidence that you can contain the situation. You can handle the relationships, you can pay the bills, you can handle the future and you will not be overwhelmed. God gave Joseph the power to prevail. The grace of God with Joseph was his source of confident expectation that gave him peace[2].

>> His Promotion. The road may be long and rough but God’s love and promises guarantee that your story will end well. In a replay match video, the losing team can be leading at half time. Joy will come in the end[3].

Joseph experienced sudden unanticipated developments on his promotion journey.  People and factors other than you often influence time and course for your promotion. Your part is to trust God from whom promotion comes. He controls people, circumstances and consequences in your obedience. With the three guarantees, as Joseph did you are able to set God inspired goals and keep focus and faith for comebacks when the unexpected happen.

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[1] Genesis 39:21; Hebrews 13:5

[2] Genesis 39:20; 2 Corinthians 12:9

[3] Genesis 41:14; Numbers 23:19

Three Transits to Promotion

Three Transits to Promotion

What a relief when I discovered I could pay a small additional amount to my airfare and wait in transit for only two hours instead of eighteen. Joseph also went through much more severe transit places on his thirteen-year journey to the palace where he became governor of Egypt[1]. His were three transit places, the pit, Potiphar’s house and the prison.  The summary below highlights how Joseph’s transits were learning stops. 

Beginnings - The Family place[2]. God revealed his plan for Joseph when he was in a safe family environment in spite of the resentment by his brothers. He came to know God and much of the character formation he would need later happened. Family is a school that lays foundations for life. You also need a safe and supporting environment. It may not be perfect as was for Joseph.

>> The Pit[3]. The pit is the school of hard knocks where you learn the hard way through life experience. He learnt to forgive and not let the past hold him back from moving on with his life. He also learnt to turn to God when bombarded by many unanswered questions. All you can do in the pit is to respond in faith.

>> Potiphar’s place[4]. Potiphar’s house was a school of market place obedience. [5]He learnt responsibility, work hard and to achieve excellence. Later he would give orders to others. One who has not followed does not qualify to lead others.  Like at a University he learnt how to work under pressure and achieve excellent results. He did not understand why he was learning about  life in the palace. Do not lose hope it is all adding up. Learn as much as you can wherever you are.

>> The Prison[6]. The prison was a school on serving under constraining environments.  It also gave Joseph opportunity to learn about life in Egypt by the nature of crimes and prisoners from many backgrounds.  He learnt about the justice system. Do not lose hope it is all adding up. The dominos are falling over each other.

Promotion - The Palace[7]. The dream come true was itself like dreaming. When he was told Pharaoh wanted to speak to him, he could never have guessed the finest moment of his life had arrived. God fulfils his promise and exceeds expectations. He works wonders. He breaks the chains that hold you back and releases you to become all that he intended for you. 

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[1] Genesis 37, 39-41

[2] Genesis 37:1-22

[3] Genesis 37:23-28

[4] Genesis 39:1-20

[5] Titus 2:11-12

[6] Genesis 40

[7] Genesis 41