THE INVISIBLE MAN
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and in due time, He will exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:6).
“Once upon a time” is one way the age-old story about a favored young boy could have begun. He was, no doubt, overjoyed as the great Jehovah God assured him of future kingly heights; and blessed at home, before all, as his father decorated him with a coat of many colors. Thus began the inspiring story of Joseph who became well acquainted with the valley of adversity, long before he would ever realize the peaks of God’s promises.
This incredible tale of rejection, abuse, abandonment, desperate times, and times of exuberance, could be any Christian’s story. Men and women of faith often entertain thoughts of grandeur while awaiting the exploits that God Almighty may work through them.
Joseph may have felt that way after receiving dreams from God. From our Lord’s perspective, however, an individual must decrease before they may ever hope to achieve greatness. And by the time one is “ready”, they no longer pursue greatness, but it may well be given by God, just the same.
Joseph took on Jesus’ character hundreds of years before the Son of God was born; Jesus was humility personified. Similar character traits develop among God’s people as the Lord tests hearts — and humility is chief among them. God loves a humble heart, and His beloved Son epitomized this quality: “Who being in very nature God…made Himself nothing…(and) He humbled Himself…” (Phil.2:6ff).
WARNING: Praying for a heart of gold could be hazardous to the flesh!
Understanding how Jesus and Joseph obtained God’s favor is crucial: Both men learned obedience through what they suffered. In Joseph we see a tempered man who became faithful in character; in Jesus, we have a Supreme high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses. In Joseph we find hope to press on in trial and adversity; in Jesus, we have The Hope who will finish the work He began in us.
While they dwelt on earth in their respective times, Joseph and Jesus obeyed and pleased God. A Christ-like character is always God’s goal for us. Jesus was a man while on earth, but became a servant; Joseph’s dreams were fulfilled, but he became a changed man before receiving the prize. The once prideful seventeen-year-old was now a great heart among men, but for greatness itself– Joseph would much rather be invisible. Through great hurt came greater hope and healing. The saying is true, “Whom the Lord loves, He brings low.” God, our Father is love and desires fellowship with us. He will always resist the proud and show grace to the humble. How blessed is the man who finds his place in the Father’s heart, this one will indeed rejoice forever.
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” (Pro.17:3).