As I continue my read through Genesis, now in Chapter 40, I can hear my subconscious reminding me of similar stories from my past. Though never imprisoned physically, I have suffered some serious emotional setbacks that so relate to a young Joseph. This particular chapter clearly points out the consequences of truth telling, that tendency to speak your mind, which in my case comes from a confidence built over a lifetime of favor!
Favor, as addressed in my last post, may be confused as privilege, though certainly good fortune in life and in our world, both gender and race as well provide some limited edge.
Some just call it luck, but
what I talking is something that even "bad luck" can't thwart regardless of status, age, gender or race!
Such was the case with Joseph, sold by his envious step-brothers, he still rises to the household of Potiphar. Unfairly blamed by a seductive spouse, then imprisoned as well! Yet, favor still follows him.
But there is a dark side to favor, in that it tends to draw out blatant truth, a certain uncontrollable passion to speak things as you see them, which is often painful to the truth teller and can sound arrogant, even heard with an edge of anger, though never intended as such.
For instance, Genesis 40:16-19 (MSG)
"When the head baker saw how well Joseph’s interpretation turned out, he spoke up: “My dream went like this: I saw three wicker baskets on my head; the top basket had assorted pastries from the bakery and birds were picking at them from the basket on my head.” Joseph said, “This is the interpretation: The three baskets are three days; within three days Pharaoh will take off your head, impale you on a post, and the birds will pick your bones clean.”
Here Joseph speaks the truth even if it hurts! I'm sure there were moments when he told himself, "Oops, I ought not have said that!" or "Dang, I just messed up, again!"
Been there, done that with students, school administrators, pastors, and at times with municipal leaders.
In my case, I'll admit to not always being as guarded as wisdom might have demanded, yet honestly, this favor that I continually experience tends to embolden one's self, especially when blatant wrong is apparent, particularly if potentially injurious to the greater good.
The worst night of my life in leadership was a conversation with the media after trusted individuals had knowingly skewed truth for their own personal benefit. A foul attempt to protect their own interest, and one that to this day impacts our community's ability to move forward relative to those adjoining our borders. That window has now passed, with the corrective action still long delayed, though some day possible I trust, yet the community's collwctive vision suffers to this day.
Such moments are unforgiving in their pain to the truth teller, though often the perpetrators move on to the next, with little remorse!
Vision and truth are twin sisters that live in the spiritual womb of the favored.
Both can hardly be stifled, though wisdom is required to avoid irreparable damage. Though even when damage occurs, the favored are not forsaken. I have a strong story line of personal success after intermitent emotional, even financial setbacks, and still I wouldn't trade the journey for the world.
Lest you think that take myself to seriously, I'll l quote one of my favorite philosophers, "It's not easy being green." - Kermit (the Frog).
Joseph’s story shows us that when we fix our gaze on God and choose to rely on him, even the heaviest situations can be made lighter. Remember that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him