Consequences

People spend their whole lives, fortunes and time looking for the meaning of life and what they are supposed to do with it. Some people just accept things through circumstances and roll with the punches going through the school of hard knocks and pining to wonder if it were different, what could I have done? The decisions we make cause consequences, good and bad. Even the small ones we make can have big repercussions that we thought would be like a drum hit but sound like an earthquake. Maybe you are a sufferer of consequences in your life, but you are not alone. We all are! Your decisions you made as young adult still carry with you today now that you are wiser by some years you would love to go back and change it, but can you? Would you? If you could, how? SO many questions that open other doors to more consequences we can be perplexed and just stop in the hallway of life and stare at the doors. The hallway is just temporary, God does not want you in the hallway forever. He wants you to serve Him, yes even with bad decisions, yes even with regrets, yes, even with baggage that people can’t see, and you can’t throw a fee on. God wants you, consequences, and all. The Bible proves it repeatedly from Moses, Rahab, Jonah, David, Job, pick a disciple, Paul, and more. There are more, plenty more, if I’ve missed one, go back and read that one, it may be the undoing to your hallway and into something fantastic. I’m not calling for you to live like Daniel or live like Peter but live like YOU loving Jesus with all your heart and that can be hard to do in a world so full of hate, apathy, and contradictions that we feel like what’s the use? But there is power in taking a stand. There is power in deciding, a proclamation if you will, on who you will serve.

This boy was born in a large family and was one of the youngest in the family. “These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.” Joseph was with his brothers and stepbrothers and Joseph came back telling their father something that had happened that was not a good consequence for them. Joseph was doing the right thing when obviously they were not. How many times have we got ourselves into more trouble for doing the right thing than if we just turned a blind eye? But does that mean we should? Is that what God would have us to do? God wants us to be honest with all men. Romans 12:17 says, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” Recompense means to reward. Joseph did not do what they were doing and he did not lie against them but told the truth to his father as such you can about imagine what happened with a sibling tattled on their siblings. Yep, the label, the taunts, the teases, no one invites you anymore. He was probably ostracized from his brothers because of the decision he made that had consequences far more than he could’ve possibly ever imagined as a seventeen-year-old boy. His father had a different view, “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. Genesis 37:2-4.” Israel (aka Jacob) was Joseph’s dad. He loved Joseph because Joseph was doing the right things or trying to. As we say, “he has a good head on his shoulders”, the rest didn’t seem that way. His dad made him a coat of many colors, which was a very expensive item, and it would be known all around who he was. Now remember, Joseph has 11 brothers, and step siblings. They were a large family and here is Joseph out of all these children being singled out with the special gift. This happens in families today where a child is treated better than other siblings or step siblings sadly and the children don’t understand they just see things black and white, (or in Joseph’s case a coat of many colors that only he had). So, please be aware of how this will make others feel when you start giving out words of praise, gifts, and time that kids take notice of this quickly and will react with their own consequences. This was true with Joseph. His life was about to change at the young age of seventeen. Some of us have had life changing/altering/shattering things happen at seventeen that diverted our goals, plans, and dreams. What did it do to Joseph? His brothers could not speak peaceably to him and they hated him. Joseph had not done anything truly wrong that we know of but speak the truth and receive a gift. Yet here he was hated by his brethren, and they had something planned for him. Joseph was given a great gift by God to have dreams and they come to pass and also interpret dreams of people. God doesn’t care the age, just the willingness. The brothers were jealous even the more because their father listened to Joseph more than them and decided to get rid of their problem and just like in the movies, they wanted to kill him they were so angry at him! They decided the consequences were too great and didn’t want that guilt on their conscience. So, they devised a plan. “Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.” Joseph was thrown in a pit and left to die but the brothers decide to make a profit instead of have blood on their hands, Joseph is now sold and far away from home. “And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned unto his brethren, and said, The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? And they took Joseph's coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.” The brothers brought so much pain and grief for their father over their actions. They lied and said Joseph was dead. I can only imagine their satisfaction as they tore up that beautiful coat and dipped it in blood knowing their plan would work but little did they know what was coming to them and their brother. “And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him .And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard. Genesis 37.” So now Joseph is far away from home in Egypt, a strange country filled with strange gods, strange sights, sounds and food. He saw the pyramids and their splendor. He was a servant in a high-ranking soldier’s house. Even in Egypt, God was with Joseph because Joseph still followed God and did things pleasing to God. Even if life takes you far away from where you want to be whether by your choice or not, it is up to you how you serve God in that time. “And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.” Joseph was a little older now, his youth still there but the wisdom and level headedness of an adult showing through with his decision making and the consequences for him were good. He moved up in his station from servant to overseer of the house. He was prospering in this new land in which he looked different, worshipped different and acted different than those around him. Joseph was trying to do what he thought was right and obey God but there’s always something that tests our resolve, that tries our faith, presses our patience and can either help or hinder or walk with God. This test was not on pen and paper but on two legs and was married. Joseph, being raised right, said no. She got mad and told her husband that Joseph hurt her and had proof, a piece of clothing that she had grabbed. Poor Joseph and those wardrobe malfunctions! Well, the guard being a just man did the thing he thought right and proper to his wife, he put Joseph in prison. Joseph went from being a boy in a pit to slave, to overseer, now a man in a prison. Joseph had made decisions that led to this point, but others had also made decisions that impacted his life as well. He could’ve been angry, and we would say rightly so. He could’ve given up on God after all he had been through. But here he is in prison with no idea of what will happen next. “And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison .And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.” Even in prison, Joseph was on good behavior and rewarded for it. Proof that God can reward us and bless us even if we get ourselves into messes or others put us into messes. It may not be money, riches, or fame but it could be more longer lasting effects and that is something we can sink our faith into.

Joseph is in prison for about 4 years when circumstances arise that he is called before Pharaoh himself. “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Genesis 41:15-16. Pharaoh found what Joseph was saying was true. Pharaoh listened to Joseph and was at peace. If only we could listen to people in our lives when they are trying to help us out. We’re all going through a season right now. It’s scary, it’s confusing, it’s maddening but God can give us peace. Even though Joseph didn’t know about the coming Messiah, he knew of God’s peace as spoke of in Paul’s day. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.” Know God has got you if you trust in Him. You may not be enjoying this season, but you can be at peace knowing God will help you if you will let Him. Joseph had peace in this land so different from his home where things were simpler, here he was in the midst of royalty and promoted to 2nd in command in Egypt, this is not only recorded in the Bible but in Egyptian history as well! While all these big things happened in Joseph’s life there were little things each day, the way he spoke to people, the way he treated people, the way he served God, they were all noticed. You may not have many big moments, or you may have too many—that’s okay. God is there for every moment no matter how big or small—God is with you through them all.

Joseph’s life was full of ups and downs. He had it good for a moment, then it all went downhill, then it went into a pit literally. Let’s stop and think about this pit. Joseph no doubt had all sorts of feelings, as do we if we fall into a pit in our lives whether literal, spiritual, or emotional. We’ve hit a snag, things aren’t working out, this wasn’t what we planned but serving God in the valley is just as important as the mountaintop. David wrote in Psalms 40:1-4, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” These verses can bless us if we take them to heart. God can help us out of the pit in our life into places we never thought we’d be, like Joseph.

Joseph’s life was not done yet, as interesting it was throughout it all. Joseph never got closure. He never got to see his family who thought he was dead. He never sent word home, how could he? What would he say? So, he continued day by day but God was not done with Joseph and Joseph continued serving God even in a pagan place. Until one day, he saw some Hebrews walk in, he could tell by their dress and their speech. He might’ve heard it before they got to him. He understood them, he had seen many Hebrews coming in to buy grain because of the drought that affected the area. “And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. Genesis 42:6-8.”  Joseph’s brothers were there! What would he do? What would he say? Would he have them thrown into prison? Would he be mean to them? His dream had come true that his brothers would one day bow down to them and that day it came true.

After some time, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, “Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.” I’m sure they were! Imagine this man up there in the royal palace of the Egyptian Pharaoh who suddenly starts speaking your language and calling you out by name! “And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: Genesis 45:1-9.” Joseph didn’t want any harm to come to his brothers and wanted to know if his dad still lived. He got in his chariot, unsure if he looked more Hebrew now or still Egyptian to greet his father, but he went nonetheless; “And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me; And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have. Genesis 46:29-32.”  Joseph’s brothers and father stayed in Egypt with their flocks and herds, tending to them and Joseph’s wife and children got to meet their uncles and grandfather. What a glad reunion day! And one day you and I can have that with our Heavenly Father who knows us by name and calls us out of our status, our location, our job, our income, our health, our family, and calls our soul to Heaven. I pray you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and we can call each other brothers and sisters in Christ no matter our differences.

While we are here on this earth though, we go through so much and that is why it is important to realize that everything we do has a reaction, it may not be equal and it may not be opposite like in physics, but something will come to pass, even “nothing” is something. Our purpose on this Earth may stretch further than anything we have ever known. You may impact people globally, you may impact people locally, or you may just impact one person, that is okay. One person made the choice to share the gospel with another and it made all the difference. It is said that Sunday School teacher Edward Kimball helped lead Dwight L. Moody to Christ; because of that, J. Wilbur Chapman was converted at a Dwight L. Moody evangelistic meeting; because of that Billy Sunday was converted at a Chapman meeting; because of that Mordecai Ham was converted at Billy Sunday meeting; and Billy Graham was converted at a Ham meeting. It just takes one person. Jesus was just one person. It just takes faith in what God can do. So don’t discount what God can do for you. It is weird knowing you are serving a purpose, but God’s not done with you.   Like Joseph who had these fantastic dreams and yet ended up sold into slavery, was a servant in a strange land to a powerful man, to imprisoned and awaiting his fate. Yet he served in prison, he listened, he cared he made the best of it until the day came and he would follow his faith or his fears, both may have warranted him the death sentence.
    
So, he had nothing to lose but his life—not his integrity. So, he spoke up and did the hard thing. He approached the king. He gave him what God had said and laid himself at the mercy of the king but knowing who he truly worshipped was more powerful.
    
Maybe you are in a phase of Joseph, in a pit of depression, devoid of hope. Maybe you’re in a house that’s not yours, maybe you been lying to yourself and it isn’t what God had planned, but you did your best until you are settled in your own space meant for you that God wanted you to fill. Maybe you’re imprisoned by guilt and loss, something shackles you down, but you can’t find the key. Joseph did and we can too, but we need to take a moment and think, are we too busy building our key ring instead of finding the true thing?
    
Consequences will have their way and consequences will have their stay. There are always consequences to your actions, so before you act, think; are you prepared for them? And where will you be sitting when that times come with Christ on your side or by yourself? Be prepared!