Five Coats, One Purpose
This is the story of our lives. We have dreams; we have plans. Then, suddenly, we fall into unexpected and difficult situations, circumstances over which we have no control. What can we do?
Sometimes the journey is quite different from what we expected. Rarely is life an expressway, without abrupt curves or frustrating delays. What matters most, though, is our destination.
What does it mean to live with purpose, resolve, and a steadfast aim? For this, we will consider the case of one man. A man of five coats and a sole destiny.
THE COAT OF PRIVILEGE (GENESIS 37:1–36)
Jacob was 90 when Joseph was born, son of his favorite wife, Rachel. He had waited years for this child. It was not that he did not have other children: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah . . . 10 sons in all. But Joseph was special, the golden child. More so when his mother died, giving birth to his brother Benjamin. For Jacob, Joseph was what was left of his first love, the object of his dreams.
So, Jacob made Joseph a coat of many colors. It was a tunic of the finest cloth, with long sleeves, richly embroidered.1 A robe worthy of a prince. The other brothers had rustic attire, the working clothes of shepherds and cattlemen. Clothing that said it all: a future of grueling work, of caring for the livestock. But Joseph’s robe expressed the honors that his father had given him. A position of distinction, of leadership.
The first coat, then, was the robe of privilege. A status that gave Joseph the opportunity to dream. To imagine what God might have for his future.
In a certain sense, you have also been endowed with a tunic of privilege. At home, and perhaps at school and church, you were provided with activities and counsel. Your mentors hoped that the values conveyed would become normative in your life. Their dream was that you would become a prince, a leader par excellence. Under their tutelage, you lived a protected life, insu- lated from many harsh realities of the real world.
Unfortunately, these conditions can suddenly change. As you transition into the rest of your life, you leave behind that robe of privilege and security, and like Joseph, you may suddenly be left alone in a world that is not always friendly. A world that may mock your dreams and deride your privileges. A world that will test your commitment.
As the mountains of Canaan faded into the distance, Joseph made a fundamental decision. A decision to be faithful to God.
THE COAT OF INTEGRITY (GENESIS 39:1–20)
Joseph was 17 years old (see Genesis 37:2) when he was sold by his brothers to the Midianites. In Egypt, he was purchased by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s royal guard. Potiphar soon realized that he did not have to worry about anything that he entrusted to Joseph. Everything was well done. Certainly, this slave had a commitment to excellence.
But there was something else. Potiphar observed that “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, NIV).2 It was true that Joseph’s excellent work brought prosperity to Potiphar. But before perceiving the prosperity, Potiphar noticed the Presence. Joseph had a personal relationship with his God, and that relationship was evident to those around him. So, Potiphar entrusted Joseph with his estate and placed a coat on his shoulders.
In this new position, Joseph was presented with an unforeseen situation. His good looks, inherited from his mother Rachel, created a problem. Potiphar’s wife was a woman who noticed, and Joseph was invited to the delights of the present and opportunities for the future. The temptation was not only at the sensual level, although that was not a small thing. Pleasing Mrs. Potiphar could improve his situation. Displeasing her could ruin all his dreams.
Joseph was far from home and family, in a pagan land with weak moral standards. But that day, Joseph made a full and binding choice, a commitment to a life of integrity.
This second coat presents several insights. First, many think that they need to achieve success so that others can see that God is with them. They struggle and arrange matters, only to discover that they do not experience God’s favor. The reason? They have reversed cause and effect. The cause of true success is the presence of God—God was with Joseph. Why was God with Joseph? Because Joseph was with God—God was the highest priority in his life (Matthew 6:33).
Second, the relationship that Joseph had with God gave him the strength to refuse the temptation to sin against God. His answer indicates that it is not fear of discovery or of some venereal disease; but rather he refuses because he will not violate the trust placed in him by Potiphar and by God.
Third, the temptation was not only that of an illicit relationship. It was the temptation to use the assets, the resources of the estate for personal benefit. A temptation that started long before the episode of Madame Potiphar. From the moment Joseph arrived at Potiphar’s estate, he was confronted with the possibility of taking small things that belonged to Potiphar, things that nobody would ever miss, and use them for his own benefit. The way in which he addressed those seemingly insignificant situations determined how he would face greater temptations.
We, too, find ourselves surrounded by temptation. For us, as it was for Joseph, the temptations are “day after day” (Genesis 39:10). They appear when we least expect them, and they are subtle and powerful.
Our response cannot be based on what is convenient, on what others will think, or what we will gain or lose. Rather, “‘How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?’” (Genesis 39:9). When you face issues with God, there will be no battle, no trial, where you cannot be victorious.
This was the secret of Joseph’s life. Regardless of the inducements presented, Joseph affirmed his commitment to be faithful.
THE COAT OF ADVERSITY (GENESIS 39:21–40:23)
Potiphar was confused. All the time that Joseph had been with him, he had never done wrong. But now this accusation had been made, a crime that for a slave meant death. But he also knew his wife and what she fabricated under pretext. He did not want to execute the innocent, but he could not leave the honor of his household in the dust. He didn’t know what to do; he needed time to think. “To jail!”
At the prison, Joseph was given the suit of a prisoner. So far, Joseph had lost two perfectly good coats and now his reputation. Life was not going as he had planned. We might think that this would be the moment for Joseph to be disheartened. So, this is the reward for my integrity! For 10 years I was faithful to my master, and now look where I am. Where are you, God? I was doing what You asked of me.
Joseph did not understand why, but he was sure of one thing: God was with him (Genesis 39:21). Sometimes, we think God is only with us when we are enjoying prosperity; but here we find that God is with Joseph in his adversity. There is no situation in which we can be, where God is not with us.
There was a certain quality about Joseph, something that related to his outlook on life. Instead of focusing on his own situation, he focused on helping others. When Pharaoh’s baker and cupbearer landed in jail, for example, the jailer entrusted them to Joseph, and “he served them” (Genesis 40:4, NKJV). There in Pharaoh’s prison, dressed in the third coat, the coat of adversity, Joseph stands out for his selfless service.
Joseph’s secret, however, was that his life was centered in God—not in himself, not in circumstances. He could be Potiphar’s servant, he could be a prisoner in Pharaoh’s dungeon, but he was not a slave to circumstances. The blows of life, its inequities and injustices, did not disturb him. He was convinced that God could work in every situation, and it was that perspective that transformed his dismal situation into a window of hope.
Furthermore, this time of affliction and suffering— apparently lost time, was actually three years of blessing. It was in that prison that God planned for Joseph to meet the man who would present him to Pharaoh. Who would have thought that an initial job interview would take place in such an unexpected site? Seeking to avoid imprisonment would have meant missing the divine appointment that would lead to an amazing future.
So, there, amid adversity and suffering, we find Joseph ministering and serving. Regardless of the adverse circumstances, Joseph affirmed the purpose of his life.
THE COAT OF HUMILITY (GENESIS 41:1–36)
The cupbearer had completely forgotten Joseph. Until that morning.
“Servant! Bring me my robe, my royal robe!” Pharaoh was in a vile mood—his night had been terrible, one nightmare after another. “And bring in my wise men, especially those with the Doctor in Dreams.”
But it was futile. None of the magicians could interpret the dreams. Then the cupbearer remembered (Genesis 41:9). They brought in Joseph hastily, and he stood before Pharaoh.
“I have had a dream,’” said Pharaoh, “‘and no one can interpret it. But I have it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it’” (Genesis 41:15).
It was the moment long awaited. Joseph could have answered, “Well, certainly, Your Majesty. Everything you have heard about me is very true.” Or perhaps, “Pharaoh, I would very much like help, but my mind is so burdened with my unjust situation. If that could be resolved. . . .”3
It was the moment long awaited. Without boasting, without self-centeredness, Joseph replied, “‘I can’t do it by myself, . . . but God will tell you what it means!’” (TLB). Joseph acknowledged that any ability that he possessed came from God and he refused to take credit for the work of God. He was dressed in the fourth robe, the robe of humility.
“What should we do?” Pharaoh asked. The wise men, again, did not know what to do. Someone suggested setting up a seven-year committee to analyze the interpretation and prepare a report on possible initiatives. Pharaoh’s face darkened.
“Your Excellency, if I might offer a suggestion.” It was Joseph.
“Certainly!”
“Look for a wise administrator and entrust him with this project. Pharaoh can appoint commissioners who will receive for Pharaoh a fifth of the harvest each year for the next seven years of abundance. The grain can be stored in specially prepared storehouses near the cities. Then, during the seven years of famine, the grain can be redistributed to the people. Times will be difficult, but people will live.”
Pharaoh looked at his counselors, “What do you think?”
“It is an excellent plan,” one answered, “but who will be appointed as administrator?”
Pharaoh looks at Joseph. “Who could do it better than Joseph? For he is a man who is obviously filled with the Spirit of God” (Genesis 41:38, TLB).
It would have been the easiest path for Joseph to only interpret the dream. He would still have received accolades and honors. After all, interpreting the dream was all that had been asked. But Joseph did not live his life based on minimums. He was committed to excellence, to going the second mile (Matthew 5:41).
From prison to palace, an incredible and unexpected change. A change in circumstance, but not in purpose.
THE COAT OF GRACE (GENESIS 41:37–45:8)
When Pharaoh elevated Joseph to the position of governor, he gave him a new name, a royal chariot, and the official seal. He also gave him a fine linen robe that indicated his new position.
During the next seven years, Pharaoh’s dream was fulfilled. Harvests were bountiful, and Joseph collected a fifth of the crop and stored it in vast granaries. Then the seven years of hunger began. The people came to Pharaoh for food, and Pharaoh sent them to Joseph. Joseph opened the granaries and sold them food. The nation was saved; the treasury was overflowing.
After a few months, representatives of other nations began to arrive because the drought was extensive. In Canaan, Jacob gathered his sons and said: “‘I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us’” (Genesis 42:2).
The 10 older brothers set out for Egypt, leaving Benjamin with their father. Arriving in Egypt, they appeared before the governor and bowed in homage. Although some 20 years had passed, Joseph recognized them immediately. “‘Where do you come from?’” he asked.
“‘From the land of Canaan,’” they answered.
“‘You are spies!’”
“‘No, my lord. Your servants have come to buy food. We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies. . . . Your servants were twelve brothers . . . the youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.’”
“‘It is just as I told you: You are spies! And this is how you will be tested: . . . If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die’” (Genesis 42:7‒16).
In Canaan, it was not until the food brought from Egypt was almost gone that the brothers were able to convince Jacob that he should let Benjamin go. Benjamin—all he had left of his beloved Rachel. It was Judah who presented the convincing argument, “‘I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life’” (Genesis 43:9).
They arrived again in Egypt and came before the governor. This time, the change was amazing. The governor received them kindly, released Simeon, and invited everyone to a banquet.
The next morning, after a good rest at the governor’s estate, the brothers left for Canaan, their sacks full of grain. They had not advanced far, however, when they heard the galloping of horses and saw a cloud of dust rising behind them. It was the overseer with a company of soldiers.
“What have you done? Why have you taken the governor’s silver cup?”
“No, my lord! We would never do such a thing! If the cup is found with any of us, we will all remain as the Governor’s slaves.”
“Well said. However, if anyone has the cup, only that man will be a slave.”
Quickly, the brothers lowered their sacks and opened them: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Benjamin. . . .
While this was happening, Joseph was waiting anxiously in his palace. He was sure that the overseer would return with Benjamin. But what about the brothers? Would they go on home, abandoning Benjamin, as they had done with Joseph 20 years ago?
Suddenly, he saw the approaching band of soldiers, and there, among them, were all his brothers. But he had to be sure. “What is this you have done?”
Their faces are to the ground. Finally, Judah answers—Judah, who had instigated the brothers to sell Joseph into slavery.
“‘What can we say to my lord? . . . . God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We are now my lord’s slaves.’”
Joseph responds: “‘Far be it from me to do such a thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace.’”
Judah then makes this plea regarding his brother Benjamin: “‘Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. . . . if my father, whose life is closely bound up with the boy’s life, sees that the boy isn’t there [when we return], he will die. . . . Your servant guaranteed the boy’s safety to my father. I said, “If I do not bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before you, my father, all my life!”
“‘Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers’” (Genesis 44:18-33).
Joseph stands up. He is dressed in the fifth robe—the robe of grace. The moment has arrived.
Sometimes, when we reach a high position, we think that the time has finally arrived—the long-awaited moment of retribution, of paying back the injustices received. In our lives, we receive hard blows, discrimination, and injustice. We find ourselves incapable of defending ourselves, powerless to correct these wrongs and inequities. Then, sometimes, circumstances suddenly change, and we find ourselves in a place of authority. How sweet the revenge, to pay them back as they deserve!
When Joseph was installed as governor, second only to Pharaoh, it would have been easy to take revenge for various injustices—Potiphar’s wife, Potiphar himself, the delinquent cupbearer. And now his brothers—who had hated him, tormented him, and finally sold him heartlessly as a slave. It was the great opportunity—his brothers prostrate, trembling with terror, fully in his power.
But Joseph had a commitment with mercy, with forgiveness, with grace. The spirit of retribution and revenge did not control his life. To the contrary, Joseph viewed each event in his life as an opportunity to serve and bless others.
Sometimes, we might think that being sold as a slave and then unjustly imprisoned were the greatest tests in Joseph’s life. But what greater test than this: His brothers before him, totally helpless, and Joseph with unlimited power? It is one thing to be tested when one is unable to resist. It is quite another to have opportunity to take revenge when your enemies are putty in your hands.4
It is also true for us. Our greatest test is how we use power when we finally have it. We need to understand Joseph’s secret. Joseph simply acknowledged that his position of power was part of God’s plan, and that God’s purpose was for him to protect and preserve others, including those who had mistreated him.
A second aspect is the matter of forgiveness. Several principles are illustrated in Joseph’s life5:
Forgiveness must precede repentance. Many times, we wait to forgive until we have seen the repentance of the one who has wronged us. But Joseph had freely forgiven his brothers long before. Although a slave and a prisoner in Egypt, he was truly free—free from the bitterness that enslaves the lives of many.
Forgiveness seeks restoration. Although Joseph had forgiven his brothers years before, he did not reveal himself to them immediately because he was seeking a change in their attitudes and actions. He endeavored not only to free them from their guilt, but also to promote their spiritual growth.
Forgiveness must be granted privately. When Joseph needed to talk to his brothers about the past, he sent out all others from the room. Injustices and offenses committed do not have to be broadcast. This sensitivity to privacy, in fact, facilitates restoration.
Forgiveness is permanent. Genuine forgiveness is not provisional; it is not conditional. Seventeen years later, with the death of their father, the brothers feared that grace might have ended. But Joseph reaffirmed that his brothers had been forgiven fully of their past.
Joseph—an example of the power of forgiveness, the power of grace.
CONCLUSION
Five coats, one man. Five coats, one purpose.
Many times, this is the story of our lives. We have dreams; we have plans. Then, suddenly, we fall into unexpected and difficult situations, circumstances over which we have no control. We suffer rejection and injustice, even from those who should be our best friends. Suddenly, we find ourselves in a strange land, far from family and counselors, far from holy influences, surrounded by materialism, sensuality, and perversion. The temptation is strong to abandon our roots and embrace the secular world. What will we do?
Many times, things go from bad to worse. We lose our position—not because of incompetence, but because we do what is right. We are locked up by situations with no apparent way of escape. The temptation is strong to fall into discouragement and depression. What will we do?
Then, sometimes, situations miraculously change. We find ourselves at the pinnacle of success—with prestige, power, and position. We have authority; we are in control. And there are those who ignored us, who mistreated us, who despised us. How will we respond?
Like Joseph, we must affirm our destiny. Five coats— Privilege, Integrity, Adversity, Humility, and Grace. Coats of excellence, coats of faithfulness.6
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