Touching the lives of others is an inspirational message taken from the life of Joseph. His life story is found in Genesis Chapters 37-50.
Do you know the story of the Midas touch? It is a legendary ability attributed to King Midas in Greek mythology. According to the myth, King Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus, and he asked that everything he touched would turn to gold. Initially, he was thrilled with his newfound power and turned various objects into gold, including food and drink.
However, King Midas soon realized that the gift was a curse. His greed and desire for wealth caused unintended consequences, as even his beloved daughter turned to gold when he touched her. Distraught by the tragedy, he sought a way to reverse the gift, and Dionysus instructed him to bathe in the river Pactolus to cleanse himself of the power.
The Midas touch has become a popular phrase and metaphor in modern times, representing the desire for wealth and material possessions and the potential negative consequences that may arise from excessive greed and avarice. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of balance and the dangers of unchecked desires.
On a positive note, the Midas touch can also be used as an illustration of doing good, for instance, helping others. By extending our hearts and hands, we can touch lives.
Using the acronym R.I.C.H., we can learn principles on how we can “touch” the lives of others.
R – Relationship
Joseph has a high level of relationship with God. The relationship between Joseph and the God of Israel is portrayed as one of favor and divine intervention. Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob (also known as Israel) and was favored by his father, which created jealousy and animosity among his brothers.
Throughout his life, Joseph experienced several trials, including being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers (Genesis 37:26), falsely accused and imprisoned in Egypt (Genesis 39:13-23), and facing various hardships. However, through these challenges, it is emphasized that God was with Joseph and provided him with special favor and wisdom.
Joseph’s life took a pivotal turn when he accurately interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph’s insight, Pharaoh appointed him as second-in-command in Egypt, responsible for managing the food supply during the years of plenty and famine.
The Bible repeatedly highlights that God was with Joseph, guiding him and blessing his efforts. This divine guidance and favor were instrumental in Joseph’s rise to power and his ability to save not only Egypt but also his own family during the time of famine. Joseph’s brothers, who had once betrayed him, came to Egypt seeking food, and he forgave them, reconciling with them and bringing the whole family to settle in Egypt.
Related post: The Benefits of Abiding in the Lord
I – Intelligence
The story of Joseph does not explicitly focus on financial intelligence, as the concept of financial intelligence as we understand it today was not explicitly explored in those ancient texts. However, Joseph’s actions and decisions throughout his life do display elements of financial wisdom and prudence.
In the story of Joseph, his financial intelligence is evident in a few key aspects:
1. Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dreams: Joseph’s ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams accurately showcased his wisdom and foresight regarding economic matters. By predicting the upcoming years of plenty and famine, Joseph advised Pharaoh on how to manage the nation’s resources effectively during these times, thus ensuring Egypt’s economic stability.
2. Managing the Famine: During the years of plenty, Joseph implemented a system of storing surplus food to prepare for the impending famine. His strategic planning and resource management during the bountiful years demonstrated his understanding of the importance of saving and investing for future needs.
3. Overseeing the Grain Distribution: As the overseer of Egypt’s food supply, Joseph implemented a well-organized system for distributing food during the famine. This system not only ensured that Egypt’s citizens were fed, but it also allowed Joseph to accumulate vast wealth and resources for the kingdom.
4. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Though not directly tied to financial intelligence, Joseph’s forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers after they came to Egypt seeking food highlight the importance of healthy relationships in financial matters. Joseph’s generosity and willingness to assist his family during a time of crisis demonstrate sound financial stewardship and compassion.
While the story of Joseph in the Old Testament primarily emphasizes themes of faith, divine providence, and personal character, one can draw lessons of financial wisdom and prudent decision-making from his actions and experiences. These qualities reflect the principles of financial intelligence, such as strategic planning, resource management, and understanding the significance of relationships in financial matters.
C – Character
Joseph consistently demonstrated integrity and righteousness in his actions and decisions. When he was sold as a slave to Egypt by his jealous brothers, he remained faithful to God and did not compromise his principles, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
Despite being far from his homeland and facing various trials, Joseph remained faithful to God and trusted in His plan for his life. This faithfulness is evident during his time as a slave in Potiphar’s house and later when he was imprisoned unjustly.
God gifted Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams, which played a significant role in his rise to prominence in Egypt. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, which ultimately led to his appointment as a powerful ruler in the kingdom.
One of the most striking examples of Joseph’s godly character is his forgiveness and reconciliation with his brothers who had betrayed him. When he finally revealed his identity to them, he reassured them, saying, “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5).
As a high-ranking official in Egypt, Joseph showed compassion and generosity, especially toward his family. He provided for his brothers and father during a severe famine and welcomed them to settle in Egypt.
As the governor of Egypt, Joseph demonstrated excellent stewardship and leadership skills, guiding the nation through a period of prosperity and protecting it from the effects of famine.
Overall, Joseph’s godly character shines through in his unwavering faith, moral uprightness, forgiveness, and love for others. His story serves as a powerful example of how God can use individuals with godly character to bring about His purposes and bless others.
H – Human Ability
Joseph possessed a unique gift of interpreting dreams, which played a crucial role in his life. At a young age, he had two significant dreams of his own, indicating his future prominence over his family. However, his brothers became jealous of these dreams, as they suggested Joseph’s eventual authority over them.
Later on, while he was imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, predicting the cupbearer’s restoration to his former position and the baker’s execution. These interpretations eventually led to Joseph being summoned to interpret Pharaoh’s perplexing dreams, foretelling seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Joseph’s ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams impressed the ruler greatly. As a result, he was appointed as the second-in-command over all of Egypt, overseeing the management and distribution of resources during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the upcoming seven years of famine.
Joseph’s wise leadership and administrative skills helped Egypt survive the severe famine, and he became instrumental in saving not only Egypt but also his own family from starvation.
Joseph’s ability as a dream interpreter and his talent as a wise and capable administrator made him one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament, playing a crucial role in the fulfillment of God’s plan for the preservation of the people of Israel.
Like Joseph, we can also touch the lives of others. Be a blessing to the people around us. Get deeper in our relationship with the Lord, grow in our character, and develop the abilities and skills God has given us.
