Joseph Time for Thought
BY MOSHE KATZ 
CEO
ISRAELI KRAV INTERNATIONAL

December 27, 2024, Israel

We all know the Biblical story of Joseph and his Brothers, or Joseph and his Coat of many Colors. To sum up some highlights, Joseph/Yosef, is the first-born son of his Rachel, Jacobs' favorite wife. One might say that Joseph had a privileged upbringing, he was loved, he was good looking, and he was gifted. However, he was not very humble. He openly told of his dreams of grandeur where his family would come to bow low to him and how he would achieve greatness. Joseph indeed had great visions but what he could not see, apparently, was how his dreams upset everyone, including his beloved father. With all his brilliance he could not see that his telling of his dreams enraged his brothers. Soon they would take their revenge.

You can read the Bible for the full story, how Joseph was stripped of his fine coat of many colors, thrown into a dangerous pit, pulled out by Midianites, sold to Ishmaelites and sold repeatedly until arriving as a slave in the land of Egypt, far from home. Here too he was thrown into prison. How the Arrogant can be brought low. Pride comes before a fall. 

By virtue of his reputation as a man who can interpret dreams, Joseph is finally released from prison, he is brought to the great Pharoah to interpret his dreams. This he does successfully. And now we see a change. 

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the (pit) dungeon; and he shaved, and changed his garment, and came in to Pharaoh.  And Pharaoh said to Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none who can interpret it; and I have heard say of you, that you can understand a dream to interpret it.  And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me; God shall give Pharaoh a favorable answer. (Genesis 41, Verses 14 - 16)

It is interesting to note here, that on his way down, he was stripped of his fancy garment, then thrown in the pit, and on the way up, he was pulled out of the pit and given clothing worthy of being worn when visiting a king.

Here Joseph finally has his chance, his own dream is fulfilled by virtue of his talent to interpret the dreams of others. He finally gets his "break", he is called to see the great leader, the Pharaoh! This is his audition, his chance to prove his greatness. But what does he say, It is not me! Only God has this power. If God will give me the answer, great, if not -not, I myself am nothing. 

How often do we see people born with a great voice, or body, or looks, or talent, only to lose it later. Do they thank a higher force for their good fortune? No, they become arrogant and haughty, Prima Donnas, they have demands, high prices, and treat people like dog poop. but the great power shall bring them low, and hopefully they will learn. 

No, it is not I, I am nothing special, if I have a gift, it is from God and I have no control over it. “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

If I can help you, I shall, and I make no demands in return. There will no negotiations over here, I do not have an agent or a lawyer to represent me. After hearing the dream, and giving Pharaoh an explanation that makes perfect sense to him, Pharaoh is delighted, and praises Joseph. 

Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do."

In other words, Joseph is not taking credit at all, he is redirecting the glory, he is saying God has revealed to Pharoah!! It is not me that God has graced, it is you Pharaoh!

What a change in attitude since his youth, he has had harsh life experiences and learnt humility. Even now, when so much depends on this audition, he is not taking credit, it is you Pharoah that God has revealed the lifesaving information to, not me. 

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you."

Josephs' humility and honesty is rewarded. 

If life throws us in a pit full of snakes and spiders, if we are sold into a form of slavery, imprisoned unjustly, think of Joseph, let us learn a life lesson. 

MosheKatz2024

Moshe Katz, 7th dan Black Belt, Israeli Krav Maga. Certified by Wingate Institute. Member Black Belt hall of fame, USA and Europe.

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