CHARACTER LESSON 5: Joseph
- Hal Habecker
- May 23
- 2 min read
Updated: May 27
Selected Studies in Aging – How Did Characters in the Bible Finish in Life?
Hal Habecker, Finishing Well Ministries
The attached video watching guide below is designed to follow the study. Every Scripture I mention is already included, but please feel free to take your notes as you listen and think about what is being said.”
Hal Habecker
DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO WATCHING GUIDEE
Lesson intro
joseph: faithful through every season
We first meet Joseph when he was born to Rachel as the 12th son of Jacob. Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb. So she conceived and bore a son and said, "God has taken away my reproach." She named him Joseph, saying, "May the Lord give me another son" (Genesis 30.22-24).
A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth (Ecclesiastes 7.1).
Early Years
Joseph was the 12th born of Jacob's 13 sons, from a family with 4 biological mothers. Jacob loved Joseph more than his other sons, which created jealousy among his brothers.
Betrayal and Slavery
At age 17, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and lied to their father that he was killed by a wild beast.
Rise to Power
After years of faithful service and imprisonment, Joseph became second-in-command in Egypt at age 30, overseeing the preparation for and management of a severe famine.
Reconciliation
Joseph reunited with his family during the famine, forgave his brothers, and provided for them in Egypt, recognizing God's sovereign plan: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good."
Final Years
Joseph lived to see his great-grandchildren. Before his death at 110, he made Israel swear to carry his bones to the Promised Land when God would bring them back.
Joseph's faithfulness in trusting God wherever he was became a pivotal truth in how he ultimately finished. In Finishing Well Ministries, we talk about finishing every day well. Finishing every day well is the key to finishing life well.
