Identify Joseph's talents and show how he applied them as a leader.

Answer Details

Joseph's talents and how he applied them as a leader (Genesis 37; 39-47).

Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, rose from being a slave and a prisoner to become the prime minister of Egypt. The account of his life reveals several God-given talents which he applied wisely in leadership.

1. The gift of interpreting dreams. Joseph had received prophetic dreams himself and could interpret the dreams of others. In prison he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker. When Pharaoh dreamed of the seven fat and seven lean cows, and the seven full and seven thin ears of corn, Joseph interpreted them to mean seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He applied this talent to warn and prepare the nation for the future.
2. Wisdom and administrative ability. After interpreting the dream, Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a discreet and wise man over the land and to store up one-fifth of the produce during the years of plenty against the years of famine. Pharaoh recognised this wisdom and set Joseph over all Egypt. Joseph applied it by organising the gathering and storage of grain throughout the land.
3. Diligence, faithfulness and integrity. In Potiphar's house Joseph was so trustworthy that his master committed everything to his care, and in prison the keeper put all the prisoners under his charge. As governor, he faithfully managed the resources of Egypt without corruption.
4. Self-control and moral discipline. When Potiphar's wife tempted him, Joseph refused, saying he could not do such a great wickedness and sin against God. This moral strength made him a trustworthy leader.
5. Foresight and planning. Joseph used his understanding of the coming famine to plan ahead, so that Egypt had food to feed its people and to sell to surrounding nations, including his own family.
6. Forgiveness and reconciliation. When his brothers, who had sold him into slavery, came to buy grain, Joseph forgave them, telling them not to be distressed, for God had sent him ahead to preserve life. He provided for them and settled them in Goshen.
7. Reverence for God. In all his dealings Joseph gave glory to God, acknowledging that interpretations belong to God, and that God had turned the evil intended against him into good.

Thus Joseph combined spiritual gifts, wisdom, integrity and compassion, and applied them to save many lives and to lead Egypt successfully through a national crisis.