Article November 17, 1945 Issue

"A fruitful bough"

MADGE COLCLOUGH

When Jacob in his latter days called his sons before him to bless them, Joseph received this benediction (Gen. 49:22): "Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well: whose branches run over the wall." A study of the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis shows that he richly deserved and earned this commendation.

As a youth he displayed a contemplative nature, and probably glimpsed something of the divine authority and dominion which belong to man as the reflection of God. He shared with his family the visions, or "dreams," which came to him. His brothers, however, incensed with the fury and jealousy of the carnal mind, conspired against him and sold him as a slave into a foreign country. That, they thought, was the end of Joseph's dreams and aspirations. But it was only the beginning of his remarkable career, for we are told that both in the service of his master, Potiphar, and later when Joseph was unjustly cast into prison, the Lord was with him and he prospered.

One may well ask how one in captivity could prosper, but human captivity cannot prevent the progressive unfoldment of the spiritual idea in individual consciousness. Joseph must have been aware of the ever-presence of God, good, for, according to the record, he did not indulge in thoughts of anger, resentment, impatience, or revenge. Thus he could not be the victim of envy and malice, but was lifted above and beyond the imprisoning restrictions of personal sense, and was elevated to a position of authority and responsibility which enabled him to provide against the famine he foresaw. Thus Joseph was able to help the Egyptians and his own family.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"A fruitful bough"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access