Law 11 of the 48 Laws of Power is "Maintain Your Independence." In the Bible, Joseph is an excellent example of this principle, not through manipulation, but through strategic wisdom and service that ultimately made people, including powerful figures, reliant on him.
How Joseph Exemplifies Law 11:
God Rose Joseph to Power in Egypt: Joseph’s story in Genesis illustrates how he rose from being a slave to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. Through God’s guidance, he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He advised Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of plenty, positioning Egypt as the only nation prepared for the famine.
God made Joseph Independent through Service: By orchestrating the storage of grain, Joseph not only saved Egypt but also made surrounding nations reliant on Egypt’s resources. When famine struck, people from all over came to Egypt for food, giving Pharaoh great power and wealth while reinforcing Joseph’s indispensable role.
God Made Joseph’s Family Come to Egypt: During the famine, even Joseph’s own family came to Egypt to buy grain, ultimately settling there under Joseph’s protection. This was a strategic outcome, positioning his family, the future nation of Israel, within the most powerful empire of that time, dependent on Joseph’s influence.
God Brought Loyalty Through Gratitude and Need: Joseph’s approach didn’t manipulate or exploit; rather, he used his God-given gifts to serve. His wisdom and planning earned him unwavering loyalty from Pharaoh and others, as they depended on his insight and integrity for their survival.
The Power of Being a Righteous Anchor in a Time of Need
Theme Scripture: Genesis 41:39-40, Genesis 45:5-7
Introduction Parable: The Lighthouse on the Stormy Coast
Imagine a small, rocky island off the coast of a bustling port city. A lighthouse stands tall there, its light a beacon to sailors navigating through stormy seas. On clear nights, the lighthouse is almost forgotten, its light blending into the stars. But when storms roll in, its importance becomes unmistakable. Ships turn towards it, drawn by the light that promises safety and guidance. The lighthouse itself doesn’t change—whether the seas are calm or rough, its purpose remains to guide, to be dependable, to be a refuge in the midst of chaos.
This lighthouse is like Joseph in the Bible. Even when he was unjustly imprisoned or betrayed, Joseph stayed steadfast. God raised him up not just for his own sake but to be a beacon, a source of life and guidance for others. Joseph’s life became essential to Pharaoh, to Egypt, and eventually to his own family. Today, we’re looking at how God calls us to become reliable anchors—like Joseph—who lead others by following God’s wisdom and remaining faithful in every season.
Main Points
1. Joseph’s Rise to Power: A Story of Faithful Dependability
Joseph’s journey to power began in a way that seemed unlikely. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and then thrown into prison, he could have turned bitter or resentful. Yet, even in those hardships, Joseph remained faithful, and his consistent reliance on God made him someone people naturally trusted and relied on.
Scripture: Genesis 41:39-40 – “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.”
Commentary: Pharaoh’s words to Joseph demonstrate the profound effect Joseph’s life had on those around him. Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream and the plan he laid out showed not only his wisdom but also a steady faith in God. Pharaoh, though a ruler with power and wealth, recognized the spiritual authority and wisdom within Joseph. Joseph was not trying to seize power; rather, he was offering a path to save lives. In return, Pharaoh elevated him, making Joseph’s influence inescapable and Egypt’s dependency on him undeniable. It was Joseph’s faithfulness in the little things—his diligence in Potiphar’s house and integrity in prison—that built a character strong enough to bear the responsibility of Egypt’s future.
Cross-Reference:
Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” This principle in Luke mirrors Joseph’s life. God’s faithfulness is revealed when we prove faithful, even in challenging circumstances. Joseph’s story encourages us to embrace responsibility, no matter how small, trusting that God can use it to bring His purposes to pass.
Joseph’s faithful heart allowed him to become essential to Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, and it’s a reminder to us that God can use any circumstance, however difficult, to prepare us for a greater calling.
2. Joseph Becomes a Source of Provision: An Anchor in the Famine
Joseph’s rise to power ultimately prepared him to be a source of provision. Through God’s guidance, he knew the famine was coming, and he stored surplus grain in Egypt during the years of plenty. When the famine struck, Egypt had enough food, and people from surrounding nations came to buy grain, making them dependent on Joseph’s wisdom.
Scripture: Genesis 41:56-57 – “And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.”
Commentary: Joseph’s careful planning during the years of plenty allowed Egypt to not only survive the famine but to become a refuge for others. His influence extended beyond Egypt’s borders as people from all over came to Joseph for sustenance. Joseph’s wisdom and obedience made him essential, not through manipulation or power-hunger, but through service and compassion. We see how godly wisdom can provide a lifeline in times of crisis. Joseph’s story teaches that true power in God’s kingdom comes not from forcing others to depend on us, but from becoming a reliable source of support that others naturally turn to in times of need.
Cross-Reference:
Proverbs 11:14 – “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Joseph’s actions underscore the value of godly counsel. As Proverbs points out, people thrive where there is wise guidance. Joseph’s preparation not only saved lives but gave safety and security to countless people. This scripture reminds us of the importance of seeking wisdom and providing guidance that others can depend on, especially in times of crisis.
Joseph’s role in providing for Egypt and surrounding nations demonstrates the impact of godly wisdom and preparation. In times of famine, physical or spiritual, we are called to be people that others can turn to for help, encouragement, and sustenance.
3. Restoration of Joseph’s Family: God’s Greater Purpose
Joseph’s wisdom and foresight not only preserved Egypt but also provided for his own family. When his brothers arrived in Egypt seeking food, Joseph ultimately revealed his identity to them, showing forgiveness and compassion despite their betrayal. God used Joseph to save and restore his family, leading to the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham.
Scripture: Genesis 45:5-7 – “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.”
Commentary: Joseph’s words to his brothers reveal the depth of his understanding of God’s plan. He saw beyond his personal suffering, recognizing that God had positioned him in Egypt for a purpose much larger than his own comfort or success. His forgiveness and perspective allowed him to become an agent of restoration, not only for Egypt but also for his family, who would go on to become the nation of Israel. Joseph’s story reminds us that God’s purposes are often hidden in our pain and that He can use any situation to fulfill His promises.
Cross-Reference:
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Joseph’s life encapsulates this truth from Romans. Every trial he faced—the betrayal, the false accusations, the years in prison—God worked together for good. Joseph’s story challenges us to trust that God’s plans are for our good, even when we don’t understand the reasons behind our suffering.
Joseph’s forgiveness and role in preserving his family reminds us that God’s purposes are greater than our own, and that even when others depend on us, we are ultimately instruments in His hands.
Conclusion: Christ as the Ultimate Anchor
Joseph’s life reflects Jesus’ own mission. Just as Joseph was positioned in Egypt to save many, Jesus came to earth to offer salvation to all. Jesus provided a way out of spiritual famine through His life, death, and resurrection. He didn’t force people to depend on Him; instead, He served, healed, and loved, so that people were drawn to Him.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Like Joseph, Jesus became a place of refuge, offering life, hope, and a way to be reconciled with God. His sacrifice shows that true power lies in service and selflessness.
Today, may we remember Joseph’s story and seek to be dependable people who reflect Jesus’ love and strength. We are called to be anchors, not through control but through compassion, drawing others to the source of true life—Christ Himself.
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