Joseph: A Leadership Profile

 "When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." [Genesis 50:15-21 ESV]

1. JOSEPH REFLECTED ON HIS LEADERSHIP

Considering the brother’s remembrance of how they treated Joseph and their fear of reprisal, Joseph’s weeping at their message suggests more than sorrow regarding the news of his father’s death. “Reading in the white spaces,” Joseph is seen to have ample time to reflect on how he got to be in this exalted position. His repeated imprisonments along the way were subsequent of the first, imposed by his brothers; and, in each circumstance as they happened Joseph had the opportunity to be reminded, to reflect and intentionally chose a response. Joseph demonstrates peculiar a leadership example out of the private and public experience that both honored his father and maintained his integrity with the Egyptians. His response of weeping suggests sorrow in a recollection from whence he came and the joy in hearing his brother’s repentance. Though it is not stated directly, one is confident he also remembered his dreams that started the flow of events, and now he sees them coming to fruition.

2. JOSEPH REMAINED ACCESSIBLE IN HIS LEADERSHIP

Joseph was approachable. He did not isolate himself and remain aloof, uninterested or inaccessible to the Egyptians as a people, to the palace or to anyone who needed audience, especially his estranged family. He was in tune with what was happening even in his father’s house.

3. JOSEPH RETAINED A HIGHER, WIDER VIEW FOR HIS LEADERSHIP

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Gen. 50:20) Vertically, Joseph’s higher, wider view enabled him to see far above and beyond his immediate situation. He, in turn, was able to lead above and beyond because of this perspective. Horizontally, his peculiar response served as a leadership example that included the Egyptians and his brothers alike. Certainly, both audiences were not aware of the details involved in the crucible of his life training, but Joseph knew all eyes were watching, vertically and horizontally; that is, divine and human. Joseph was keenly aware of God’s purposes which were far above everything his brothers intended. His leadership enabled his brothers to see that God was doing a saving work.

4. JOSEPH REMAINED HUMBLE WITH HIS LEADERSHIP

Joseph’s brothers repented and placed themselves in the service of their brother, but Joseph’s response showed no signs of inappropriate over-exaltation. He could have used his position to lord over his brothers. He could have demanded their humility by virtue of his office, even making their service obligatory as indentured slaves. Instead his response was "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” (Gen. 50:19) His humility was the basis for forgiveness and grace.

5. JOSEPH RELEASED COMFORT BY HIS LEADERSHIP

Joseph twice spoke words of comfort (“do not fear”) and spoke kindly in the context of an intensely complicated situation. It is not difficult to imagine that he perhaps even spoke softly. These words of comfort begin to heal the broken relationships between the brothers and extend to the care of the family as a whole.