Out of anger and jealousy they plotted to kill him. Only the intervention of his oldest brother saved him from being killed. Instead they decided to sell him to a passing caravan of slavers. His brothers took his coat, tore it, dipped it in the blood of a goat, and told their father that a wild beast must have killed and eaten him. (See Genesis 37-42.)

We can learn valuable lessons from the life of Joseph. Consider the following: First – Joseph was a type of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected and mistreated by his brothers, his own people. (See I Peter 2:4-11.) As Joseph later became their savior, so Jesus became the Savior of the world.

Second – As Joseph’s coat was dipped in the blood of the slain goat, so Christ was a “Lamb without spot slain for us, so that we might be clothed with a spiritual coat of many colors. (See I Peter 1:18-19.) Jesus became the scapegoat who carried away our sins into the wilderness.

Third – Joseph’s coat of many colors is a type of the coat provided to all who receive the mercy and righteousness of Christ by faith in Him. (See I Peter 2:9-11.) A Christian had a vision of heaven. He saw multitudes of God’s children dressed in brilliant robes. The robes had three layers. The undergarment was of white linen and spoke of humility. The outer robe was radiant white and spoke of righteousness. The third was a bright varied-colored vest type of garment. It signified extreme joy. “Therefore with joy will you draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3).

Fourth – For Joseph to properly wear his coat would require experience and suffering. (See I Peter 2:18-24.) Joseph spent several years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Someone has said that “experience is the best teacher”. God was preparing Joseph. (See Proverbs 2:10, I Peter 4:12-17, and II Peter 1:3-11.) God is designing a technicolor coat specially tailored for you.

Joseph was pitted, potted, and eventually put in charge of Pharaoh’s kingdom. God had not forgotten Joseph. God has not forgotten you.

Fifth – God uses problems and people to make us what He wants us to be. Our experience can make us bitter or better. The choice is ours. I believe that God brings at least three people across our path to help direct our destiny. When Joseph helped the people God brought to him, they in turn helped direct his God given destiny. Consider these:

1 – The Bailiff. The jailor gave Joseph responsibilities and jobs to teach him obedience, experience, and faithfulness. Meditate on I Peter 2:13, 19.

2 – The Butler. Joseph helped interpret his dream. A butler opens doors. God later used the butler to open a door for Joseph. God will use someone to open a door for you when you open doors for others.

3 – The Baker. A baker can organize and properly mix things together to produce the finished product.

4 – The Banker. Pharaoh of Egypt was used of God to provide resources for Joseph and God’s people. A banker can be anyone that God uses to provide resources of knowledge, gifts, seeds to sow, or grain to harvest. As Joseph helped Pharaoh, he was helped.

5 – The Brothers. Joseph was mistreated by them, but his attitude made the difference. (See Genesis 45:3-8.) Joseph told them, “God turned into good what you meant for evil” (Genesis 50:14-21 NLT). When Joseph forgave those who mistreated him, he became better instead of bitter. God intervened on his behalf. (See Romans 8:28-29.)

6 – The Builder of Dreams. God gave Joseph his God given dream. God has a God given dream and destiny for you. Bruce Wilkinson, author of the number one New York Bestseller list The Prayer of Jabez, says that, “people are hungry for real meaning and significance in their lives.” When you surrender your life to the Builder of Dreams – Jesus Christ – you will come to true peace and purpose for your life.

God has a technicolor coat designed specially for you. You can receive it by faith and submission to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“But to as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).