Issue #221, November 29, 2017
The fulfillment of Joseph’s dream is one of the most dramatic and emotional stories in the Bible.
After their first visit, Joseph sends nine of his brothers back home and keeps one in prison. Joseph’s father does not want them to return to Egypt but the famine finally forces action. They return to Egypt with Joseph’s brother Benjamin. For the first time in over 20 years, the 12 brothers are together in one room.
At that moment, Josephs’ first dream unfolds before his eyes! When Joseph came home, they presented to him the gifts they had brought into the house, and they bowed down before him to the ground (Genesis 43:26). I’m sure Joseph replayed the dream in his mind as he watched them bow down. For over 20 years he had worked and waited for his dream to become reality and finally it happened.
But Joseph has one more test for the brothers before he can reveal to them who he is. They pass the test and finally, a few days later, Joseph can tell them who he is. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you (Genesis 45:3).
Joseph’s interaction with his brothers at this point reveals what God has done in his heart. His response shows us the way servant leaders respond when visions become reality.
Fulfilled dreams do not produce pride.
There is not a hint of pride in Joseph’s remarks to his brothers. As a 17-year-old he had done nothing as a leader but shared his dream with some pride. But now he demonstrates remarkable humility although he had every reason to be proud. He was the prime minister of the nation and his brothers were bowing down to him!
Many leaders become proud when they accomplish their dream and this has been their downfall. Often the greatest test of character is success. When servant leaders succeed they look inside and guard their hearts against pride.
Fulfilled dreams do not promote a person.
Joseph didn’t see the fulfillment of his dream as a chance to promote himself. His brothers were “terrified at his presence” but Joseph said almost nothing about his position. Instead, he focused on his brothers and their physical and emotional needs.
Many leaders in a similar position would have said, “Look at who I have become! Don’t you remember the dream I had 20 years ago?” Joseph did not gloat over others when his dream was fulfilled. He teaches servant leaders that success is not a reason to promote oneself but an opportunity to promote others.
Fulfilled dreams do not prevent perseverance.
The original dream has come true, but Joseph recognizes that there is still work to be done. Joseph has several more years of leading a nation before his work is completed. More lives need to be saved through his leadership.
The accomplishment of a dream may lead some to rest, retire, or sit and enjoy their success. Servant leaders may pause to celebrate their victory and to thank those who helped them on the journey, but after the celebration, they press on. They recognize that when God fulfills one dream, there is still more to be done so they persevere.
Joseph demonstrates that the natural human response to success is not the way for servant leaders to respond. The fulfillment of a dream is a chance for a servant leader to show humility, focus on others, and get back to work!
For further reflection and discussion:
- When I have succeeded in the past, how did I respond to the temptation to be proud of what was accomplished? What was the impact of that on my continued leadership?
- How do I respond to those who did not believe in my dream? Do I tell them, “I told you so!” when the dream becomes reality? Or am I able to focus on their needs and use my victory to bless them as well?
- When I achieve success, am I able to see the need to keep going and enlarge the vision? What might God be inviting me to do after my current dream is fulfilled?