(pages provided with scripture references refer to the LIVE Teen Study Bible, New Living Translation.)

The story of Joseph is told in Genesis chapters 37 to 45. His home life was less than ideal. There was rivalry with his brothers. As a kid, Joseph was spoiled and a braggart – mostly his parents’ fault – and he was a brat to his older brothers.  He was only 17 when he was sold by his brothers and ended up in the house of Potiphar, the Egyptian officer.  This was the time when Egypt was the most powerful and advanced country on earth.

He was made Potiphar’s personal assistant and put in charge of his estate. (So, things are going ok now.)

p. 41 – Genesis 39:21-23

Potiphar’s wife lies about him and he is thrown in prison. Egyptian law was “guilty until proven innocent”, so good luck getting out of jail, Joseph…

In prison, the captain of the guard made him the prison administrator. (So, again, things have improved – best as they can get in prison, anyways.)

Joseph was in prison for a few years before he is brought out of prison to appear before Pharaoh. He is 24 when he becomes prime minister of Egypt.

The Lord shows us His faithful love. We need to have confidence in that love just like Joseph did. Everything that Joseph did was a success. Genesis 40 & 41 – When the prisoners needed their dreams interpreted, Joseph knew God would tell him their meanings. Joseph’s motivation for interpreting their dreams was just for their own peace of mind, as Joseph saw they looked worried. Later, when Pharaoh needed a dream interpreted, Joseph’s simple act of love towards his friends in jail was remembered. His “ability” to interpret dreams brought him before Pharaoh and Pharaoh promoted him from prisoner to prime minister. All this came about because Joseph walked with God, lived holy (and was jailed for it), and loved God and people.

The story of David is found in 1 Samuel chapters 16 through 30.  King Saul is no longer faithful to God, so Samuel (the priest) must anoint the next king.

Jesse shows Samuel his first 7 sons – Nope. So Jesse says, “Well, I guess there’s still the youngest, but he’s tending the sheep.”  It’s like David is a lower class son.  If that’s how his dad treated him, how do you think his brothers treated him?

So, David is anointed as the next king… and goes right back to tending sheep. Comments?

Jesse sends him to the army camp with food for his brothers.

p. 285 – 1 Samuel 17:4-7 (this guy was HUGE)

p. 285 – 1 Samuel 17:8-11

Goliath has carried on for 40 days, morning and evening (repetition).  David’s brothers, along with the whole Israelite army, are being bullied, mocked, and put down.

In comes David to… Goliath taunting everyone… hmm… interesting…

p. 286 – I Samuel 17:27-29

David’s brothers are putting him down. THEY are the ones who are scared. Goliath makes them feel helpless. They want to feel strong again, important again, so they pick on David.

David just turns and walks away – and asks someone else.

p. 286 – 1 Samuel 17:34-37

David will fight Goliath.  No one has confidence in him. He puts them in their place (and there is no other option). He is sent.

He becomes a hero. BUT it all started as a shepherd. Faithful in the little things.

Both Joseph and David obeyed God and lived righteously.

How did Joseph handle bullies? (made the best of it)  How did David? (put his foot down – also, we see him defending the whole Israelite army, including his brothers)

How did they treat their brothers, where a lot of the bullying came from? Did they kick the snot out of them?

Both were strong. Both were promoted. BUT it was a higher authority that saw their value – not the bullies. It was Pharaoh, Samuel, and eventually Saul (sortof)

How might their lives have been different if they had taken their hurt out on other people?  Do you think God would have been able to use them if they were mean to others?

***God has an awesome plan for your life that the bullies know nothing about.***

If you are being bullied, read about Joseph and David again. Encourage yourself.

What to do about it?

p. 1122 – Romans 12:19-21

Is it possible that anyone looks at you as if you are a bully? Do you make fun of people or make sarcastic remarks to kids at school? Why does a person do this?

If you’re embarrassed, do you tell lies like Potiphar’s wife did? (I’ve done that myself – in high school and even in elementary.)

Shame is a demoralizer. Don’t do it to others. Don’t accept it, either, just because someone wants to pass if off on you.

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