As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. – 1 Peter 4:10
The Poteet Theatre is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this week. The Biblical story of Joseph aligns well with Lent, and our preparation for Easter Sunday. In the story of Joseph, we remember the ‘coat of many colors’ which Jacob gave to his favorite son, Joseph. Joseph is a dreamer and an interpreter of dreams. One of Joseph’s dreams predicts that he will become a great leader and stand taller than his brothers. Out of jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery, and from there he experiences great misfortune. Despite unfair treatment, Joseph remains faithful and honest. We are told multiple times that, “the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.”
Eventually, Joseph is thrown into the depths of a prison, wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife. Joseph is imprisoned there for two years, until Pharaoh summons him to interpret his dreams. In Pharaoh’s dreams, Joseph sees seven years of bountiful harvests followed by seven years of famine. Joseph helps all of Egypt prepare for the coming famine by rationing food during the good years, thus saving many lives throughout the surrounding lands.
During the famine, Joseph’s brothers come looking to buy food in Egypt. When they meet Joseph, they don’t recognize him, and he puts them to the test. His brothers continually show compassion, honesty, remorse for their treatment of Joseph, and loyalty to their family. Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers and says, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Joseph showed mercy toward his brothers, even though they had treated him so poorly. Christ Jesus also went before us to preserve life, to offer us a way into new life. When we all remember the love and sacrifice our Lord endured for this world, we are inspired to show love and mercy to those around us, building a better world through Christ.
Logan Fish, Director of Arts Programming & Edmond Campus Director of Hospitality
