What about Joseph?

Joseph’s promise:  I had a Jewish friend who believed deeply in ancient scripture.  We spoke often, but I regret never asking him an important question, “What about Joseph?”  Joseph was promised to be the leader among his brothers.  This was fulfilled in part when he lead them into Egypt; but the Lord clearly had more in mind for the posterity of this great man.   He was given the sacred birthright; and just before his death Jacob promised him that his posterity would bear the crown and have the blessings of heaven (1). 

Judah’s promise: Yet, at the pinnacle of Israel’s ancient glory the children of Judah ruled.  The tribe of Joseph rebelled and was carried into Assyria before the birth of the Savior.  If the birthright belonged to Joseph, why were his children rejected in favor of Judah?  There are perhaps two answers to this question.  First, Judah was also a noble man, who saved Joseph’s life at the well, and offered himself for Benjamin.  Moreover, before his death Jacob also made a great promise to Judah, that his posterity would be lawgivers and would bear the scepter.   This promise, however, was to last only until a person referred to as Shiloh should come to gather the people (1).  It is not clear how this prophecy relates to the ancient city of Shiloh, but it is now clear that Jacob’s promise of leadership for the children of Judah ended with the coming of our Lord.

Looking forward:  So back to the question, “What about Joseph?”  Clearly his children retain the sacred birthright and all the marvelous promises; even though these remained unfulfilled when Biblical writers fell silent.  The early Jewish Christians believed the Lord would hastily return and establish His Kingdom once again among them.  But Shiloh had come, the scepter had passed from Judah, and the Lord obviously had another plan.  Could anyone be surprised that this plan involves the children of Joseph?     Even if God could forget promises and birthrights, how could He ever forget the man who was Joseph?  To this day Joseph stands as a monument of unflinching faithfulness in the face of crushing adversity.  To anyone who understands and believes in Biblical prophecies, it should be simply apparent that the posterity of Joseph will yet be involved in a great work.  To these believers we say, “Here we are, come and see the promised crown of priesthood keys and authority”.  We, who are numbered among the posterity of Joseph, are diligently working to fulfill the heavenly promises given to Jacob; that his children would be gathered, would bless all nations, and would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children (2).  Moreover, we diligently seek the promised day when the posterity of Judah and of Joseph will be united in their love for one another, and in their service to God (3).

(1) Genesis 49:10-26

(2) Doctrine and Covenants 110:11-16

(3) Isaiah 11: 13