In the summer, our church enjoyed a mini series on the life of Joseph. You can listen to the talks by Chris, James and me here. One of the things I try to do from time to time is provide additional devotional and study resources to help people dig more into the text in the… Continue reading Will any dream do?
Tag: Genesis
Don’t look back in anger
We are coming to the end of the story. In fact w are coming to the end of several stories, the story of famine in Egypt, the story of Joseph and his brothers, the story of Jacob and the story of beginnings, the end of Genesis. We should therefore treat the conclusion here as one,… Continue reading Don’t look back in anger
The future of a family
Joseph has had his own private audience with his father and his sons but as Jacob gets closer to death, he has things to say to his whole family. Read Genesis 49 Jacob assembles his family. Once again note the interchange of names, they are “sons of Jacob”, he is their “father Israel.” He prophesies… Continue reading The future of a family
Echoes of a blessing
I think there was a real sense in which Joseph had died to Jacob when he went to Egypt. He now was more Egyptian that Hebrew and that’s where his priorities in the life lay, even if he still had hope for return to Canaan one day. This fact probably helps us to understand a… Continue reading Echoes of a blessing
Servitude
The popular version of the Joseph story runs that Jacob spoils his son and is at fault for the brother’s jealousy. This is exacerbated by Joseph’s arrogant boasting about his dreams. However, being sold into slavery changes Joseph making him good, wise and just. Is that a fair rendition? Well, there have been clues along… Continue reading Servitude
Signposts to home
We are moving to the end of the book of Genesis, the foundation of the whole Bible story of God’s redemptive plan. This also means that w are moving towards the end of Jacob’s life story. Remember that whilst our focus has been on Joseph, this is really the story of “what became of Jacob… Continue reading Signposts to home
Home and away
There is one small matter that we might risk overlooking but would have been muvh more on Jacob’s radar. Departure from the land has tended and especially to Egypt has tended to be seen as negative in Genesis. Read Genesis 46 Jacob begins the journey down to Egypt. He pauses at Beersheba to offer sacrifices.… Continue reading Home and away
Sending for dad
Now the stage is set for the greatest re-union of all. Joseph sends for his father. However, before the brothers can return, there is another important step to happen first. Joseph may have significant authority but he has taken a bold step in inviting his family. Will they all be welcome? Read Genesis 45:16-28 The… Continue reading Sending for dad
The switch
We are now moving to the big reveal in the story. Joseph is now almost reunited with his younger brother and there is evidence of repentance on his brothers’ part but they still do not know his true identity. Read Genesis 44 Joseph gives instructions to his steward to again provide fo the brothers and… Continue reading The switch
Mystery revealed
Now that Judah has revealed his heart and demonstrated repentance, how will Joseph respond? Is it time for him to make full disclosure? Read Genesis 45:1-15 Joseph is overcome with emotion and can no longer hide his feelings. He sends out the Egyptians with him and begins to weep. It seems that Joseph’s apartment is… Continue reading Mystery revealed
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