Genesis 41:46-57
"Joseph's Administration"
We see right here the best example in resource management - stock up and save large amounts when it's plentiful so that when hard times come, you've got a comfortable buffer to last quite a while. That aside, though, we see how God used Joseph to be a blessing to Egypt as well as the surrounding lands.
God had crafted Joseph into a reliable tool, an individual wholly sold out to serving God and it was trough this tool that God worked, saving Egypt and, eventually, Joseph's father and brothers (i.e. the Israelites' forebears). God had a plan, one which He was revealing slowly to the one faithful to him and, because Joseph was faithful, God blessed him in his endeavours.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
24 Feb. 2012 - Genesis 41:37-45
Genesis 41:37-45
"Joseph Exalted"
As the heading says, Joseph is exalted into a place of high authority - second only to Pharaoh. Why, though, did this happen?
Pharaoh, after hearing Joseph speak God's interpretation of his dreams, Pharaoh asked specifically for a man in whom God's spirit resided to run, plan and administer the plan Joseph had suggested in verses 33-36. Pharaoh then acknowledges God and the fact that God is present with Joseph as he appoints Joseph to this position.
God worked for Joseph's benefit, blessing him greatly. He also worked for His own benefit and, as you'll notice later, Israel's benefit. Still, I cannot get over the face that Pharao acknowledged God. Pretty cool, huh?
"Joseph Exalted"
As the heading says, Joseph is exalted into a place of high authority - second only to Pharaoh. Why, though, did this happen?
Pharaoh, after hearing Joseph speak God's interpretation of his dreams, Pharaoh asked specifically for a man in whom God's spirit resided to run, plan and administer the plan Joseph had suggested in verses 33-36. Pharaoh then acknowledges God and the fact that God is present with Joseph as he appoints Joseph to this position.
God worked for Joseph's benefit, blessing him greatly. He also worked for His own benefit and, as you'll notice later, Israel's benefit. Still, I cannot get over the face that Pharao acknowledged God. Pretty cool, huh?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
23 Feb. 2012 - Genesis 41:1-36
Genesis 41:1-36
"Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"
Joseph was forgotten by the cupbearer until two years later when the Pharaoh had a dream no-one could interpret. the cupbearer remembered Joseph and Pharaoh sent for him.
In this passage, we can see two things:
"Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dreams"
Joseph was forgotten by the cupbearer until two years later when the Pharaoh had a dream no-one could interpret. the cupbearer remembered Joseph and Pharaoh sent for him.
In this passage, we can see two things:
- God shows Himself as greater than the Egyptian magicians and gods.
- Joseph acknowledges God before Pharaoh as the only one able to interpret dreams.
Looking at the second, first, we see Joseph's humility. He does not let the fact that he is before Pharaoh, the ruler, but he remains fixed upon the truth - that God, not Joseph, is able to interpret the dreams.
Second, looking at the first, We see God's sovereignty over all and His overarching Goal of introducing Himself to all peoples. We see God's sovereignty because no-one other than God, through Joseph, is able to interpret it (He sent it after all). We see God introduciing Himself through Joseph's acknowledgement and His actions.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
22 Feb. 2012 - Genesis 40:1-23
Genesis 40:1-23
"Joseph Interprets Two Prisoners' Dreams"
So, Joseph interprets the dreams of two fellow inmates - the pharaoh's chief baker and chief cupbearer. Now, I actually don't want to spend time on the dreams and their meanings, but instead, I wish to look at the precluding conversation.
In Genesis 40:6-8, we see the setup for the issue at hand. Both officials realize that their dreams have meaning, but they're looking in the wrong place for an answer. Joseph, however, acknowledges God as the source of the dream & meaning and proceeds, through God, to give the meanings.
Okay, so how can I apply this? Have you ever had a question or goal which you were unsure of its answer or outcome? God is the source of the answer. God is omniscient - He knows everything. It's a piece of cake for God to interpret a dream and have it come true. Likewise, it's as easy as child's play for God to give you an answer or confirm a goal. God even works through revelations, dreams, and visions on occasion. God is limitless and is therefore the perfect source for answers. (and strength, but that's another time)
"Joseph Interprets Two Prisoners' Dreams"
So, Joseph interprets the dreams of two fellow inmates - the pharaoh's chief baker and chief cupbearer. Now, I actually don't want to spend time on the dreams and their meanings, but instead, I wish to look at the precluding conversation.
In Genesis 40:6-8, we see the setup for the issue at hand. Both officials realize that their dreams have meaning, but they're looking in the wrong place for an answer. Joseph, however, acknowledges God as the source of the dream & meaning and proceeds, through God, to give the meanings.
Okay, so how can I apply this? Have you ever had a question or goal which you were unsure of its answer or outcome? God is the source of the answer. God is omniscient - He knows everything. It's a piece of cake for God to interpret a dream and have it come true. Likewise, it's as easy as child's play for God to give you an answer or confirm a goal. God even works through revelations, dreams, and visions on occasion. God is limitless and is therefore the perfect source for answers. (and strength, but that's another time)
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
21 Feb. 2012 - Genesis 39:21-23
Genesis 39:21-23
"Joseph in Prison"
Once again, Joseph has been thrown a curve ball. He is now a resident of the local prison. Interestingly enough, God blesses him in that situation such that he rises to a point of authority under the warden during his stay there. He oversaw the prisoners and the warden was left able to relax while Joseph took care of everything. This is the second time God has turned a curse into a blessing for Joseph. Why? "The Lord was with him." Also, Joseph sought to honor God with his actions.
"Joseph in Prison"
Once again, Joseph has been thrown a curve ball. He is now a resident of the local prison. Interestingly enough, God blesses him in that situation such that he rises to a point of authority under the warden during his stay there. He oversaw the prisoners and the warden was left able to relax while Joseph took care of everything. This is the second time God has turned a curse into a blessing for Joseph. Why? "The Lord was with him." Also, Joseph sought to honor God with his actions.
Monday, February 20, 2012
20 Feb. 2012 - Genesis 39:1-20
Genesis 39:1-20
"Joseph in Potiphar's House"
In the first half of this section, we see Joseph rising to prominence in the house of his master, Potiphar. We must note, though, that every time the Bible mentions Joseph's success or blessings, the Lord is I\in the same verse as the blesser or success-giver.
With promotions and responsibility come greater & stronger temptations to fall away. Joseph, when he was head over the whole household (under Potiphar, of course). While Potiphar was away, his wife began tempting Joseph, trying to seduce him. Eventually, his refusals were too much and she framed him, landing him in prison.
I'm sure Joseph was thinking something along the lines of "Why, God?"He had everything going for him (except slavery) and his master's wife had to go and ruin it. Great! Well, Joseph's actions were in accordance with God's word; plus, check out what Simon Peter has to say (1 Pet 2:12, 19-20).
My encouragement, then is do the Godly action, despite what may be thrown at you from out of nowhere.
"Joseph in Potiphar's House"
In the first half of this section, we see Joseph rising to prominence in the house of his master, Potiphar. We must note, though, that every time the Bible mentions Joseph's success or blessings, the Lord is I\in the same verse as the blesser or success-giver.
With promotions and responsibility come greater & stronger temptations to fall away. Joseph, when he was head over the whole household (under Potiphar, of course). While Potiphar was away, his wife began tempting Joseph, trying to seduce him. Eventually, his refusals were too much and she framed him, landing him in prison.
I'm sure Joseph was thinking something along the lines of "Why, God?"He had everything going for him (except slavery) and his master's wife had to go and ruin it. Great! Well, Joseph's actions were in accordance with God's word; plus, check out what Simon Peter has to say (1 Pet 2:12, 19-20).
My encouragement, then is do the Godly action, despite what may be thrown at you from out of nowhere.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
19 Feb. 2012 - Genesis 38:1-30
Genesis 38:1-30
"Judah and Tamar"
Right here, we have the dysfunctional family atmosphere of Judah. Now, quickly, everything in this chapter occurs over the same period of time as does the rest of the Joseph story until the brothers meet again.
Judah's two older sons were married to Tamar and then killed by God for their evil (older first, then younger). After seeing this correlation, Judah dismisses her until his remaining son is older. A number of years pass and she realizes that Judah's not going to uphold his side of the deal, so she dresses as a prostitute, sleeps with Judah, and gets pregnant with twins.
We can see here the moral degeneration of Abraham's descendants. My Bible professor is of the mind that it is largely due to the corruptive influence of his Canaanite spouse. What can be pulled from the passage, though, I have no clue. It serves almost as a caution when choosing your or your son's wife - a caution to pick a woman who will respect and love God if she does not already.
"Judah and Tamar"
Right here, we have the dysfunctional family atmosphere of Judah. Now, quickly, everything in this chapter occurs over the same period of time as does the rest of the Joseph story until the brothers meet again.
Judah's two older sons were married to Tamar and then killed by God for their evil (older first, then younger). After seeing this correlation, Judah dismisses her until his remaining son is older. A number of years pass and she realizes that Judah's not going to uphold his side of the deal, so she dresses as a prostitute, sleeps with Judah, and gets pregnant with twins.
We can see here the moral degeneration of Abraham's descendants. My Bible professor is of the mind that it is largely due to the corruptive influence of his Canaanite spouse. What can be pulled from the passage, though, I have no clue. It serves almost as a caution when choosing your or your son's wife - a caution to pick a woman who will respect and love God if she does not already.
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