Wednesday, March 30, 2016

GENESIS AND EXODUS (12)


GENESIS  37-40
JOSEPH’S ENSLAVEMENT and IMPRISONMENT


Key Passage: Genesis 37, 39

   CHAPTER 37
CHAPTER 38
  CHAPTER 39
  CHAPTER 40
Joseph
Sold
Judah
Shamed
Joseph
Framed
Joseph
Forgotten
      Beloved Son
in Canaan
     Trusted Steward
in Egypt

OVERVIEW       Beginning with chapter 37, the narrative focuses on the next generation: Joseph, dreamer of dreams. Though the favorite son of his father, Jacob, Joseph alienates himself from his brothers by his forthrightness. Envy grows into hatred, until finally the brothers sell him into slavery. Taken to Egypt, Joseph continues to suffer injustices, first at the hands of Potiphar’s wife, and later from the forgetful chief butler. While Joseph is resisting the temptation of immorality, his brother Judah fall prey to the same sin. Clearly something is needed to insulate the chosen family from moral corruption for the next four centuries while it multiplies into a might nation.


The best of saints have borne the worst of sufferings


OUR DAILY WALK   “I know some of the things I do to be accepted by my friends are wrong. But if I don’t go along, they’ll laugh at me.”

Joseph could relate to that statement. He learned firsthand the consequences of doing what was right. He could have avoided much discomfort by deciding to disobey his father or to give in to Mrs. Potiphar. Loyalty to his convictions carried a price tag.

But faithfulness had its compensations too. Note the repeated expression in chapter 39: “The Lord was with Joseph.” Which would you rather be: a guilt-ridden brother trying to explain Joseph’s disappearance. Judah trying to untangle the mess created by his lack of restraint, Potiphar’s frustrated wife, or Joseph? Only one of those individuals was truly free.

Where is compromise threatening to dull your faith? Ask God to give you the courage to stand true to Him with love and tact. Then take the next opportunity to set the record straight and make your convictions known to all parties involved.

INSIGHT   Clothes Mark the Man

Joseph’s famous “coat of many colors” was probably an ornamented, ankle-length coat with long sleeves. It identified the wearer as a favorite son and perhaps indicated Jacob’s intent to make Joseph chief heir of the family fortune




Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts






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