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
No comments:
Post a Comment