September 23, 2012 - Joseph: From Slave to Deputy | South Plains Bible Class Forum

arthurpare
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September 23, 2012 - Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Sept 22, 2012 12:51:51 GMT -5

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Post by arthurpare on Sept 22, 2012 12:51:51 GMT -5

(From Bob Bailey to Family Builders Class)
Greetings!

Last week we looked at how God advances His plan to redeem mankind through the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

This week God brings His people to Egypt and sets the stage for the great deliverence that was prophesied to Abraham in Genesis 15.

The text is Genesis Chs. 37-50 or Chapter 3 in the Story.

You can read Genesis 37-50 here: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2037-50&version=NIV

We know this primarily as the story of Joseph. However, there is a lot more to it than just Joseph.

So, as you read, you might reflect on the following:
Who are the main characters and what role do they play in the events? How
are these events similar to earlier events in Genesis? How are they
different? And how do these similarities and differences contribute to
the larger story of Genesis?

Our teacher this Sunday will be Bob Wood. Pray for Bob as he studies and prepares!

See you Sunday!

Last Edit: Sept 22, 2012 12:54:53 GMT -5 by arthurpare

arthurpare
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Posts: 29

September 23, 2012 - Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Sept 22, 2012 13:10:03 GMT -5

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Post by arthurpare on Sept 22, 2012 13:10:03 GMT -5

In Genesis 12, Abraham received the blessing, the promise "I will make you into a great nation." Then we saw the birth of Ismael and then Isaac. The sending away of Ishmael, and the near loss of Isaac at Abraham's own hand. The promise becomes more plausible as we read of Isaac's two sons, then Jacob's twelve sons.

We are seeing a partial fulfillment, a family from the previously barren womb of Sarah, but still not what anybody would consider a nation.

The exciting narrative of Joseph is another well known passage from scripture that concludes with the great statement in 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

We have to wonder though, how Joseph felt a week after being thrown in prison, or a month after hearing of the baker's death. Yes, his life prospered regardless of where he was, but the depressing reality had to set in at times. My question is how do we "remember" that God is in control and regardless of what others intend, He will work through it to accomplish good?

I spoke with a former SP member the other day and her life is wrapped up in people treating her wrong. Lying, deception, cheating, injury. She is a victim. She hurts deeply. She still sees God as her strength, but she feels very insignificant and depressed. What would Joseph say to her? What would you say to her?

arthurpare
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Posts: 29

September 23, 2012 - Joseph: From Slave to Deputy Sept 22, 2012 13:23:47 GMT -5

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Post by arthurpare on Sept 22, 2012 13:23:47 GMT -5

One of the books I have been reading asks the question: Why didn't God just prevent the famine from affecting Canaan, rather than allowing to be enslaved and imprisoned?

Those who believe only "God wants me to be happy" or "God wants me to be rich/successful" have great difficulty understanding these passages. Yes, the final outcome was a (fairly) contended, stable, prosperous family life for Joseph and his family. But he had to undergo a great amount of turmoil and uncertainty before arriving at that point.

And what about Jacob? For years, he thought his son was dead. The other boys never 'fessed up and told the truth. Mental anguish is very real pain. Again, God intended it to save lives, but is it "fair" to Jacob and Joseph?

Also, from the perspective of the Reuben and the other brothers. They "got away with it." They sold spoiled little brother. They didn't have to put up with him for years. They ended up living in the fertile land of Goshen. The "unjust" were rewarded.

I am sure you will hear it on Sunday (I won't be there this week) but pay attention to Judah as you read through this narrative. He changes, it may not be obvious unless you are looking for clues. He still is nowhere near the perfect honorable man, but over the years he becomes [more] responsible and the leader.

September 23, 2012 - Joseph: From Slave to Deputy

Post by arthurpare on Sept 22, 2012 12:51:51 GMT -5

Post by arthurpare on Sept 22, 2012 13:10:03 GMT -5

Post by arthurpare on Sept 22, 2012 13:23:47 GMT -5

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