This Sunday we will see the realization of Joseph’s dreams after 22 long years. Joseph’s dreams seemed to be about him alone, but they were really God’s dreams for all the family. They were dreams of life coming to fruition in the midst of death, that is, the death of famine. We might have more understanding if we put it into another context. Do you remember what Jesus said to the crowds? “Blessed are you that hunger now for you shall be satisfied” (Lk 6:21), or “Do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink” (Mt 6:25). God is a gracious God who operates to save his people from certain annihilation.
Emotion fills today’s passage as Joseph reveals himself. His revelation was a time of dismay for the brothers because of the burden of their guilt. Joseph, however, having now experienced the way God moved him into positions of blessing, interprets everything that happened in the paradigm of faith. The fruition of his dreams meant the culmination of the greater divine plan. Surely his tremendous tears expressed feelings of the deepest appreciation for God’s work, along with the true emotion of being reunited with his family. He freely allowed reconciliation and new beginnings, even though he had been deeply, deeply offended. What a blessing to be able to let go of all that is in the past.
Joseph understood the dreams in terms of God’s activity, and continued to operate in that framework. Much in this world pressures us to live and act otherwise, to question and second guess God and God’s purposes. This passage is a must to ponder, because of its encouraging lesson that God is indeed at work in the world.
Let’s consider these questions between now and Sunday (after reading the rest of the story in Genesis 42-45!):
What emotions do you recognize in this passage?
Do you think joy was one of them?
God has been hidden for the most part throughout this story and only at the end are God’s decisive acts revealed. How does this help us regarding our own dreams, both personally and as the community of faith at FPCD?
Have you been keeping up with Joseph by reading his story? Thirteen years has now passed since we left him in his father’s fields. Life got very tough for him. From suffering the enmity of his brothers as they dumped him in a well, to losing his family, his nation, and his language when he was sold to foreigners, we now find him, at age 30, in prison for a crime he did not commit. Not only that, when he gains the favor of those in the prison and then his one link to freedom forgets about him, it’s a wonder he had any faith at all. How did he endure through so much adversity? And, what impact did all those hard times have upon his life and faith?
Last week I asked you if you thought people were called from birth. We had the sense with Joseph’s dreams that he was, in light of the fact that God spoke through dreams at that period of time, and dreams would very much factor into Joseph’s future. But Joseph did not mention God when 17 and living at home. Will he now? As we look at him thirteen years later, what does it mean to believe? What shapes Joseph’s life?
This week’s Scripture will be Genesis 41. While I will only read selections on Sunday, I would suggest you read the whole chapter (as well as chapters 39 and 40 if you have time!) so that you are fully informed. As you read ask these questions:
How is Joseph’s faith expressed?
How does he talk about God, that is, what kind of God does he believe in?
How do your life circumstances color your view of God?
How does this passage encourage you when circumstances are tough?
Often we define ourselves by how family members or others see us, or childhood nicknames that have somehow stuck. But God has His own view of us, which God expresses through these names. As you read the list, stop with the one that resonates with you. Write it down and refer to it each day, letting it encourage you. Talk to God about it in prayer. Ask God to help you live into it and begin to see yourself in that light.
Do you think God prepares certain people for certain calls from birth? Jeremiah said the word of the Lord came to him with the news, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jere 1:4-5). Yet most people do not have the sense of being called in that way, nor an understanding of exactly what their purpose might be. Often it is only in looking back after many years that the story takes shape. This week we will look at the story of Jacob and his family. God had set Israel apart as God’s own people to bless the nations. But how would God do it? And how would these people know what they were supposed to do for God?
Genesis 37 begins, “This is the story of the family of Jacob.” It is an important story, even pivotal, as he was the patriarch from whom the twelve tribes were established. We know so many stories about him − Jacob and Rebekah’s deceit of his father Isaac; and Jacob’s alienation and later reconciliation with Esau and Laban. We also remember Jacob’s ladder and his wrestling with the angel of the Lord one night. A man of visions and dreams himself, his son Joseph seems to follow in his footsteps. The story is peppered with many ups and downs, making it very relevant.
Joseph had a large role in the formation of Israel, but what a rough start for him! Was that part of the plan, or did he have to be tempered for the task first? We will explore his story over the next three weeks, beginning with Genesis 37:1-11. For those of you who are ambitious, you might want to prepare by reading all of chapter 37. Then, consider reading through Genesis 47 over the next two weeks. You won’t be disappointed. The story is fascinating.As you read this week’s passage, here are some questions to ponder:
Think about the dynamics of Jacob’s family. What tensions did you see? Think about your own family. What are the tensions you have experienced and how do they affect the family system?
Notice the pluses in Jacob’s family. How did these redeem the situation? What are the pluses in your family?
God is not mentioned in Gen 37. How do you see God’s role here?
We have the special privilege this week of a visit from Carlos and Caryn Benitez, who will share about their ministry in Niger. Carlos and Caryn participated in the life of First Presbyterian Church before they left for the mission field. It will be fun to welcome them back and share an international potluck luncheon in their honor after the service. (Be sure to bring your favorite international dish!)
Carlos has chosen to speak from Romans 8:28-31, about how God works through all kinds of circumstances to transform us into the image of Christ. You might want to prepare for the message by reading that text ahead of time. Caryn and Carlos encounter many difficult and even heartbreaking circumstances in the lives of the people of Niger, yet they see God at work in the midst of it all to accomplish God’s purposes. Hope abounds with our heavenly Father, the hope of making things new and of conforming us to look like our loving and courageous Savior.
Romans 8 tells us many things about the way God works. God does not condemn those who are in Christ Jesus, indeed, God gives us the Holy Spirit; and God is for us! Isn’t it wonderful to have a God who has such great plans to help us grow up and become mature? I can’t wait to hear all that Carlos and Caryn have to share about their experiences in Niger and what they have learned. I am sure you feel the same way too! See you Sunday!