Overview - Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream proved true. A season of plenty followed by a season of famine was disastrous for all the land except Egypt. Joseph, now the Governor of Egypt, enjoyed a position of prominence and power. How did this happen - from prisoner to Governor? It was God's hand at work in his life. One principle learned from this lesson is that God is in control. Do you see the evidence? His fingerprints are everywhere!! Someone once told me that God can bless His children under any circumstances and this passage confirms this principle. Do not be discouraged, take joy that God is in control.
The famine extended to the land of Canaan and Jacob sent his sons, with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain. Little did they know who they would meet. Joseph recognized his brothers but they did not know him. Not surprising since Joseph was a teen the last time he saw his brothers and twenty years had passed. His brothers believed that Joseph was dead. How will Joseph respond? How would you respond?
Remember Past Problems (Gen. 42:6-7,9) - What do you think came to Joseph's mind when he confirmed these men were his brothers? One thing we know, he remembered the dreams of his youth. Dreams that alienated him from his brothers. The relationship between Joseph and his brothers was so damaged that they sold him out of the family. I believe Joseph re-lived all the emotions of the past twenty years. Did he see God's hand at work? Should he reconcile the relationship? Should he seek revenge? How would you respond?
As you ponder these questions, read the following scripture:
Romans 12:19 - Vengeance
Luke 23:34 - Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14 - Forgiveness
Matthew 5: 21-26 - Reconciliation
Explore Present Possibilities (Gen. 42:13-20) - What to do? Joseph was governor, he could do as he pleased! However, Joseph became governor by being faithful to God. What would God have him do? Joseph demonstrated a life lesson that would benefit anyone faced with difficult situations. He showed reserve and patience. He did not act hastily - he took three days to make a decision. A glimmer of hope had been kindled by this encounter, his brother and father was alive. Over the years Joseph must have yearned to know what happened to his father and brother. Now he knew.......but what would he do?
Evaluate Future Prospects (Gen. 42:21-24a)- Joseph's heart was torn. He heard his brothers discuss the actions they had taken long ago. The unsolicited admission of guilt and an expression of the understanding of his pain (vs. 21) proved to be overwhelming to him. He was so moved by their words that he left their presence and wept. Perhaps he was overwhelmed with the possibility of a relationship with his family again. The brothers had no clue that the one before them was their brother. Their future was in his hand.
For Sunday - Let's discuss what can be learned from Joseph about mending broken relationships.
Until next time.....
Danny
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HOPE everyone has had a great week..Has anyone seen Danny today? I don't know if he dodged Dublin to get out of town due to his beeing hmmm 50 or is it 60 or maybe 65, either way he is getting old. ( I think his birthday was this past Wednesday and hopefully he had a great day) I think he has gone to see his grandchildren in Charlotte -birthday party for a grandchild or is it for Danny....
I was indeed impressed, touched by this past Sunday evening message from Bobby Jones the 2nd. (from Laurens County Baptist Assoc ref missions)..Our pastor presented to us several options that we could plug into such as Habitat for Humanities house being built here in August or possible go the lst week in June of this year to help build 2 houses in Mississippi.
Well what I was refering to in regards to being "touched" we had quite a few from our class that signed up. Kay Donaldson, Edsel Padget, Danny and Jenny Duggar, and Kathy and I, (believe this if you will but am planning on this)
I understand we will be gone for 7 days and Danny stated that this will be a bed and breakfast place that we are staying. hmmm. I was told that the men are staying in one place and the ladies at another location. Doesn't matter we are there for one purpose and that is to serve God by giving of our time, talents and sharing his word. Looking forward to this mission trip, hopefully we will have at lease 20 going..
While I think of it please keep Larry Brantley's brother in your prayers. He has had I believe surgery and quite an ordeal.
See you guys Sunday and look forward to continuation of our lesson found in Genesis..Joseph and his brothers ..
If by chance we miss you have a great Mothers Day..
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