Fully Devoted: Israel, Act 1Sample

Joseph

The messy, dysfunctional, and hope-filled story of Abraham and his descendants continues with Jacob’s twelve sons. Genesis 37 starts by telling us about Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, snitching on the rest of his brothers. As a result, the author tells us:

... they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:4 NIV

Joseph doesn’t do anything to help the problem, and instead just makes it worse by telling his brothers about the dreams he’s had of ruling over them—on two separate occasions.

Eventually, his brothers get so fed up with him that they devise an elaborate plan to trap him and sell him into slavery.

Joseph is taken from his homeland in chains and sold as a slave to an Egyptian official, Potiphar. Just when it looks like things are starting to get better for Joseph, he’s accused of trying to sleep with his master’s wife and thrown into prison. 

After several years, a miraculous sequence of events brings Joseph before Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world, and Pharaoh is so impressed by Joseph that he makes him second-in-command over all of Egypt.

A devastating famine wreaks havoc on the land. In order to get food for their people, Joseph’s brothers head to Egypt for supplies. This brings them face-to-face with the brother they sold as a slave who is now second-in-command to Pharaoh.

 Can you imagine what that must have been like for Joseph? Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph seeks reunion. He reveals himself to his brothers and tells them that he will ensure they are taken care of. Joseph shows his brothers extravagant hospitality, and promises to care for them and their families during this time of need. 

At the end of the story, Joseph comforts his brothers with these words: 

... “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” ... Genesis 50:19-21 NIV   

What his brothers meant for harm, God used for good.

We’re often tempted to see the pain and injustice in our world as evidence against the goodness of God. In reality, it’s the brokenness of this world that actually reveals the good character of God most clearly. In moments of the greatest tragedy, seeds are planted for the greatest triumph. 

The rebellion of Adam planted the seeds that would eventually grow into redemption through Jesus. Joseph being sold into slavery paved the way for the rescue of his family. Jesus’ crucifixion was the groundwork for His resurrection. 

Evil and suffering are not contrary to the biblical story. They are central to it. The Bible is the story of our good and loving God taking what was meant for evil and using it for good. 

As disciples of Jesus, we have witnessed this firsthand. We’ve seen the way God meets this fallen and rebellious world with forgiveness and redemption.

Journaling Questions 

• Write down the verses that grabbed your attention the most in the story of Joseph. 
• How did Joseph respond to the tough situations that he experienced? What parts of his character do you want to replicate in your own character?
• Describe Joseph’s treatment of his brothers when he was in power over them. How does this set an example for disciples of Jesus?

Memory Verse

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV