Scripture: Genesis 43:18-25Key Verse: Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Jacob and eleven of his sons were afraid because they did not trust God. That distrust of God led to being dominated by fear. Joseph’s brothers were overwhelmed by fear … Read more
Scripture: Genesis 43:1-14Key Verse: Psalm 56:3 – “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” When we allow our fears to overwhelm us we put fear in control of our lives. Jacob’s life was marked by seasons of faith and seasons of fear. In Genesis 43, we see him paralyzed by fear—delaying the … Read more
The Need for Atonement Genesis 42:21-38 Atonement, in general, has the idea of making amends for wrong doing. In Christianity, it is part of the truth of salvation. The death of Christ on the cross atoned for the sins of humanity and made it possible for us to be forgiven. The grace of God to … Read more
The Need for Assessment Text: Genesis 42:6-20 When Joseph saw his brothers after years of separation, he didn’t immediately reveal his identity. Instead, he tested them. Had they changed? Were they still the same deceitful men who sold him into slavery? Was his father alive? Was his brother safe? Grace vs. Grave Focused Living A … Read more
The Need for Action Text: Genesis 42:1-5 Jacob and his sons were faced with a crisis—a famine that threatened their survival. Instead of acting immediately, the brothers stood around, uncertain and hesitant. It was only when Jacob confronted them that they finally took action. Sadly, Jacob often was passive in his leadership of his home. … Read more
Text: Genesis 41:33-57 A Selfless Act (Genesis 41:33-37) Joseph not only interpreted Pharaoh’s dream but also gave a wise plan—without demanding reward. His insight into taxation and food storage showed a remarkable understanding of Egypt’s economy, likely learned during his years managing Potiphar’s household and the prison. Joseph did not look for promotion or reward … Read more
Genesis 41:15-32 The Anticipation of Peace (Genesis 41:15-24) Even though Pharoah had everything anyone could desire, humanly speaking, none of that mattered without peace. He looked for it from his own gods and found no relief. He sought peace from his best counsellors, but none of them could help him. Given time, he may have … Read more
Genesis 41:1-13 Part 1: The Pain of the Peaceless The Walls That Couldn’t Bring Peace Belfast, Northern Ireland, is home to what are ironically called “Peace Walls.” Originally built in the 1920s and significantly expanded from 1969 onward, these barriers were meant to separate warring communities. Yet, rather than preventing violence, many of the Troubles’ … Read more
Part 3: Faith Exalts God Despite the Circumstances Genesis 40:23 Joseph had interpreted the butler’s dream correctly, and the butler was restored to his position. Surely, Joseph must have thought his freedom was near. But the butler forgot him. For two more years, Joseph remained in prison, seemingly forgotten. How do we respond when our … Read more
Part 2: Faith Empowers Us to Help Others Despite Our Circumstances Genesis 40:9-22 Even in prison, Joseph had the wisdom, compassion, and faith in God to look beyond his own suffering and recognize the needs of others. He noticed the sadness of Pharaoh’s butler and baker, and he took the time to ask them what … Read more