Bible Study Week 3
Part 5
Sons of Jacob
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Joseph continued
Joseph's Elevation under Pharaoh
At the end of two years, Pharaoh had a dream, and none of his men could interpret it. Then the butler remembered Joseph and suggested to Pharaoh that Joseph might be able to interpret Pharaoh's dream. Pharaoh called for Joseph, who told him the significance of his dream: Egypt would experience seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
Pharaoh promoted Joseph to the position of second most powerful ruler in all Egypt and gave to this thirty year old Hebrew the responsibility of storing up food during the seven years of plenty in preparation for the drastic famine that was to follow (Genesis 41:46).
Joseph experienced two periods of bondage in his life: the first, when his brothers sold him into slavery, and the second, when Potiphar's wife falsely accused him of attempted rape. Joseph did not let his circumstances define him. On the contrary, he worked hard, trusted God, and he was rewarded with promotion for his good work. Each of us also has experienced some kind of bondage. Unlike Joseph, that bondage is rarely physical, more often we are in bondage to our lusts and desires. However, we can live free from bondage if we are willing to trust in the Lord and commit to walk in His path.
Joseph's Brothers Come to Egypt
When famine came to Egypt, it also affected the land of Canaan, where Joseph's family still lived. When Jacob heard that Egypt had grain, he sent his sons--all except the youngest son, Benjamin--to buy some. The person in charge of selling the grain was Joseph, and just as he had dreamed many years previously, his brothers came before hi bowing down to the earth!
Recognizing them, Joseph disguised himself and spoke roughly, trying to find out if his father was still alive and attempting to devise a plan to bring his father to Egypt. He accused his brothers of being spies.
When they denied the charges and said that they were all the sons of one man, Joseph took one of them, Simeon, and bound him until the others could return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, as proof of the innocence.
Jacob was greatly troubled and refused to send Benjamin for fear that he too would never return. But when the famine grew worse, the family had no choice but to comply with Josephs instructions. Judah took personal responsibility for Benjamin, and the brothers traveled to Egypt once again.
This time, Joseph devised a plan to keep Benjamin, which involved secretly returning the brothers money in the mouth of their sacks and putting his personal silver cup in the sack of Benjamin. When the brothers were stopped by Josephs servant and returned to him, Joseph could no longer refrain from revealing to them exactly who he was. He wept aloud, and said, "I am Joseph; does my father yet live?"
Joseph Forgives His Brothers
His brothers, troubled and surprised, could not answer. Then Joseph, who had every reason to be bitter, harsh, and unforgiving, said, "Now therefore be not grieved, not angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5).
>>> Why was it so important for Joseph to forgive his brothers?
It couldn't have been easy for Joseph to forgive his brothers, but he reminded them that God had a purpose in everything that had happened. Had Joseph not been able to forgive, it could have hindered reconciliation with his family and kept Joseph from experiencing all the plans God had for his life.
Long before the New Testament was ever written, Joseph had learned on of the most valuable lessons that we can ever learn: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28) As he was to say later, "Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Genesis 50:20).
Jacob and His Family Settle in Goshen
Joseph supplied his brothers with wagons and equipment. They returned to Canaan and brought their father, Jacob, back to Egypt to settle in the land of Goshen, the choice of all Egypt. Here they enjoyed many years of blessings, peace, and plenty while Joseph was alive.
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. Like Abraham, have I ever tried to do things my way instead of God's way? How has that worked out?
2. When God told Abraham that he would prepare Himself a sacrifice, it showed that God had a plan. What plans does it seem like God has for my life?
3. Joseph had to forgive those who hurt him and keep a right attitude with God before his dreams were fulfilled. Do I need to forgive anyone or take any steps to prepare myself for the purpose God has for me?
4. Like all people, Joseph had to endure prison. Joseph's prison physical, but what is my "parison"--the thing that I need God to help me move beyond?
5. What step can I take this week to draw closer to God?