For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+44-45&version=NIV
These two chapters can't be read apart from one another. The tension between Joseph and his brothers (and their father Jacob/Israel) comes to a high point and then begins God's resolution to all that has happened over many years. Joseph's extremely theological interpretation of the events of their lives is a profound challenge to me to 'read' the unfolding story of my life through the lens of God's sovereign and good will. It doesn't exempt us from suffering, tears, loss and a host of relationship challenges. But looking at life theologically, through the eyes of real sturdy trust and surrender to God might just nurture in us the kind of radical confidence in God that Joseph had.
Thoughts, etc.
Matt
9.07.2010
9.02.2010
GENESIS 43
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+43&version=NIV
This chapter recounts Josphe's brothers second trip to Egypt, this time with Benjamin whom the dad Jacob was very hesitant to send. He blames the brothers for telling the Egyptian governor (=Joseph) about Benjamin ("Why have you brought this trouble on me?" - never seeming to ask the question of himself! - see Matthew 7:1-5).
The Egyptian steward in v. 23 seems more theologically and spiritually mature and perceptive than the brothers, a theme that comes through several times in Genesis. Sometimes the most spiritually tuned are the least religious.
The brothers bow down, bringing to fulfillment Joseph's dreams in Gen. 37.
Once again, Joseph weeps, overcome by emotions.
Interestingly, Joseph arranges them at the dinner table according to age...they must have wondered how he knew!
Thoughts...
Matt
This chapter recounts Josphe's brothers second trip to Egypt, this time with Benjamin whom the dad Jacob was very hesitant to send. He blames the brothers for telling the Egyptian governor (=Joseph) about Benjamin ("Why have you brought this trouble on me?" - never seeming to ask the question of himself! - see Matthew 7:1-5).
The Egyptian steward in v. 23 seems more theologically and spiritually mature and perceptive than the brothers, a theme that comes through several times in Genesis. Sometimes the most spiritually tuned are the least religious.
The brothers bow down, bringing to fulfillment Joseph's dreams in Gen. 37.
Once again, Joseph weeps, overcome by emotions.
Interestingly, Joseph arranges them at the dinner table according to age...they must have wondered how he knew!
Thoughts...
Matt
9.01.2010
GENESIS 42
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+42&version=NIV
Verse one is so stereotypical 'dad.' Love it.
Jacob shows a little more favoritism, in this case, toward Benjamin - dad still hasn't learned the complications that come with that sort of imbalance.
Joseph, now governor over the national affairs of Egypt, pretends not to recognize his unrecognizing brothers when they come looking for grain. So he makes use of this leveraging point for his purposes, and the narrator makes no judgment on this.
Reuben's comments in vv. 22 bring their past back to 'haunt' them so to speak. It is a truth for all of us: when we act out of self-interest, jealousy, etc., it always complicates things and comes back around.
Thoughts...
Blessings,
Matt
Verse one is so stereotypical 'dad.' Love it.
Jacob shows a little more favoritism, in this case, toward Benjamin - dad still hasn't learned the complications that come with that sort of imbalance.
Joseph, now governor over the national affairs of Egypt, pretends not to recognize his unrecognizing brothers when they come looking for grain. So he makes use of this leveraging point for his purposes, and the narrator makes no judgment on this.
Reuben's comments in vv. 22 bring their past back to 'haunt' them so to speak. It is a truth for all of us: when we act out of self-interest, jealousy, etc., it always complicates things and comes back around.
Thoughts...
Blessings,
Matt
7.29.2010
GENESIS 41
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+41&version=NIV
Genesis 40 left Joseph unfairly in prison, but having risen to some status within the prison. After interpreting dreams for the cupbearer and the baker, which came true according to Joseph's interpretation, and resulted in the cupbearer's freedom, Joseph asked that him to remember Joseph.
The last verse of the last chapter reads "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."
Genesis 41 parallels chapter 40, only the interpretation of dreams involves the Pharoah and results in Joseph rising to national status, setting things up for the impact this will have on Joseph's family.
Verses 44 and 55 are astonishing! And God is behind it all (v. 32).
Reflections, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
Genesis 40 left Joseph unfairly in prison, but having risen to some status within the prison. After interpreting dreams for the cupbearer and the baker, which came true according to Joseph's interpretation, and resulted in the cupbearer's freedom, Joseph asked that him to remember Joseph.
The last verse of the last chapter reads "The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."
Genesis 41 parallels chapter 40, only the interpretation of dreams involves the Pharoah and results in Joseph rising to national status, setting things up for the impact this will have on Joseph's family.
Verses 44 and 55 are astonishing! And God is behind it all (v. 32).
Reflections, etc.
Prayers,
Matt
7.26.2010
GENESIS 40
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2040&version=NIV
Joseph is in prison unfairly, but the refrain of his life continues ('and the Lord was with him'). So, Joseph lived, did his best, trusted and waited and stayed faithful, all which can be difficult even in good circumstances.
The motiff of dreams continues, which has played and will continue to play an important role.
Most of all, God is actively there in the cell with Joseph, and over the course of his life, this will make what seems despairing and hopeless becomes a divine process of salvation.
Joseph is in prison unfairly, but the refrain of his life continues ('and the Lord was with him'). So, Joseph lived, did his best, trusted and waited and stayed faithful, all which can be difficult even in good circumstances.
The motiff of dreams continues, which has played and will continue to play an important role.
Most of all, God is actively there in the cell with Joseph, and over the course of his life, this will make what seems despairing and hopeless becomes a divine process of salvation.
7.21.2010
GENESIS 39
For NIV reading click here http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2039&version=NIV
It may have felt like chapter 38 interrupted the flow of Joseph's story, but it was part of Jacob's family experience, so Moses included it here.
Now we pick up directly with what's happening with Joseph. Something has happened with the heart and faith of Joseph during or after the events that started with being sold by his brothers. This chapter, all the way through chapter 50. The repeated refrain is 'and the Lord was with Joseph.' A couple of years ago, I did a sermon series on Joseph and what comes through powerfully is that God was with Joseph even and especially when things didn't seem they were going well at all! God was at work, we learn at the end of Genesis, so that even what other people intended for harm God used for good - both for Joseph and his family and in fact all of Egypt.
Thoughts, questions, dialogue...
Prayers,
Matt
It may have felt like chapter 38 interrupted the flow of Joseph's story, but it was part of Jacob's family experience, so Moses included it here.
Now we pick up directly with what's happening with Joseph. Something has happened with the heart and faith of Joseph during or after the events that started with being sold by his brothers. This chapter, all the way through chapter 50. The repeated refrain is 'and the Lord was with Joseph.' A couple of years ago, I did a sermon series on Joseph and what comes through powerfully is that God was with Joseph even and especially when things didn't seem they were going well at all! God was at work, we learn at the end of Genesis, so that even what other people intended for harm God used for good - both for Joseph and his family and in fact all of Egypt.
Thoughts, questions, dialogue...
Prayers,
Matt
7.15.2010
GENESIS 38
We need more than a day to absorb chapter 38, so for Friday, read on...click here for NIV http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+38&version=NIV
Rough chapter, bit of a surprise ending with Judah's declaration about Tamar's 'right-ness.'
Judah, because of his anxiety, withholds his youngest son from marrying Tamar who, as law required, should have the right to be married to him.
This is righteousness with a twist.
Rough chapter, bit of a surprise ending with Judah's declaration about Tamar's 'right-ness.'
Judah, because of his anxiety, withholds his youngest son from marrying Tamar who, as law required, should have the right to be married to him.
This is righteousness with a twist.
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