About the Reading:
Today we start with the story of Joseph. Joseph was a son of Jacob. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite child and his other son’s were jealous. They plotted to kill Joseph but, in the end, sold him to the Ishmaelites. They sent his colorful tunic back to their father, dipped in goats blood. Jacob mourned his son.
We learn how God blesses and protects Joseph. Joseph is wrongly accused of wrongdoings by his master’s wife. As a result he ends up in the dungeon. We end today’s reading with Joseph interpreting the dreams of two prisoners and the dreams come true.
My Thoughts and Notes:
Joseph is one of my favorite people in the Bible. He is truly blessed by God. He comes from a family where there is much jealousy in a long ling (his father, Jacob, his grandfather, Isaac). It is amazing to me that, he seems, to not be corrupt by this, but blessed by God.
He does use his gifts from God in a good way. We have just begin to learn of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. We first hear of him interpreting his own dreams which fuels the jealousy of his brothers and even enrages his father.
Chapter 38, to me, seems a bit misplaced as it is in the middle of the story of Joseph. Does anyone have any insight as to why this might be placed here?
What do you think of the story, so far, of Joseph?
If you didn't know the end of the story for Joseph you would have to think that he was a pretty unlucky guy and yet he keeps his spirits up, which I guess is a message in and of itself.
ReplyDeleteYou know I have to agree that Chapter does seem odd, guess we need a Bible Scholar to explain.
I love the story of Joseph. It shows us how God uses event he worst of situations for His glory. During all his ordeals, God was preparing Joseph, and getting him in place to bless his family, God's chosen people. So next time you are going through times that seem tough and unfair, think of Joseph. Did he do anything to deserve what he got? It wasn't his fault Daddy liked him best and made sure everyone knew it. So he was a dreamer. Sure, maybe he didn't show good thinking when he told (or bragged about) them to his brothers, but that still didn't justify the treatment he got. He ended up in prison because he resisted his master's wife. Then got forgotten about? Many would say, "Where is God?" But God was there all along, and Joseph placed his faith and trust in God through it all. And then, when his brothers were forced to come for food (twice), he didn't lord it over them. God is there all along with us, too. No matter what difficulty, or 'unfair' situation we may go through. God is always in control.
ReplyDeleteJennie, I'm not sure why chapter 38 is thrown in where it is, except we need to know the line of Judah. Can't wait to put it in after the story of Jacob is finished, for sure. Remember, Judah is the one who saved Joseph's life, and really intended to come back and save him, if the brothers hadn't sold him into captivity. Greedy little buggers! And we think things are bad in this day and age!