Joseph did a great job interpreting the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker -- both good and bad. All he asked was that they remember him. They were both released -- one back to power and one to death -- but Joseph was forgotten. For two more years, he was in prison and no one remembered how he had helped them. Can you imagine? We all know what it's like when we're forgotten ... not included in a big event, not remembered on a birthday, not xxx. For us, it's hurt feelings. But for Joseph, he was in prison ... apart from family, friends and freedom. It's easy to feel alone in there. Yet here was his chance at freedom. But he was forgotten. For 2 years. I would probably have given up. But Joseph just did his job.
And then the king needed to know what a dream meant. No one could tell him. Suddenly Joseph was no longer forgotten.
From the time Joseph was a child, God had prepared him for this moment when Pharoah needed someone to interpret his dreams. He had dreams about his brothers. He had interpreted dreams for others. All of it for this point. God prepares us for things that we don't even know are possible in our lives. But what I love most about this story is how Joseph reacts when Pharaoh tells him that he understands Joseph has this special gift. "Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." (41:16) No, not me. It's all God. What a picture of humility and a man who understood God's place in his life. No, I can't do anything. But God can do things through me. He always pointed people back to the glory of his God.
Joseph was able to show the king that there was a time of plenty coming and then a time of famine. He told the king how to prepare. And then, what do you know? The king was looking for some wise soul to handle all of that. Who else but the dreamer? God's plan put Joseph in power as the No. 2 guy in all of Egypt. Pretty impressive for the younger brother hated by his family.
And it all came to pass just as God said. Seven years of good times, when they stored up part of the harvest for the future. Then came the famine. Many people were hungry and came to Egypt looking for food. Including Joseph's brothers. Joseph disguises himself while he tries to get some more information from them. Is his father alive? What about their younger brother, the other son of Rachel? I'm not sure why Joseph plays this little game with them. To teach them a lesson? To find out more information before he gives them the shock of their life? The Bible doesn't say. But it does say how emotional this was for Joseph. It shows us that he was man enough to cry over his brothers, even if he didn't show them his tears. Then he sends them back to get his beloved brother.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Genesis 37:25-40:8
What we intend for evil, God can certainly use for good.
Joseph's brothers were looking for a way to harm him when they sold him into slavery. But God had a different plan. Joseph worked hard and had a position of power in the palace. Why? Because Potiphar saw God at work in Joseph's life. He saw that Joseph was blessed. Once Joseph was in charge of the Egyptian's house, Potiphar was also blessed. Well, except for his wife. She had her eye on the handsome Joseph and set out to seduce him. But Joseph was too honorable. Not easy, I'm sure. But he resisted her plans. But you always have to watch out for the scorned woman. She told a few lies and had Joseph put in prison.
Again, evil intentions. But God could use that, too. The chief jailer saw something in Joseph that he liked. So Joseph became in charge of all the prisoners.
I know I'm not as good-natured as Joseph. When I'm wronged, I want to see some justice. My nature is to try to understand why someone has treated me that way. It's taken me a long time for God to show me that He may have a different plan and to be open to it. And that His blessings do not depend on others. Only on God. He can take care of us in any circumstance, whether it's being far away from family or locked in a prison cell. I just need to depend on him like Joseph did.
Joseph's brothers were looking for a way to harm him when they sold him into slavery. But God had a different plan. Joseph worked hard and had a position of power in the palace. Why? Because Potiphar saw God at work in Joseph's life. He saw that Joseph was blessed. Once Joseph was in charge of the Egyptian's house, Potiphar was also blessed. Well, except for his wife. She had her eye on the handsome Joseph and set out to seduce him. But Joseph was too honorable. Not easy, I'm sure. But he resisted her plans. But you always have to watch out for the scorned woman. She told a few lies and had Joseph put in prison.
Again, evil intentions. But God could use that, too. The chief jailer saw something in Joseph that he liked. So Joseph became in charge of all the prisoners.
I know I'm not as good-natured as Joseph. When I'm wronged, I want to see some justice. My nature is to try to understand why someone has treated me that way. It's taken me a long time for God to show me that He may have a different plan and to be open to it. And that His blessings do not depend on others. Only on God. He can take care of us in any circumstance, whether it's being far away from family or locked in a prison cell. I just need to depend on him like Joseph did.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Genesis 35:1-37:24 Take 2
The Bible tells us that "Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons, because he was the son of his old age." I'm sure that's true. But I kind of think Joseph was special, because he was born of Jacob's union with Rachel. It was the living symbol of their love. That may be the romantic in me. But ...
Now I'm sure the other brothers knew this, because dad treated Joseph special. He gave him a coat of many colors. Funny how intense love on one part always strikes hatred into someone else's. Of course, that's probably fear on their part. Fear that they won't be loved, too. Or loved as much. Remember grade school? Whenever two close friends got together, it was loads of fun. Or when it was a great big group. But when it was three people, someone always felt left out. I think that's what happened with the brothers. Each of them wanted to feel special too.
But Joseph's biggest problem was that he shared his dreams with his brothers. And these weren't just Joseph's dreams. These were God's dreams for him. These dreams showed him being in power over his brothers, and the boys didn't take well to that. And then their jealousy and hatred got the best of them, and they plotted their revenge.
They were all set to kill Joseph. Except Reuben. He went along with the crowd, but he planned a way to rescue his little bro. Unfortunately, Joseph was sold into slavery before he could take care of the rescue.
Whenever we share our dreams for our lives, some people react well and others don't. They may not understand why we want to travel around the world. They may be jealous of the attention we get from others. They may wish they had the same dream.
But God didn't give all of us the same dream. Each of us has a different path to travel. But I do hope I can share what's in my heart with others and find something other than jealousy. I hope I can celebrate others' good fortunes. For me, that's the lesson to learn from these sons of Israel. How to embrace the dreamer in all of us. But of course, more on that as the story continues tomorrow.
Now I'm sure the other brothers knew this, because dad treated Joseph special. He gave him a coat of many colors. Funny how intense love on one part always strikes hatred into someone else's. Of course, that's probably fear on their part. Fear that they won't be loved, too. Or loved as much. Remember grade school? Whenever two close friends got together, it was loads of fun. Or when it was a great big group. But when it was three people, someone always felt left out. I think that's what happened with the brothers. Each of them wanted to feel special too.
But Joseph's biggest problem was that he shared his dreams with his brothers. And these weren't just Joseph's dreams. These were God's dreams for him. These dreams showed him being in power over his brothers, and the boys didn't take well to that. And then their jealousy and hatred got the best of them, and they plotted their revenge.
They were all set to kill Joseph. Except Reuben. He went along with the crowd, but he planned a way to rescue his little bro. Unfortunately, Joseph was sold into slavery before he could take care of the rescue.
Whenever we share our dreams for our lives, some people react well and others don't. They may not understand why we want to travel around the world. They may be jealous of the attention we get from others. They may wish they had the same dream.
But God didn't give all of us the same dream. Each of us has a different path to travel. But I do hope I can share what's in my heart with others and find something other than jealousy. I hope I can celebrate others' good fortunes. For me, that's the lesson to learn from these sons of Israel. How to embrace the dreamer in all of us. But of course, more on that as the story continues tomorrow.
Genesis 35:1-37:24
Before moving forward, Jacob had to get rid of the past.
He told his household to "burn their idols, wash themselves and put on clean clothing" before going to Bethel. I think about this in my life.
What idols of the past do I need to burn in order to move forward? Some of the sentimental ephemera that I hold on to? Some of the pain that comes when I think about how life didn't turn out the way I planned? Some of the memories of times I've let people down?
All of those memories are good learning opportunities. But the point it to grow and move on. I can't be the me that God intends if I'm dragged down by all those things.
So time to hold a fire and then cleanse myself. God does the same thing. He sometimes puts us through the fire to cleanse us. The fire burns up all the yukky stuff and leaves the pure gold.
On to Bethel.
He told his household to "burn their idols, wash themselves and put on clean clothing" before going to Bethel. I think about this in my life.
What idols of the past do I need to burn in order to move forward? Some of the sentimental ephemera that I hold on to? Some of the pain that comes when I think about how life didn't turn out the way I planned? Some of the memories of times I've let people down?
All of those memories are good learning opportunities. But the point it to grow and move on. I can't be the me that God intends if I'm dragged down by all those things.
So time to hold a fire and then cleanse myself. God does the same thing. He sometimes puts us through the fire to cleanse us. The fire burns up all the yukky stuff and leaves the pure gold.
On to Bethel.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Genesis 31:43-34:31
Forgiveness is such a beautiful thing.
After 20 years, Jacob is ready to return home. Of course, that means facing the brother who was threatening to kill him when he left. One way or another, we all have to face our past and our mistakes. Jacob was justifiably nervous. He broke his camp into 2 groups in case a large battle ensued. He prepared lots of gifts for his brother. He fought with God for a blessing.
And what happened?
Esau welcomed him with open arms. He was glad to see him. He had found healing from his past grievance and moved on with his life. He could let it go.
But what I love about this story is summed up in this verse. "For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably."
Or as one translation puts it ... the smile of God.
I think forgiveness in our lives gives us a glimpse of God's face. It reminds us of how we're forgiven. And I know it makes Him happy when we duplicate that grace.
What's in your past that you need to let go of? Who do you need to forgive? Make God smile today.
After 20 years, Jacob is ready to return home. Of course, that means facing the brother who was threatening to kill him when he left. One way or another, we all have to face our past and our mistakes. Jacob was justifiably nervous. He broke his camp into 2 groups in case a large battle ensued. He prepared lots of gifts for his brother. He fought with God for a blessing.
And what happened?
Esau welcomed him with open arms. He was glad to see him. He had found healing from his past grievance and moved on with his life. He could let it go.
But what I love about this story is summed up in this verse. "For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably."
Or as one translation puts it ... the smile of God.
I think forgiveness in our lives gives us a glimpse of God's face. It reminds us of how we're forgiven. And I know it makes Him happy when we duplicate that grace.
What's in your past that you need to let go of? Who do you need to forgive? Make God smile today.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Genesis 30:1-31:42
Jealousy is always so ugly. Especially when it pits two sisters against each other. Sisters are supposed to look out for each other, not fight over some guy. Cause they're almost never worth it. Now I know Jacob was a good guy and he got caught in the middle of a bad situation. He was in love with one and woke up married to the other one. So he married them both. And Laban was selfish enough to trick everyone. So I'd really like to blame all the jealousy on him.
But I can't. Feelings are feelings. We can't always choose how we feel. But we can choose how we'll deal with our feelings.
Just because you're jealousy because your husband loves his other wife more (just one reason I believe in monogamy) doesn't mean you need to act hateful. Neither does your sister having more children than you. Neither does your neighbor having a new landscaped yard. Or someone having a big family when you don't. Or someone having a fabulous job while you're still slaving away. We can take those feelings to God, as Leah did. He understands our feelings and he can help us deal with them before our actions make everyone miserable. He can help us learn not to compare ourselves to others -- only to His plans for us.
How do you handle your feelings?
But I can't. Feelings are feelings. We can't always choose how we feel. But we can choose how we'll deal with our feelings.
Just because you're jealousy because your husband loves his other wife more (just one reason I believe in monogamy) doesn't mean you need to act hateful. Neither does your sister having more children than you. Neither does your neighbor having a new landscaped yard. Or someone having a big family when you don't. Or someone having a fabulous job while you're still slaving away. We can take those feelings to God, as Leah did. He understands our feelings and he can help us deal with them before our actions make everyone miserable. He can help us learn not to compare ourselves to others -- only to His plans for us.
How do you handle your feelings?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Genesis 27-29
Today we get the story of the stolen blessing. Before Esau and Jacob were born, Rebekah knew that she was carrying two rival nations, and that the descendants of Esau would serve the descendants of Jacob. But I guess she didn't trust God to work all of that out. Inside, she decided to trick her husband to bring about what God was going to do. That's what I call meddling.
She cooked the goat to taste like wild game, she took the hair and put it on Jacob's hands and neck, and she took some of Esau's clothing for Jacob to wear so he would have the right smell. Her plan worked. Isaac blessed Jacob. But at what cost? Jacob had to run away and never saw his mother again. His brother wanted to kill him. His family was torn apart. He was exiled from his family for a long time. Yeah, wrongdoing always leads to problems. These could have been avoided if Rebekah and Jacob had simply waited on God. How many of my problems can be avoided the same way?
Jacob went to his uncle's and fell in love with Rachel. He worked 7 years for his bride, only to be tricked when he woke up the next morning and the veil was off. To get his true love, it was 7 more years of work. And the two sisters were as divided as Jacob and his brother. I always felt sympathetic for Leah. Don't you think she always felt second-best? Everyone knew how much Jacob loved Rachel. Her dad had to trick someone into marrying her. I'm guessing she felt like nothing she did was ever right. She was always looking for love, except from God, the only one who can fill that hole. She had children, but those didn't bring her husband any closer. And in naming those kids, she gives us some insight into her pain. Biblical names held a lot of meaning -- either something the parents wanted the child to live up to or something that was going on in their lives at the time. Reuban "He has seen my misery." Simeon "one who hears." Levi " being attached" Judah "praise" Only by the fourth child was she able to offer praise to God. Interesting that Jacob's name mean "he grasps the heel" or "the deceiver." How appropriate!
She cooked the goat to taste like wild game, she took the hair and put it on Jacob's hands and neck, and she took some of Esau's clothing for Jacob to wear so he would have the right smell. Her plan worked. Isaac blessed Jacob. But at what cost? Jacob had to run away and never saw his mother again. His brother wanted to kill him. His family was torn apart. He was exiled from his family for a long time. Yeah, wrongdoing always leads to problems. These could have been avoided if Rebekah and Jacob had simply waited on God. How many of my problems can be avoided the same way?
Jacob went to his uncle's and fell in love with Rachel. He worked 7 years for his bride, only to be tricked when he woke up the next morning and the veil was off. To get his true love, it was 7 more years of work. And the two sisters were as divided as Jacob and his brother. I always felt sympathetic for Leah. Don't you think she always felt second-best? Everyone knew how much Jacob loved Rachel. Her dad had to trick someone into marrying her. I'm guessing she felt like nothing she did was ever right. She was always looking for love, except from God, the only one who can fill that hole. She had children, but those didn't bring her husband any closer. And in naming those kids, she gives us some insight into her pain. Biblical names held a lot of meaning -- either something the parents wanted the child to live up to or something that was going on in their lives at the time. Reuban "He has seen my misery." Simeon "one who hears." Levi " being attached" Judah "praise" Only by the fourth child was she able to offer praise to God. Interesting that Jacob's name mean "he grasps the heel" or "the deceiver." How appropriate!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Genesis 24:28-26:35
I can't imagine leaving your family for what is probably forever to marry some guy you had never even seen. Simply because you watered some guys camels. Yet Rebekah did. That's faith -- or else you just need an adventure. I think it's the former one. One thing I noticed was the nose-ring that they gave her. I guess that was the predecessor to the rings that people wear today, but I hadn't really thought about it.
After Abraham died, the Bible says that both Isaac and Ishmael buried him. I was glad to see that the boys put aside their differences to take care of their father. Apparently Abraham mattered a great deal to both of them.
The story then shifts to Isaac and his family. We learn about twins who were very different. Esau was all hairy and liked to hunt. Jacob was smooth and liked to stay at home. Dad favored the hunter; Mom favored the homebody. A definite setup for some division in the family.
Esau wasn't too good with decisions. He traded his birthright for a single meal. And I just don't think lentil stew would be worth that.
After the story of Abimelech, there's one other verse that draws my attention. In v. 35, we see the first in-law problems. Esau's wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah. I wonder from the quick mention if he talked this over with his parents first or just went and did it. I kind of assume the latter if he was marrying pagan women. Different cultures. Different values. That usually means problems.
After Abraham died, the Bible says that both Isaac and Ishmael buried him. I was glad to see that the boys put aside their differences to take care of their father. Apparently Abraham mattered a great deal to both of them.
The story then shifts to Isaac and his family. We learn about twins who were very different. Esau was all hairy and liked to hunt. Jacob was smooth and liked to stay at home. Dad favored the hunter; Mom favored the homebody. A definite setup for some division in the family.
Esau wasn't too good with decisions. He traded his birthright for a single meal. And I just don't think lentil stew would be worth that.
After the story of Abimelech, there's one other verse that draws my attention. In v. 35, we see the first in-law problems. Esau's wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah. I wonder from the quick mention if he talked this over with his parents first or just went and did it. I kind of assume the latter if he was marrying pagan women. Different cultures. Different values. That usually means problems.
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