This study skips over chapters 34, 35, and 36 of Genesis, presumably on the basis of Paul's admonition to the Philippians (Phil. 4:8). While our study focuses on Genesis 37 through 41, I recommend reading straight through from chapter 34 to 41. You won't encounter anything in the earlier chapters that is any harder to stomach than that contained in the latter chapters -- and you will have Jesus' complete family history.
It is intriguing to note that a lot can happen in a person's life during the time that they think they are about to die. Recall that chapter 27 opens with Isaac feeling close to death, weak and blind. Yet, it is nine chapters and many decades later that the twins bury their father.
But this week is the story of Joseph, not Isaac or Israel. Joseph's reversals of 'fortune' (favored son to family reject, and slave to ruler) were unparalleled in history, and yet it is nothing compared with:
(a) Jesus' condescension several thousand years ago (Phil. 2:5-11), and
(b) what God has planned for us (Rev. 21:3,4; 22:3-5).
Join me in digging down into one of the Western world's most widely known stories. I look forward to us sharing our insights.
It is intriguing to note that a lot can happen in a person's life during the time that they think they are about to die. Recall that chapter 27 opens with Isaac feeling close to death, weak and blind. Yet, it is nine chapters and many decades later that the twins bury their father.
But this week is the story of Joseph, not Isaac or Israel. Joseph's reversals of 'fortune' (favored son to family reject, and slave to ruler) were unparalleled in history, and yet it is nothing compared with:
(a) Jesus' condescension several thousand years ago (Phil. 2:5-11), and
(b) what God has planned for us (Rev. 21:3,4; 22:3-5).
Join me in digging down into one of the Western world's most widely known stories. I look forward to us sharing our insights.
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