Hi there. I do appreciate you taking the time to check out my blog post. I hope it inspires you to grow. I hope it challenges you like it does me to continue redirecting my life toward God. I hope that the result is that we are more passionate, authentic worshipers.
Let’s dig in to the next four chapters in Genesis.
Genesis 37-40
Did you take note that the entire remainder of the book of Genesis is written to tell the story of Joseph? His story is going to represent the bulk of next generation of God’s chosen nation, Israel.
Chapter 37 tells the story of Joseph’s trip to Egypt. It has a rough start, but God has a very important plan for Joseph and he (like Esther) has been placed in this foreign environment to rescue Israel.
Chapter 38 takes a short break from Joseph’s story to talk about Judah. Why Judah? Judah is the line from which King David, then King Jesus comes. The children that were born into his family, however dysfunctionally, are a vital part of the lineage we are following.
Chapter 39 continues with Joseph’s life as he has settled into the role of overseer of Potiphar’s affairs. Seems like a good career for Joseph. Look back at your life to see how God has prepared you for future things. This is a training opportunity! Joseph is then marched off to prison. Again, it looks dier, you have to wait to see the rest of God’s plan unfold.
Chapter 40 shows a ‘day in the life’ of our friend Joseph. God has continued to bless him in this new place, and he’s picked up another skill that is vital to fulfilling God’s plan for his life. Joseph is now a dream interpreter, an insight that has come directly from God.
Lessons
What stood out to me this week was the identifications. How are people recognized?
Joseph was known by his coat. It was a special gift from his dad. My thought is that Jacob knew Joseph needed to be set apart for something big. (Genesis 37:32-33)
Judah is known by his staff, seal, and cord. The seal is an obvious official identifier, it may have been worn by him by stringing a cord through a hole in the seal/signet. And the staff is a symbol of his position. There would be no mistaking who the owner of these objects would be. Tamar knew that she was taking a big risk, but she boldly asked for those items that would properly identify the lineage of her twins, and perhaps save her life. (Genesis 38:25-26)
Again in chapter 39 we see Potiphar’s wife holding on to a piece of identification so that her husband would recognize the man who she wanted to punish. Hmm… Joseph and his clothes! (Genesis 39:16-18)
In chapter 40, Joseph recognized the demeanor of the two officials who’d been under his care as being unusual. Let me ask you, do you notice when someone is looking, sounding, or acting dejected? What do you do? (Genesis 40:6-7)
Next week in chapter 41 the cupbearer will hear of the problem the Pharoah is having and will recognize Joseph is the one who has the connection with God and the ability to interpret dreams. That is next week, but it is noteworthy that Joseph is also recognized for his abilities and not just for his apparel. 😉
Lessons
The obvious questions are:
What are you recognized for?
What to they see in you? And what do you want them to see in you?
What are you recognizing in others?
What are you looking for? How can God use you to make a difference in them?
Maybe you have other questions that the idea of knowing or recognizing and being recognized brings to you. Pursue them!
Practice
We can recognize Joseph as the kid with all of the attention, he could be a snob or a brat or he could just be a kid that is born into a crazy family. I think many people could relate to that situation. And we can recognize Joseph as the one who refuses to dishonor God. The one who sees people and sees problems and does whatever he can to help.
We could recognize Judah for his selfishness and sin. And we could recognize Judah for his repentance when he’s called out.
In both of these sons of Israel, we can learn lessons that help us review our actions, attitudes, motives, and our pursuits. The only measuring stick to line them up with is God’s. He loves you and has provided all of this history so that you can connect your life to Him and help others to do the same.
I would like to be recognized for growing in my obedience to and honor God.
I would like to recognize the potential people like Joseph and Judah have,
and walk alongside them to help them reach their potential.
What about you?
Loved your thoughtful insights and the practical ways these truths can be applied to our lives. Bravo 👏