Joseph Reveals His Identity – Genesis 45:1-46:7 Before we look at this next part of Joseph’s story, let’s think back to last Friday’s lesson. Jacob was preparing to meet his brother Esau, loading up all sorts of gifts in order to sweeten his apology. And yet, it was Esau, the brother who was most wronged,…
The Brothers Return – Genesis 43:1-44:34 The games people play… I suppose we could give Joseph a “pass” on this. After all, his brothers had done him wrong, and he may have wanted to see if they had changed at all. Would they give up on Benjamin as easily as they had given up on…
Ten Brothers Go to Egypt – Genesis 42:1-38 “Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.” It happens to me all the time. Just the other day I was at the mall, and a clerk called out to me. “Jon Twitchell,” she said… as I stood there and stammered, trying to subtly catch…
Prison and a Promotion – Genesis 39:1-41:57 “Life’s not fair!” “No… you’re right. It’s not.” That sounds like a typical exchange between a child and a parent, doesn’t it? Somewhere along the way we all discover that life doesn’t seem fair. Our internal sense of justice doesn’t always line up with the reality in the…
Sold into Slavery – Genesis 37:1-36 This week we get to look at one of the most colorful (literally!) characters in the Old Testament, Joseph. Joseph is world-famous for his “Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and his story of brokenness, slavery, integrity and reconciliation that will unfold as you read the texts this week. Clearly, Joseph’s family is…
E100 #3: “Promises, Promises”Text: Genesis 22:1-19Abraham gives us an example of someone who was willing to trust that God would keep His promises. Despite Abraham’s spotty history at keeping the covenant, we recognize that he was willing to offer Isaac back as the firstfruits of the promise. The principle of firstfruits is a reminder that…
Jacob and Esau Reconcile – Genesis 32:1-33:20 Reconciliation Requires more than Bribery! In the first part of this story, Jacob reminds me of a divorced parent who continually tries to buy the love of their child through extravagant gifts. If you’ve ever watched a child get spoiled by the increasingly expensive gifts bought by one…
Jacob and Esau Compete – Genesis 27:1-28:22 We live in a competitive world where we are taught to do whatever it takes to get ahead. If you’ve seen one of those news stories about competitive parents at children’s sporting events, you know exactly what I’m talking about! We want the best for ourselves… but we…
Isaac’s Birth and “Sacrifice” – Genesis 21:1-22:19 Trust and Obey Did you ever do “trust falls”? Maybe it was in a gym class… or a leadership development program… or at a team-building activity. The idea is that you fall backwards into the arms of the people on your team, who promise to catch you. When…
God’s Covenant with Abram – Genesis 15:1-21 Promises, Promises Probably the two most important items of wealth and security in the ancient world were children and land. Flocks and herds may have been a close third, but unless you had land upon which the livestock could graze, and unless you had children to care for…