Scripture: Genesis 45:4-7
Song of Praise: Doxology
Devotion:
God built the nation of Israel upon the shoulders of Jacob's 12 sons.
This national family was a fulfillment of the promises God made to Abraham earlier in Genesis.
Abraham's promised miracle boy was Isaac.
Isaac's son of promise was Jacob, and in turn, Jacob begat 12 sons.
These men became the heads of what are known as the 12 tribes of Israel.
Of these 12 men, one was the favored son of Jacob.
Joseph was preferred by his Father and given a multicolored robe, representing his high status in the family.
Out of rage and jealousy, Joseph's older brothers lied to their Father, telling him that Joseph was eaten by a wild animal.
In reality, they had spun quite a yarn; truthfully, the brothers sold Joseph into slavery.
Joseph was purchased, brought to Egypt, and began working for Potiphar.
This was quite a notable position for a slave.
Potiphar was one of Pharaoh's highest ranking officials. Joseph was working in the lap of luxury.
After a labyrinth of dealings, Joseph, being falsely accused, was thrown into the dungeon.
One would think Joseph would be overcome with despair. However, God's favor remained with him, even in the dungeon.
While imprisoned, Joseph began to interpret the dreams of his fellow prisoners.
Having some serious sleep issues, and having been informed of Joseph's unique abilities, Pharaoh sent for Joseph, the dream interpreter.
Ultimately, Joseph did interpret Pharaoh's dreams. He saved all of Egypt from peril, famine and starvation, awarding him the second position in all of Egypt.
Upon a series of providential encounters with his brothers (who did not recognize him), Joseph, overcome with emotion, reveals his identity to them. In a moment of sincerity, offering forgiveness, Joseph explains God's sovereignty to his brothers. Why?
How could God allow all of this to happen to a seed of promise?
God promised to do mighty things through Abraham's descendants.
Somehow, I doubt that prison-time was what Abraham had in mind when God made the covenant with him.
Joseph is a stunning type of Christ.
Like Joseph, Jesus was betrayed by his own people because of their jealousy. Like Joseph, Jesus suffered grave evils that God meant for good, for the preservation of life. Our sin broken world was under a worldwide spiritual famine, and Jesus, like Joseph, was commissioned to reverse the effects of famine.
Through Jesus our famine is turned into feasting. Because Jesus was mistreated, we are also graciously mistreated, not receiving the famine we deserve, but instead, we are given the abundance Christ secured for us.
We are no longer famished, but seated with Christ at the marriage supper of the lamb. What happened after Joseph's first tearful meeting his brothers? Genesis 43:31 says "Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, “Serve the meal.” Before his brothers ever knew they needed it, Joseph offered deliverance.
From slave to exalted, famine to feasting, Joseph's life and story points us to Jesus and His deliverance.
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Table Talk Questions:
Why was Joseph sold into slavery?
How did Joseph become 2nd in charge of Egypt?
How is Joseph a type of Christ?
Meal: Crock-Pot Water Chestnut Beef & Broccoli, Rice, & Lilah’s Pretzel Lime Bars
Recipes:
Crock-Pot Water Chestnut, Beef and Broccoli
Prep and Cook Time: 5-6 hours
Serves: 6
5 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
1 pound beef Sirloin Steak cubes or slices
4 cups Broccoli Florets
1 can (drained) Water Chestnuts
2 cups Onion, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 cup Beef flavored broth
2 Tablespoons packed Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon ground Ginger
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon of Red Pepper flakes(may be omitted)
2 cups cooked White Rice-separately prepared
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown beef and caramelize the onions.
Add them to the crockpot.
Add all remaining ingredients to the crockpot, mix together well, and cook on low for 5-6 hrs. Serve over prepared rice, with soy sauce on the side.
Lilah's Pretzel Lime Bars
Prep and Cook Time:
Serves: 9
Crust:
3 cups of crushed Pretzels
½ stick of Butter, melted
1 Tablespoon Sugar
Pie Filling:
8 ounce Cream Cheese Softened
1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
⅓ cup Lime Juice
2 drops of Green Food Coloring (optional)
1 container of Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions:
In a medium sized bowl, add pretzels crumbs, butter and sugar.
Mix well.
Add to the bottom of an 8 inch pie pan.
Press the crumbs to form your crust.
Set to the side.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk, mix until smooth.
Add lime juice and food coloring.
Fold in 2 Cups whipped topping.
Pour into pie crust allow the pie to set for an hour before serving.
Serve with remaining whipped topping.