OT: The Book of Exodus, Chapter 2

Exodus 2:1-25

2:1 A man and a woman of the tribe of Levi (one of the twelve tribes of Jacob) marry.

2:2 To the couple is born a beautiful son. Pharaoh's commandment that all male Israelite children be killed forces the woman to hide her son for three months.

2:3 As the child grows it becomes more difficult to hide him and so his mother builds a floating cradle for him out of bulrushes and places by in the reeds by the riverbank. 

2:4 From a distance, the child's sister watches his mother and stays to see what happens with her brother. Whether or not the child realizes it, God's will is about to envelop this baby's life in his life and wielding hand. Too many of us make the mistake of forgetting that God has intricate plans for our lives even before we are born. He knows our souls even before our births on the earth; He certainly knew this particular soul. He knew that through this child, His will would manifest and rescue many of His children.

2:5 As his older sister watches, Pharaoh's daughter comes to the riverbank to bathe. She notices the basket and sends her maidservants to see what is inside.

2:6 When the basket is opened, the little child is noticed and he begins to weep. Pharaoh's daughter has compassion on the baby, his cries inducing her to care for him. This is a beautiful moment: realize that God takes care of us even when we are in our most vulnerable and helpless state. He even places compassionate souls on our path to support us and advocate for our needs when we cannot. Pharaoh's daughter deduces immediately that the child is an Israelite, left at the riverbank in a mother's attempt to save her child from premature death.

2:7 The child, another component to God's plan, suggests to Pharaoh's daughter that she find a woman who can nurse the child.

2:8 With Pharaoh's daughter's permission, the baby's sister finds her (and his) mother. This way, although the mother can no longer claim her child, she does get save his life and raise him.

2:9 And so the baby's mother becomes his wet-nurse, given payment from Pharaoh's daughter for being such.

2:10 The baby's mother takes care of him during his years as a baby and then hands him over to Pharaoh's daughter as her adopted son. She names the boy Moses, "Because I drew him out of the water." It is an interesting name for the soul within the child because Moses indeed was drawn from the water... the living water of God: destined from birth to be a prophet for this faith.

2:11 Moses grows into an adult and takes a walk through the Hebrews/Israelite's quarters. He observes their harsh conditions and even witnesses one of the men being beaten. 

2:12 Indignant, Moses in an attempt to save the servant, looks over his shoulders and then kills the man who is so cruelly beating the Hebrew man. Thinking that he was unseen, Moses covers the man with sand and leaves.

2:13 The next day, Moses again journeys in the Hebrew territory. This time he observes two Hebrew men fighting each other and asks them why they are fighting. Moses is perplexed: it does not make sense to him that these two people who should be on the same team (having a common enemy) are in opposition with each other.

2:14 Moses's question is met with hostility. One of the men responds by asking Moses who gave him permission to judge them. Moreover, he tells Moses that he knows Moses killed an Egyptian man the day before. This causes Moses to panic: there were witnesses to his crime.

2:15 Pharaoh finds out about Moses killing an Egyptian and intends to have Moses himself killed as punishment. Moses flees from Pharaoh into the land of Midian and rests by a well.

2:16-17 While there, the priest of Midian's seven daughters come to the well to draw water for their flock. As they try to do so, they are bullied and forced away by some other shepherds. Moses stands up from the well to help the family water their flock. Moses reveals his character: he's inherently moved to help the mistreated.

2:18 The daughters return to their father Reuel, friend of God, in record time. Reuel asks his daughters how they returned back from watering the flock so quickly.

2:19 The daughters explain to him that an Egyptian (Moses) helped them.

2:20 The man, ecstatic, and asks his daughters why they left this man instead of inviting him back to their house out of gratitude for his help. He instructs his daughters to find him and invite him back for a meal.

2:21 Moses' compassionate act earned him a home. Reuel invites Moses to live with him and even allows Moses to marry his daughter Zipporah, beauty. 

2:22 Moses and Zipporah have a child, a son. They name him Gershom, a sojourner. Moses names his child after the conditions of his life: he is a stranger in a foreign land.

2:23 Some time passes and the Pharaoh who sentenced Moses to die passes away. The cries and prayers of the children of Israel enslaved in Egypt increase: they wish to be freed. 

2:24 Because they called to Him, God answered. He always answers when His children call for Him. God remembers his promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and initiates a plan to rescue the children of Israel in Egypt.

2:25 God looked upon His children and acknowledge them. Invite and allow God to look upon you, upon your life and acknowledge you. Let Him analyze your life and direct it according to His compassionate will. Allow Him to look at you, to know you... in doing so, you give him the inspiration and the materials to orchestrate your greatest happiness. By showing Him your chains you enable Him to set you free.

OT: The Book of Exodus, Chapter 1

Exodus 1:1-22

Welcome to Exodus, the migration of the Israelites (family and descendants of Jacob) from Egypt To Canaan. The Book of Exodus is famous for its story of Moses' Red Sea Crossing but it is important and rewarding to learn and be comforted by the entire journey: start to finish. Even the actions and thoughts of minor players are able to teach us massive life lessons.

1:1-5 Jacob's sons are listed: Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; Dan Naphtali, Gad and Asher; Joseph. Between the twelve brothers and their family, there were seventy Israelites.

1:6-7 Much time has passed since the finish of Genesis and this beginning of Exodus; all of Joseph's immediate family have finished their journeys on Earth. Yet the descendants of Jacob are many. His children's children had children and so forth and the family multiplied as God has promised. After some time, their presence was abundant in Egypt. 

1:8 The Pharaoh we grew to know and maybe even love in the previous book as also passed away. Throughout the succession of power, Joseph and his legacy have been forgotten. The new king is not even familiar with him and this is to cause trouble for the Israelites. Joseph's family was welcomed, respected and taken care of because Joseph, through his faith in God, was able to save and bless Egypt. That gratitude has been long forgotten.

1:9 The new king begins to worry that the Egyptians are or soon will be outnumbered by the children of Israel. He feels as though his power and prosperity is threatened by the multitude of them.

1:10 His fear is that if the children of Israel turn against them and join Egypt's enemies, they will never have a chance to triumph. Faith has been forgotten. God blessed Egypt with prosperity and endurance during a severe famine but through time, the gratitude for the miracle faded. 

To consistently receive the benefits of our faith, we must always remember our God. We can never let out wonder for Him fade. We must remember the blessings, guidance and comfort He provides. If the Egyptians had been diligent with their faith and gratitude, perhaps this new king would realize that Egypt was safest under the care of the Israelites' God (of course He is everyone's God but was then only accepted by Jacob's family).

Yet even now we understand that people and kingdoms do not always do what they should do leaving others scrambling to deal with the consequences.

1:11 The king's solution to their "Israelite Problem" was to enslave them: to strip them of their dignity, freedom and power. The children of Israel were made to build for Pharaoh; he appointed masters over them and burdened them greatly with harsh conditions and disrespectful treatment.

1:12-14 And yet this was not enough to stifle the children of Israel who continued to increase. This caused further desperation in the king who began to create worse conditions for them to live and work in. We read of this occurrence as if it happened overnight but in reality, situations such as this evolve over time. The king's fears turned to discontent and from discontent to frustrated... until eventual he hated and disregarded the lives of Jacob's family and convinced everyone else to hate them as well. As children of God, we need to be cautious of circumstances such as these. We need to be vigilant because fear transforms into dangerous and unjust actions. 

1:15-16 At this point the background information is over and now we delve into the depth of this Pharaoh's cruelty: he instructs the midwives to kill all of the male infants born to the children of Israel. His intention is the stunt and halt the growth of this family. Much (if not all) of the Bible takes place in patriarchal societies; only sons, fathers and husbands were acknowledged as official members of a family capable of carrying on the name.

1:17 The midwives rejected the order; the feared being participants in such an act as killing... killing innocents.

1:18-19 The Pharaoh reprimanded the midwives for ignoring his order. The midwives respond in a fib; they pretend that the mothers are so strong and fertile that they are giving birth even before the midwives can reach them. 

1:20-21 Compassionate acts inevitably meet blessings and the midwives' kindness was noticed by God and he ensured that they were provided households (their job security was at risk for disobeying orders). Jacob's descendants continued to expand. 

1:22 Undeterred, Pharaoh orders everyone to kill every male born to an Israelite.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 50

Genesis 50:1-26

50:1 Joseph weeps over his father and kisses him goodbye (for now). Undoubtedly grateful for this blessing of reuniting with his family; there was likely a long stretch of time in Joseph's life where he never believed it possible. Not only did he get to reunite with his family but he was able through God to do so on good terms. He was able to provide for them in their time of need. To get to know them and their families. To receive his father's blessing and spiritual inheritance.

50:2-3 Following custom, Joseph ensured that his father was prepared for burial: a forty day process. The Egyptians mourn Jacob for seventy days.

50:4-6 Jacob requests Pharaoh's permission to bury his father as Jacob wished and Pharaoh agrees. Joseph and his father are highly regarded by these people and their wishes are respected.

50:7-9 So Joseph arranges for his father to be brought to the burial place of his family. He is accompanied by Pharaoh's household, servants, his brothers and all in his father's house. Only the young and the animals did not participate int he journey.

50:10-11 Joseph continued to formally mourn his father. It was a deep and focused mourning and even the Egyptians participated. The place of mourning was named Abel Mizraim: meadow of Egypt.

50:12-13 Jacob's sons did as they promised him they would do. They carried him to Canaan and buried him with his forefathers.

50:14 Having fulfilled their promise, Jacob's sons and all of their company return to Egypt.

50:15 Joseph's brother never truly understood his goodness; and when they got close to understanding it, they resented him. When their father's die, the brothers worry that Joseph was only kind to them for their father's sake. But children of God are inherently good and kind and they do not act on selfish or deceptive motive.

50:16-17 Joseph's brothers sent a messenger to him with this message: please have mercy on us and find forgiveness for our betrayal and sin. The message causes Joseph to weep. Their message reveals to Joseph that his brothers never really knew or understood him. He cries because he loves them and they do not feel it. He cries because they have his forgiveness but do not realize it.

50:18 Again reiterating Joseph's dream as a youth, his brothers bow down to him. The power of God in Joseph's life has convinced people that he is god-like. Yet Joseph knows and lives and breathes humility and love for God...

50:19... he is quick to remind his brothers that he is not God. If they are discontented with their actions, it is to God they must bring their burdens.

50:20 Joseph comforts his brothers explaining to them that even though they acted cruelly, God saved their brother whom they betrayed. God enabled Joseph to turn a traumatic experience into a blessed one: he became able to save his entire family and all who lived in Egypt. He married a woman and they had children.

50:21 Joseph assures his brothers that they have nothing to fear. Joseph will always provide for them. He comforts them, promising to take care of their entire families. As he always is, Joseph is kind with them. God's love and compassion filled and fueled Joseph: only love and compassion motivated him.

50:22 Joseph and his family remained in Egypt and he reached one hundred and ten years old.

50:23 Joseph was alive to see his grandchildren and their children.

50:24 As Joseph reaches the end of his life he promises his family that they will receive prophesy and guidance from God through another. God will continue the oath he made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph.

50:25 God promises that God will visit them; he then requests that they bury him in Egypt. 

50:26 So Joseph is buried in Egypt; the place which in many ways became his true home: the place where the development of his faith took place, the reunion with his brothers, the reunion with his father, his marriage, the birth of his children. Egypt was the place where God led Joseph and he was grateful for everything he (through God) accomplished there.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 49

Genesis 49:1-33

49:1-2 Jacob/Israel then calls for the rest of his sons to come to him. He has a message for each of his children before he departs from the Earth. Jacob knows the character of each of his sons; he also knows the subsequent circumstances of their lives and he prophesies about their futures based on the who they are as souls.

49:3-4 To his firstborn son, Reuben, Jacob explains that he is strong and dignified, powerful even but unstable. His inability to balance himself will disable him from excelling. Moreover, Jacob mentions the transgression which revealed Reuben to be incapable of the firstborns right as heir.

49:5-7 To Simeon and Levi, Jacob explains that they have a cruel nature. Jacob knows that any person with cruel intentions cannot possibly lead God's faith into the future and into future generations. Jacob mentions their fierce temper and wishes for them to be separated as a kind of discouragement for their cruel ways.

49:8-12 Judah receives praise from Jacob and is told that he will be powerful among the family and his enemies. He is brave and intimidating, unable to be thwarted by fear. Through metaphor Jacob prophesies that Judah will live in a fertile land.

49:13 Zebulun, according to Jacob, will become a dweller by the sea and will man a shipping port.

49:14-15 Jacob says that Issachar's life will be centered around his livestock.

49:16-18 Dan will be a crafty and manipulative tribe more than a powerful one.

49:19 Gad will face tribulation but will ultimately triumph over it.

49:20 Asher will become a wealthy nation of royalty.

49:21 Naphtali is described by Jacob to be like a quick and free dear, beautiful with words. His will be a nimble and intelligent nation.

49:22-26 Joseph's faith will cause him to be continually fruitful and ever-expanding, ever-increasing in blessings. Jacob mentions the tribulation, the betrayal that occurred during Joseph's youth. He mentions that Joseph remained strong for in God he was never discouraged. Joseph becomes the shepherd of the faith, leading with God's guidance and wisdom. Joseph will have a large and healthy family. He will carry on the blessings promised to his father and grandfathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

49:27 Jacob speaks of his youngest son Benjamin. He prophesies that he will be like a wolf: a military nation, unafraid of war and quick to engage in it.

49:28 The twelve tribes of Israel/Jacob are established. Jacob blesses each of his children with specific prophesy from God.

49:29-30 Jacob tells his sons that he is to be buried with his family in the field of Ephron (the land Abraham purchased).

49:31-32 He will be buried with Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah and Leah. Jacob being buried with his forefathers is symbolic in that he returns always to the faith, to the oath established by God with humans. No matter the journey on Earth, he remains with God from start to finish.

49:33 Jacob completed the prophesies to his sons and with that, completed the final purpose of his life and passed on from Earth around his family.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 48

Genesis 48:1-22

48:1 Joseph is told of his father's illness and immediately he brings his two sons to visit their grandfather.

48:2 Jacob is told of Joseph's coming and he sits up straighter in his bed; he prepares himself for an important and blessed moment. He gathers all of the strength that he has to pass his faith, his oath from God onto his posterity.

48:3-4 Jacob tells Joseph of the visions and promises and blessings of God that he received throughout his life. God promised Jacob that He would be with him and ensure his survival and success. He promised Jacob that his family would continually increase.

48:5 Ephraim and Manasseh are with Joseph and Jacob and here Jacob claims them as sons. Although they are grandsons, Jacob plans to bless them by passing down to them the oath of God.

48:6 Jacob promises Joseph that his future children will also receive blessings from God but just as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob become patriarchs and prophets, so would Joseph one of these sons of Joseph.

48:7 As Jacob expresses his final thoughts, the love of his love comes to mind: Rachel. Rachel inspired his faith and work-ethic. Jacob remained with God in trust and faith and part of that was due to his love for Rachel. God helps us to accomplish our dreams and joys.

48:8-9 It then occurs to Jacob/Israel that Joseph's sons are with them. He asks Jacob to bring them near to him so that he can bless them.

48:10-11 Jacob lost his ability to see but gathers Ephraim and Manasseh to him in an embrace. It is an emotional moment for him to be with the son he thought he lost but he's also with his grandchildren. It is a luminous moment, Jacob is surrounded by the exuberance of God's blessings. God bless with emphasis. He does not just deliver want we want; He delivers what we want and need in abundance.

48:12 Joseph encourages his young children to not be shy in front of their grandfather and then bows down in thanks and appreciation for God and all that he has done.

48:13 Joseph leads his sons to Jacob: Ephraim to Jacob's right hand and Manasseh to Jacob's left hand (placing his eldest child on the dominant side).

48:14 But instead, Jacob purposely places his right hand on Ephraim, the younger brother.

48:15-16 First Jacob blesses Joseph; he passes down the promise from God that Abraham and Isaac received:

“God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,

The God who has fed me all my life long to this day,

The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil,

Bless the lads;

Let my name be named upon them,

And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;

And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

48:17-18 Jacob tries to change Jacob's plan: he believes that the elder child, Manasseh should receive the blessing. Custom was for the eldest child to receive inheritance. (Jacob knows this, for he was the younger child but traded with Esau for inheritance).

48:19 The story comes full circle: Jacob is willing to bless the right child with inheritance instead of the customary choice. For had Esau received the blessing, it would have been squandered away. Jacob wants to bless the son who with carry and cherish God's word, the son who will live and lead by Him.

48:20 Jacob promises Joseph that both of his sons will be taken care of by God. God reassured and prepared Jacob all of his life, surely He also intervened to show Jacob which of Joseph's sons should receive the blessing.

48:21 With that spiritual business taken care of, Jacob tells Joseph that he is dying. He tells Joseph that God will be with him in his journey home.

48:22 In distributing his possessions, Jacob gave Joseph a bit more than his other brothers. Likely this was because Jacob was unable to love and provide for this particular son for so long; now that he has the opportunity, he wants to make up for it.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 47

Genesis 47:1-31

47:1 Joseph returns to Pharaoh to solidify his family's residence in Egypt. He explains that his father and brothers and their flocks and herds and possessions are all now in the land of Goshen.

47:2-3 Joseph brings five of his brothers to Pharaoh to have them profess their occupation. With deference to Pharaoh as master of the land of Egypt, they tell him that they are shepherds.

47:4 They also explain the reasoning for their arrival in Egypt: the famine has become too severe in Canaan. In order for the family to survive, they needed to relocate. They ask for his permission. Joseph and his family follow polite social custom even though God has already given them this land. They are not haughty or entitled. They are grateful to God and to Pharaoh for his hospitality.

47:5-6 Pharaoh gives the family excellent and fertile land to dwell in. He asks Joseph to appoint a wise and competent man from his family to oversee Pharaoh's livestock.

47:7-8 Pharaoh meets Joseph and asks his age.

47:9 Jacob answers that he is one hundred and thirty years old. Jacob converses humbly with Pharaoh: instead of arrogantly presenting himself as the great man and prophet that he is, Jacob claims to be less of a man than his father, Isaac.

47:10 Jacob thanks and prays for Pharaoh at the culmination of their conversation.

47:11-12 All formalities dealt with, Joseph situates his family; he ensures their comfort in Egypt. He gives them land and food and space to work and house all their families.

47:13 The famine continued to intensify in Egypt and Canaan as God had cautioned Jacob. God prepared Joseph to deal with the chaos and crisis of the situation.

47:14-15 At first, people are paying for the grain (food) being supplied by Egypt but eventually their money runs out. People begin to plead for food from the officials of Egypt. They have no money; they're desperate and seemingly without means to feed their families.

47:16-17 Joseph wisely arranges for people to pay in livestock for food. In exchange for food, people gave horses, flocks, cattle, and donkeys.

47:18-19 Eventually, people run out of livestock. People's desperation returns; they plead for Egypt to give them food so that they will not die. They offer to sell their land for food.

47:20-22 So Joseph increases the territory of Egypt by purchasing land in exchange for seeds. Having sold their land, Joseph arranges for the people to gather in cities. The only land that remains not under Pharaoh's control is the priests land; Pharaoh allotted them food and therefore they did not need to sell their land.

47:23-24 Joseph gave seed to the people who sold their land. He arranges for the people to pay Pharaoh by giving 1/5 of their harvest to him. This is a brilliant plan because it keeps the nation alive and thriving and enables people to take care of their families.

47:25-26 Joseph's plan (divined by God) encourages and inspires the people. Joseph warned them of the famine beforehand, prepared them for the famine and then worked tirelessly to get them through the famine. Through God, Joseph created a system that worked and saved thousands from desolation.

47:27-28 Jacob's family settled in Goshen and began to thrive again. Time has passed: for seventeen years Jacob and his family lived and worked in Egypt at this point. Jacob reaches the age of one hundred forty seven.

47:29-31 Jacob felt that his time on Earth was coming to a close. Jacob asks Joseph to promise him that he will not allow him to be buried in Egypt. Jacob wants to be buried with his father and grandfathers. Joseph promises to follow his father's wishes.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 46

Genesis 46:1-34

46:1 So Israel packs up his life; God called him and he answered. Israel uproots and moves his entire life because God is his life, and wherever God goes he follows. When God is our home, we do not have to fear the journey or any relocation, actual or figurative. 

Israel is moved by love and faith; before beginning the journey he worships God. To worship God is to do the following:

• Acknowledge His Presence: communicate and tangibly feel His spirit alive and active within and around us.
• Experience and Express Gratitude: to contemplate the change and improvement He implemented carefully and abundantly into your life.
• Experience and Express Wonder: to reserve space and time to be awed by Him, Who He is and all that He does.
• Solemnly Prepare to Submit to His Will: to realize and accept that His guidance is the wisest counsel you will ever receive, pure and selfless.
• Live By Zealous Faith: remain steadfast in fierce trust in the direction He directs you, trusting that His love will work tirelessly toward your betterment. 

46:2 Israel (interchangeably referred to as Jacob) again dreams a vision of God. God calls to him and Jacob answers: Here I am. Answer God in the same manner; When he's reaching out to you tell him "God, I am here. I am here with you always." When God calls to you let it not be a journey to reach His side. Stay near to Him.

46:3 God delivers Jacob reassurance. He reiterates the promises Jacob gave his brothers on God's behalf: I will make you a great nation in this new place. God reveals to us, if we did not yet know, that He is behind this plan. He's the driving force. He has prepared a place for this faithful man and his family.

46:4 God promises to remain with Jacob and assures him that he has nothing to fear. God is going to unite father and son for the first time in many years. God promises to lift Jacob up and have Joseph's hands placed on him.

46:5 Jacob is advancing in age, his sons ensure that he, along with their wives and children are comfortable for the journey in carts. These carts and materials were provided by Egypt, by Pharaoh and Joseph through God. God has gone over every detail. Provided every provision. They are entirely equipped for the journey and figuratively, so are you. Let God supply you with all that you need.

46:6-7 This family packed up all that they had, for God had provided for them also while Joseph was away. He is the ultimate at multitasking. He is able to give His undivided attention to each of His children as if they were His only one. He is so devoted to you as if you are His only child.

46:8 A reminder of the names of Israel/Jacob's sons: Reuben, the first born.

46:9 The sons of Reuben are Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

46:10 The sons of Simeon are Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul (son of a Canaanite woman).

46:11 The sons of Levi are Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

46:12 The sons of Judah are Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (Er and Onan passed away in Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

46:13 The sons of Issachar are Tola, Puvah, Job and Shimron.

46:14 The sons of Zebulun are Sered, Elon and Jahleel.

46:15 The sons of Leah and Dinah, her daughter and their offspring equaled thirty three people.

46:16 The sons of Gad are Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ebon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

46:17 The children of Asher are Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beriah are Heber and Malchiel.

46:18 The sons of Zilpah, Leah's maid, and their sons totaled sixteen people.

46:19 The sons of Rachel are Joseph and Benjamin.

46:20 The sons of Joseph in Egypt are Manasseh and Ephraim (their mother: Asenath).

46:21 The sons of Benjamin are Belah, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.

46:22 The sons of Rachel and their offspring totaled fourteen people.

46:23 The son of Dan is Hushim.

46:24 The sons of Naphtali are Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.

46:25 The sons of Bilhah (Rachel's maid) and their offspring total seven.

46:26 All of the people who were direct descendants of Jacob totaled sixty-six.

46:27 Including Jacob, Joseph and his two sons, the house of Jacob in Egypt equaled seventy.

46:28 Judah led the way to Joseph in Egypt. They reached Goshen.

46:29 Joseph prepared himself for travel and met his family in Goshen. The two embraced and wept for a long time. Father and son reunited after so long in such a beautiful and spiritual way, surrounded by God's abundance.

46:30 Jacob, in his old age, finds peace and is ready to move on from the Earth. His family is safe, healthy and reunited under God.

46:31-33 Joseph tells his family that he will inform Pharaoh that his family has arrived from Canaan. He will also explain to Pharaoh that his family are shepherds as an occupation. He prepares his family to tell Pharaoh that their contribution will be their lifelong work. 

Truly God's children are shepherds. We are figurative shepherds... gatherers and caretakers of innocent people rather than actual sheep. Children of God lead his lost children to safe havens, to His living water of life.

46:34 Joseph prepares the way for his family to peacefully continue their occupation as shepherds. Shepherds were not well regarded by Egyptians but God ensures that this family will not have to change who they are. In other words, this family of God will not be required to abandon their lifestyle of their faith even though they reside in Egypt. God prepares the circumstances and space for you to be exactly who you are naturally; you do not have to conform to anybody.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 45

Genesis 45:1-28

45:1 The sincerity and love in Judah's pleading is enough to finally break Joseph. Everyone except for Joseph's brothers depart from the room.

45:2 Joseph wept so loudly that everyone could hear him, even those outside of the room. Even though Joseph will express this shortly in his own words, consider his situation: It's an emotionally overwhelming moment. After years of being separated from his family, Joseph must have contemplated the circumstances which led him to Egypt endlessly. Suddenly the full picture of God's plan illuminated him: God sent Joseph on this journey. He foretold Joseph of this in symbols through dreams many years ago. Everything God predicted has come true and finally in this sweet moment, the reason why comes together.

45:3 Joseph shocks his brothers by revealing who he truly is; again, he inquires after his father's health. His brothers are stunned, they do not know how to react or proceed. They never truly knew Joseph's kind character and likely they expected anger from this now very powerful man.

45:4 Instead, Joseph calls his brothers to come closer to him. He loves them. He has missed them. He has forgiven them.

45:5-6 Joseph has come to terms with his circumstances, and likely quite a long time ago. As a faithful child of God, Joseph has always trusted in God's will and leaned into his love and comfort. He has always listened to and valued God's wisdom. Overtime, Joseph has come to understand that his life was planned by God. He was removed from his family and it was traumatic but it led to uncountable blessings. Joseph was able to save thousands of people from famine. He found a wife and started a family with her. His family was cared for in his absence because of God; his father is in good health and now he has been given the opportunity to unite with his brothers. His brothers have been given the opportunity to sincerely change and grow in compassion. They once betrayed a brother but when another opportunity came to do the same, they changed their heart and pleaded for his life.

45:7-8 Not only was Joseph able to save thousands of strangers, God arranged for him to be able to save his own family. Something he could not have done had he remained in Canaan. Joseph forgives his brothers not only because they have changed but also because he now understands that God has wielded his life. God sent Joseph to Egypt: to exactly where he needed to be to do the most God. 

When we agree to be workers with God, he sends us, also, to precisely the place we need to be to do the most good. Joseph understands this and accepts this. The spiritual growth pains were undoubtedly sharp, Joseph's heart must have been broken to be away from his family and in a strange place. Full and fierce faith propelled Joseph through his life and now delivered him to well-rounded happiness. That is the way our God works.

45:9 Joseph has another directive for his brothers: Go tell Jacob that his son Joseph is alive  and well, a great authority in Egypt. He requests that his brothers bring Jacob back to him.

45:10 Joseph gifts his brothers land: Goshen. He arranges for the family to be brought together again. He tells his brothers to bring the entire family, the children, the flocks, and the herds of animals.

45:11 He promises to provide for the entire family. This is an arrangement God made many years before... and now He brings it into fruition. Had Joseph remained in Canaan as a boy, his family would have all perished in this famine. Because of God's orchestrated, not only will the family live but will thrive.

45:12-13 Joseph expresses his sincerity. This is sudden and unexpected... to say the least, for the brothers. In just a few moments they are reunited with the brother they betrayed, they are forgiven and they are offered safe haven for their entire families! Joseph explains that he is being honest with them, they can trust him, everything he has offered is theirs.

Realize that God did not just take care of Joseph, who was consistently good and faithful. Joseph was mocked and weak and yet God chose him because his heart and soul was strong. He also took care of the people who made mistakes, huge mistakes. He offered them not only opportunity to grow, learn and receive forgiveness but also the opportunity to have joy and safety and love. 

No matter how downtrodden you are, no matter how many mistakes you've made, God has a plan for you. When you accept His hand in your life, He will lead you out of darkness and into light. He will provide you the materials to change and improve not just your life but also the lives of those you love.

45:14-15 After speaking with them, Joseph expresses his love for them, his joy at their reunion. He hugs each of them and weeps. God's love is incredible, indescribably... it completely reduces us to tears of joy. In human form, there is no adequate way to express how powerful and wise God's love is.

Joseph takes these moments to be with his brothers, to get to know them again. To catch up with them and hear about their lives, their families... their experiences. Likewise, they get to know his story: from bullied boy to master of Egypt.

45:16 The truth was out and Pharaoh and all his house were pleased to see Joseph reunited with his family. Joseph was genuinely loved in Egypt. He entered as a slave and stranger but came to be embraced and highly regarded by them. Joseph was respected and trusted from the beginning; the Egyptians perceived his honest and wise and faithful character early on. He was accepted in a way that he hadn't been by his brothers.

45:17-20 Through God, Joseph has developed such a reputation in Egypt that even Pharaoh offers his extended family stay in Egypt. Pharaoh offers Joseph the best that Egypt has and welcomes them with open-arms. Joseph is loved by his adopted country: he came to be so loved by always being honest and kind, by following the wisdom of God in all situations, by trusting in His will and relying on His strength.

45:21-22 The sons of Israel/Jacob accepted the gracious offer. Joseph provided them carts and food for the journey. He gave them new clothes and to Benjamin he gave extra clothes and money. Joseph has a special place in his heart for his young brother.

45:23 Joseph arranged for his father, Jacob/Israel, to be sent male donkeys loaded with goods, and female donkeys loaded with grain, bread and other food.

45:24 Joseph wishes them well on their journey back to their father. He encourages them to remember his promises and to release any anxieties they might have or develop once they are away from him.

45:25-26 Jacob's sons reach him and explain the events of their trip, most importantly: his son is alive. Joseph is dumbfounded. He is unable to believe their news: he has believed Joseph to be dead for many years now. His son's supposed death changed his life... and now this truth feels too good to be true.

Funnily, this is how good all of God's blessings are. We look around our lives in gratitude, flabbergasted because we cannot believe how good God has been to us. He blesses His children abundantly when we allow him to do so. 

Understand that Joseph's life was a journey of faith. God blessed him along the way but patience and faith were always necessary. Joseph had to trust God. He had to wait patiently for God to arrange all of the circumstances and factors and people involved in order to create the best possible outcome. God took care of him along the way; he never left him. God will take care of you along your journey as well. He will never leave you. Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Walk with Him through life... to walk with Him is to walk toward your greatest happiness.

45:27 "... their father was revived." God revived Jacob's spirit. Allow Him to revive yours. 

Jacob sees the proof of his sons words: Joseph has indeed supplied God's blessings to them. Cart-fulls of goods and the promise of good and fertile land, a home.

45:28 Jacob has all of the material things around him but the news that his son is alive is enough. Enough to revive him. Enough encouragement to move from his lifelong home. Because love and God are Jacob's true home. His son is Jacob's love manifested as life. It is enough for Jacob to be with God and love. Nothing else matters. Jacob's soul would be been revived even without all of the material things... what brought him joy, what brought him back to life was love not money, not power or possession.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 44

Genesis 44:1-34

Considering how cruelly Joseph's brothers treated him as a youth, there is some amusement in this reversed situation. Suddenly Joseph has all of the power and they are the ones pleading with him. Yet instead of behaving cruelly with them as vengeance, Joseph is treated them as honored guests. The are anxious and confused but entirely unharmed. Joseph is having his moment to get to know his brothers as grown men from an outsider's perspective. 

44:1 He commands his steward to fill the brother's sacks to the brim with food and again, with all of their money. Joseph will not take his brothers money, he does not need it... but more importantly, he doesn't want it. It is his pleasure and blessing to be able to provide for his family. The position of power has not changed Joseph or caused him to become arrogant or greedy. He never wanted money or power, he only wanted his brother's love. And love is the one thing which cannot be bought, no matter how powerful Joseph becomes.

44:2 Joseph has another plan: he instructs his steward to secretly place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack of grain and money. The steward agrees and does so.

44:3 Early morning arrives and the brothers begin their departure without delay.

44:4-5 When they are only a small way out, Joseph directs his steward to follow and catch up to his brothers. Joseph's plan is to accuse them of stealing the silver cup.

44:6 The steward does just as he is told: he reaches the brothers and asks them why they returned kindness with cruelty (and even though they had not done so this time, they certainly had as youths).

44:7-9 The brothers are so confident that none of them stole a single thing, they offer their sacks to be searched. Kill the one who stole and take the rest of us as slaves, they offer.

44:10-13 The cup is found in Benjamin's sack, of course. His older brothers are tormented. They promised their father that they would return with Benjamin and now, because of this unforeseen event, they are forced to return to Egypt. 

44:14-16 Still messing with them, Joseph explains that he divinely knew the men had stolen from him. Judah bows to Joseph (still unknown to him) and repents. Likely, Judah and his other brothers are feeling guilty because of their true crime. They know that they are facing retribution for their crime against Joseph.

44:17 Joseph tells his brothers that they may leave... except for Benjamin. Joseph does not actually want his brothers as slaves. He wants them to be free but he also has a plan.

44:18-19 Here Judah expresses to repentance and earns redemption. When we make a mistake, grave or small, we only allow ourselves access to true forgiveness when we apologize with serenity. Judah, acknowledging the authority of this man (Joseph) risks his life to save his brother's and for his father's sake. He is completely selfless in this moment. Wanting, finally, to do the right and honest and humble thing.

44:20-28 Judah explains that their father is an old man who deeply loves his youngest son, the only son remaining from his father's true love who has died. 

44:29 Judah explains to him how difficult it was for his father to allow his son to leave. That he will die of a broken heart if he is not returned.

44:30-33 Judah speaks to Joseph earnestly: he has promised his aging father to protect this boys life and to return him home. If Judah were still cruel, he could have left with the money and the full sacks and left Benjamin behind. But this time, the brothers plead for their sibling's life. In playing this mind game with them, Joseph has given his brothers a chance at redemption. Even though it has caused them confusion and anxiety, Joseph offers his brothers a gift: a gift to be freed from a past wrong.

44:34 Judah expresses his love for his father, as well. He pleads with this man (Joseph) because he does not want to see his father reduced to anger and depression. Judah speaks sincerely and passionately to Joseph not just to save his brother's life but his father's as well.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 43

Genesis 43:1-34

43:1 Through Pharaoh's dream, Joseph had received caution from God about this seven-year famine. As time passes, it grows in severity and stretches far across the region. 

43:2 Joseph's family, headed by his father Jacob, becomes increasingly affected by the famine and Jacob is forced to reconsider his refusal to let Benjamin and his sons travel back to Egypt. 

43:3-4 Judah reminds his father that they cannot return to Egypt without their youngest brother. 

43:5 Judah explains that it would be fruitless to travel to Egypt for food without meeting Joseph's demands. He fears that they at a minimum, they will leave Egypt with nothing... and at worst, they might not even be able to leave.

43:6 Jacob is frustrated. He asks his sons why they even told this man (later to be revealed as Joseph) that they had a little brother.

43:7 The brothers recount their conversation. Accused as spies, they told the complete truth trying to save their lives and buy the food they greatly needed.

43:8-9 Judah promises to take care of Benjamin; he tells his father that he is trustworthy and can be counted on to ensure his little brother's wellbeing.

43:10 The brothers plead with their father. They need food. They need to free Simeon. They try to convince Jacob by explaining that if they had not lingered and debated, they might have already returned from Egypt. 

43:11-12 Jacob relents. He instructs his sons to take the best that they have to offer in order to please this man making demands in Egypt: balm, honey, spices, myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. He tells them to take double the money: money to purchase food and to pay for the food they got for free the last trip.

43:13 Jacob allows the brothers to bring Benjamin. He still does not know that his sons betrayed Joseph.

43:14 Jacob prays for God to help them accomplish their task: purchase goods, free Simeon and return with Benjamin. It is tremendously difficult for Jacob to allow his sons to leave, it is only through his faith that he gains the strength to do so.

43:15 The brothers listen to their father and travel with packs full of all the gifts Jacob insisted they offer, and their youngest brother Benjamin. Finally, they reached Joseph.

43:16-17 As soon as Joseph sees his brothers, and specifically: Benjamin, he directs a steward to prepare a celebration feast for the group. Joseph's brothers are brought into the house not knowing what for.

43:18 They were anxious and afraid, assuming that they were gathered here for punishment. Although Joseph personally arranged for their money to be returned to them, the brothers are unaware and believe that they might be in trouble for stealing.

43:19-22 Immediately, they begin to explain themselves to Joseph. They profess their innocence and truly they never had any intentions of stealing anything. It was not until far into their journey home that they even realized their money was returned to them.

43:23 Joseph greets them graciously. He does not accuse them of theft. Instead, he wishes them peace and explains to them that God had restored their money to them (through Joseph). Their true payment was in leaving Simeon behind. Joseph brings Simeon out. 

This verse calls us to question our values: money or life. The pain of leaving a loved one behind is so much stronger than the luck of winning money.

43:24 Joseph arranges for his brothers to be treated kindly. They are given water and their feet are washed (a custom in the time and context due to long, dusty and sandy journeys). Their animals are cared for.

43:25 They displayed all of their gifts for Joseph, preparing for his arrival and shared meal with him.

43:26 Joseph's dream as a youth comes true again: his brothers bow down to him. They offer him all of the gifts from their father.

43:27 Joseph asks them what is really on his mind: how is their (his) father? Is he healthy? Alive?

43:28 The brothers report back that Jacob is indeed alive and healthy.

43:29 Joseph looks affectionately at his little brother who he has deeply missed. He immediately prays for Benjamin,  saying: may God be gracious to you.

43:30-31 Overwhelmed with emotion: joy and sadness, Joseph seeks solitude to weep. Afterward he washes his face and returns to the brothers for a meal.

43:32-33 Following local customs, the men divide up in groups to eat. The brothers are still confused by the situation: accused as spies at first and now treated as honored guests.

43:34 Everyone is served but Jacob requests that his littlest brother, Benjamin is served five times as much as his brothers. Benjamin is entirely innocent, he was not a part of the plan to kill or sell his older brother. And Joseph has a special place in his heart for his younger brother because they share a father and mother. Their full siblings but also they are the products of their parents true love, something the other brothers were unable to claim.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 42

Genesis 42:1-38

42:1 God's plan is not yet finished: He has rescued Joseph from his brothers and from slavery. He has rescued Egypt and all surrounding regions from famine and He now plans to reunite Joseph with his family. Our creation is a manifestation of truth: the truth will reach Joseph's father Jacob who believes his son to be dead.

News reaches Jacob that there is grain (food) in Egypt during this difficult time. Immediately his sons look guiltily at one another: they know that their brother, who they sold, is in Egypt.

42:2 Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain in order to feed and thus save the family.

42:3 Ten of Joseph's brothers leave to buy grain in Egypt.

42:4 Jacob does not allow Joseph's brother Benjamin to travel to Egypt, he fears that something will happen to him just like with Joseph. Remember that Joseph and Benjamin are the only sons born of Jacob's love, Rachel. Rachel has died and Jacob believes Joseph has died too, he does not want to lose Benjamin also.

42:5 The sons follow Jacob/Israel's command and they head toward Egypt (the famine has reached Canaan, where they live).

42:6 Joseph, governor of the land, is the person who sells to all the people. He knows the inventory, how to divide and share it. It is Joseph who greets each person and makes each exchange. Joseph's brothers reached Egypt and he is stunned to realize that they are right there in front of him bowing (just like in his dream as a youth; realize that God knows the full plan of our lives even from birth!). 

42:7-8 Joseph recognizes his brothers but they do not yet recognize him: the last time they saw him he was a slave, they never imagined that he would become this great authority in Egypt, more successful even than them. It never occurred to them that their deceptive plan to thwart Joseph could have backfired.

This is why Joseph was chosen by God to carry on the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His brothers did not have the quality and strength of faith that is required for the position. God will use any of His children to work miracles but the child must be willing and eager to be compassionate. Joseph has a natural and earnest love and trust in God that propel him through all tribulation. 

42:9 Joseph knows his brothers well. Even though Jacob had honorable reasons of sending his 10 sons to Egypt, Jacob knew that they really wanted to spy and gossip.

42:10-11 The brothers deny the accusation and claim to be honest men.

42:12 Joseph challenges them again, giving them another opportunity to admit the truth. Instead they lie.

42:13 They claim to be a band of twelve brothers, 10 present and one having died. Joseph knows they are lying of course, he's the one they are pretending is dead.

42:14-17 Joseph does not trust them. He arranges a deal with them: he will have them put in prison until one of them returns with the youngest brother. The test is that Joseph wants to see if they have learned their lesson, would they sell another brother (Benjamin)?

42:18-20 Joseph promises to let them free (and live) if they do as he says.

42:21 The brothers begin to feel guilty about what they did to Joseph. They feel that these circumstances are karma for what they did to their brother. 

42:22 Reuben, who tried to save Joseph, reminds them that he tried to stop them and they refused to listen. Now they must pay the price.

42:23 As they have this conversation, they do not realize that Joseph can understand them. They speak a different language than the Egyptians and do not realize that of course, Joseph can speak their natural language. Therefore, Joseph is able to hear the truth from them.

42:24 Joseph wept. He's overwhelmed by the circumstances and he's remembering the pain and mental torture his brothers put him through. Likely he misses home and his family. Even though he's done well, he is not over the trauma caused by their deception.

42:25-28 The brothers start to catch on that something more is going on: Joseph sends them away with sacks full of food but never takes their money. Joseph is not driven by money, he is driven by his love for God. He is compassionate, even though he's heartbroken, it is important to him that his family has the provisions to live. He will not accept payment for their wellbeing.

42:29-34 The brothers recount their experience to their father Jacob. A man (Joseph) has accused them of being spies. They do not know why but we do. Joseph wants to test their character. He creates the situation which will enable him to be reunited with his family and also to encourage his brothers to repent for what they've done.

42:35-36 Joseph is bereaved: he believes that he has lost Joseph and Simeon, and now he thinks that Benjamin will be taken from him too.

42:37 Reuben makes a promise to his father: he will bring Benjamin back no matter the cost. Reuben tells Jacob that he can take the life of his own family if he does not restore Jacob's son. He is earnest and determined to rectify the situation.

42:38 Jacob refuses the deal: he's terrified of losing his child. He knows that if anything happened to Benjamin, he would surely die.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 41

Genesis 41:1-57

41:1 There is a time jump of two years: Pharaoh now has a dream of himself standing by the river. God has already gifted Joseph with the ability of interpreting spiritual-dreams and He now presents Joseph with an opportunity.

41:2 In the dream by the river, seven healthy cows suddenly come up from the water. They ate in the meadow.

41:3 Then, seven other cows come from out of the water but this time looking weak and unhealthy. These seven come to stand by the other seven healthy looking cows.

41:4 The unhealthy cows ate up the healthy cows. And Pharaoh awakes from his dream.

41:5 Pharaoh falls back asleep and dreams for a second time. This time, seven heads of grain grew up healthily.

41:6-7 Afterward, seven unhealthy head of grain grew and ate up the healthy grain.

41:8 Pharaoh is disturbed by his vivid dream; his intuition tells him that it is an important dream and needs to be deciphered. In desperation, Pharaoh calls all of the magicians and sages of the area to come to him to interpret the dream.

God has already laid the pieces down to orchestrate Joseph's vital role in this circumstance.

41:9-13 Although the butler had not remembered to tell the Pharaoh of Joseph's ability to interpret dreams when Joseph requested him to, he remembered to do so now. He recounts to Pharaoh that he and the baker each had vivid dreams in need of interpretation and Joseph was able to tell them what they meant. Moreover, he explains to Pharaoh that everything Joseph predicted came true.

41:14 So Pharaoh calls for Joseph to be brought to him quickly. Joseph cleans himself up and comes to Pharaoh.

41:15 Pharaoh explains to Joseph his dream situation: nobody has been able to interpret this important dream but rumor has reached him that Joseph is capable of doing so.

41:16 Joseph beautifully gives credit to God. Joseph explains that it is not his own ability to interpret dreams but is actually an ability given to him by God.

41:17-23 Pharaoh tells Joseph about his dreams in detail (the cows and the grain and the east wind).

41:24 He then reveals to Joseph that nobody has been able to explain the dream.

41:25 Immediately Joseph is able to interpret the dream; God has already downloaded him with the information. Joseph explains that the two dreams are actually united. He explains that the dreams are a forewarning to Pharaoh of what is about to happen to him.

41:26 God uses symbols in our time and context to explain bigger concepts, for Pharaoh that meant cows and grain. The seven cows and seven heads of gain represent seven years.

41:27 Joseph explains that the seven empty heads caused by an east wind represents seven years of famine.

41:28 In the dream, God is showing Pharaoh what is about to happen:

41:29-30 Egypt will experience seven years of abundance and afterward, a famine will deplete the land.

41:31 The famine will be so severe that there will not even be remembrance of the good times. Even now we do not understand why famines and other tribulations occur around us. Sometimes it is due to human error or negligence and sometimes it is the cause of nature. What we do know is that in Spirit, we are not vulnerable to such tribulations. On Earth, certain circumstances arise to change events and people: to challenge them to learn and grow. Life on this planet is a classroom, we can develop ourselves if we utilize our circumstances for growth.

41:32 The dream was reiterated by God because it was so close to happening and He wanted to prepare Pharaoh.

41:33 God prepares His children. Although the dream was foreboding, warning of a time of tribulation, God had a plan to prepare Egypt to survive the famine. He places Joseph exactly where he needs to be to bring about the events that would save multitudes of people. God works with His children; we are the instruments through which his blessings reach humanity.

41:34-36 Joseph tells Pharaoh to appoint a wise man capable of overseeing Egypt. The plan from God is to collect 1/5 of the produce of the land during the years of surplus and store them away for the years of famine. In doing so, the Egyptians could be assured that they would survive the difficult years.

41:37-38 Implementing this plan meant trusting in God. When we trust in God, we allow his plan and preparation to guide us out of all of our figurative famines. Pharaoh accepts and trusts Joseph's interpretation of God and immediately seeks an overseer of the land and produce.

41:39 Ultimately Pharaoh chooses Joseph, who has proved himself time and gain as trustworthy and wise.

41:40-41 Joseph is appointed again into a position of power: the overseer of Pharaoh's house and all of his land. Pharaoh gives Joseph complete power but Pharaoh remains on the throne.

41:42 Once sold as a slave by his brothers, Joseph receives full authority from the Pharaoh of Egypt; in other words: he rules as a king.

41:43-45 The Egyptians accept Joseph's authority and Pharaoh is careful to reiterate his own royalty and power. The truth is that whether Pharaoh realizes it or not, God has placed Joseph in a position of power above all others. Think back on the moment when Joseph's brothers threw him in the pit and then sold him as a slave: his life seemed doomed. Yet from that dire betrayal, God was able to lift Joseph up higher than he would have been even at home.

Never underestimate the power and orchestration of God. He works miracles for His children; He is not bound by any law of man or nature. Your happiness is His intention and His goal and He never fails. The drastic change in Joseph's life might seem incredible, impossible... but for God it is easy. He can easily transform your life in ways that overwhelm and awe you. Trust God's counsel, it will come to you in various ways.

Pharaoh gives Joseph a wife. Her name is Asenath and she is the daughter of a shepherd-king. We know that this union was acceptable to God (otherwise He would have stopped it).

41:46-49 At thirty years of age, Joseph holds the power of Egypt. He does his job of preparing for the famine expertly. There is so much abundance, so much overflow that he even looses count. Joseph, with God, ensures that the Egyptians are completely prepared for the famine.

41:50 Joseph and Asenath have two sons.

41:51-52 In naming his sons, Joseph remembers God's hand in his life. He recounts the incredible journey his life has taken and how God has been with him the entire way.

• Manasseh, causing to forget: "For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house."
• Ephraim, I shall be doubly fruitful: "For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."

41:53-54 As prophesied by Joseph, the seven years of plenty ended and the famine began. The famine stretched out to many regions but because Egypt allowed God to lead them, they never went hungry.

41:55 When the Egyptians begin asking Pharaoh for food, he directs them to Joseph who has true authority and knowledge of the produce of their preparation.

41:56-57 Joseph, led by God, is prepared for the hungry bellies and hands. He opens the storehouses and is able to offer food to regions all throughout Egypt. We can discern from this experience in Joseph's life that even in dire circumstances, when everyone else is flailing, the children of God thrive. We thrive because we listen. We thrive because we follow our God as He leads us out of tribulation. 

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 40

Genesis 40:1-23

As we journey through Genesis, we learn a truth that remains today: God does not cause our tribulation, the actions of other people do. God rescues us from our tribulation, protects us from it. Joseph's brothers have betrayed him, his household does not accept or appreciate him. Through their corrupt actions, Joseph actually ends up in a home were he is respected for who he is. Joseph is then betrayed by a woman who becomes infatuated with him and then angered by his refusal to accept her. Even her betrayal does not thwart Joseph's success. 

The lessons to learn from these chapters is that no matter how entanglement we get into, God is able and willing to lead us out of it. He loves us. Through our relationship with Him, He is able to wield our lives directly into his blessings.

40:1-4 The butler and baker offend their king (the king of Egypt). He places them in prison, the same prison Joseph currently resides. Joseph had been given authority of the prison and the therefore serve him while in custody. 

40:5 The butler and the baker each have a dream but they each have differing interpretations of it. 

40:6-7 Joseph noticed their sad countenance and asked them what was bothering their minds. These men had experienced very vivid dreams, so powerful that they could not think of anything else. Joseph also reveals himself to be a compassionate person: he cares, he wants to know what is worrying them.

40:8 They explain that they have had a powerful dream that they cannot interpret.

40:9-11 The butler tells his dream to Joseph: in his dreams, there was a vine in front of him. There were three branches on the vine and they had buds on them, blossoms even of ripe grapes. He then pressed the grapes into a cup and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand.

40:12 Joseph is immediately able to accurately interpret the dream. This time, Joseph is on the other end of dreaming: he's the interpreter rather than the dreamer. Yet still, he is an instrument of God; Joseph knows that is is God who sends dreams of such powerful and symbolic nature.

Joseph explains that the tree branches represent three days.

40:13 He explains that within the three days, the Pharaoh will take him out of the prison and he will resume his job as butler (taking on such tasks as placing the cup in Pharaoh's hand).

40:14 After given the news of his freedom to the butler, Joseph requests that the butler remember him and speak well of him once he is freed. God has given Joseph and opportunity to also be released.

40:15 Joseph explains his circumstance: he's not even supposed to be in Egypt at all. He was stolen from the land of the Hebrews, taking away from his family. Moreover, he's innocent of the crime he has been accused of.

40:16-17 The baker observes that Joseph's interpretation is accurate and tells him about his own dream: there were three white baskets on his head. In the top basket there were baked goods for Pharaoh and the birds ate them out of the basket on his head.

40:18-19 Again, Joseph explains that the three baskets represent three days. He tells the baker that within three days the Pharaoh will hang him and he will die.

40:20-23 Everything happens exactly as Joseph predicts but the butler does not remember to spread good word on Joseph's behalf.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 39

Genesis 39:1-23

39:1 We return to Joseph who had been sold by his brothers and brought to Egypt. Joseph is being held captive by Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh but his father believes him to be dead.

39:2 Although Joseph experienced a terrible betrayal by his brothers, God was with him. Joseph, even though he had been sold as a slave became a successful man and lived in the house of his master.

39:3 It was obvious to his master that God was with Joseph. He observed as God ensured that Joseph prospered in every endeavor. Likely, Joseph's brothers realized the same thing but they resented him for it. 

39:4 Therefore, the master found Joseph useful and appointed him overseer of the household. Even though Joseph was sold as a slave, he had much authority in his new surroundings. It is beautiful to see how God transforms tribulation into blessings.

39:5 The Egyptians were kind to Joseph and therefore reaped the rewards of Joseph's faith and relationship with God. They prospered because of God, through Joseph.

39:6 The master completely trusts Joseph with all that he owns. Joseph has free reign and full control. Joseph is recognized as a blessed child of God but also for his kind and honest nature. He is trustworthy. He has a good soul and it is for this very reason that he was chosen by God and alerted of this through dreams.

39:7 The master's wife falls in love with Joseph and asks him to copulate with her.

39:8 Joseph refuses. He respects his master and he respects all of the responsibilities that have been given to him. Joseph experienced the sting of betrayal and he refuses to participate in it.

39:9 Joseph explains to her that his master has been generous and the least he could do for him is to not be with his wife. Moreover, Joseph explains that it is against his own values.

39:10 The wife persists but Joseph consistently refuses.

39:11-12 One day, Joseph comes into the house and the wife grabs him, pulling off his a piece of his clothing. Trying to be careful not to encourage or allow her to continue, Joseph flees without the piece she took from him.

39:13-15 Embarrassed and angered by his rejection, the master's wife plots against Joseph. She claims that he pursued her and that she refused.

39:16-18 As false proof of her deception, the master's wife offers the piece of Jacob's clothing to her husband. She retells the false story to her husband.

39:19 The master is angered by the wife's account and imprisons Joseph.

39:20-21 Although many humans continued not to treat Joseph fairly, God never left his side. God ensured that there was a person in the prison who found favor with Joseph and took care of him.

39:22-23 Joseph is given authority within the prison; he's allowed to do whatever he wants. God blasts our barriers. He restores our power when others try to take it away. He ensures that out efforts are fruitful and successful because He knows that everything we do is done with the intention of honesty and compassion.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 38

Genesis 38:1-30

38:1 Switching focus from Joseph for awhile, we take a look into the life of Jacob's son Judah. Judah is the son of Jacob and Leah and although his parents were particularly focused in faith, he was not quite there. Judah breaks off from the family to live on his own.

38:2 Judah marries a Canaanite woman named Shua, meaning wealth. We know from past readings that the father's of this family have gone to great lengths to ensure their children marry people of the faith. Judah does not follow the pattern set by Abraham and instead follows the pattern of Esau.

38:3 Shua becomes pregnant with a son and names him Er, awake. 

38:4 Shua then becomes pregnant again with another son and names him Onan, strong.

38:5 For a third time, Shua becomes pregnant and names her son Shelah, a petition.

38:6 Judah marries his firstborn, Er, to a woman named Tamar, palm-tree.

38:7 Yet Tamar loved God and had God's protection. Er was an evil man and in order to save Tamar from his wicked ways, Er dies.

38:8 Judah marries his son Onan to Tamar.

38:9 Onan realized that Tamar was a child of God, who had a purpose assigned to her from God. She was a good woman and would only bear a child from a faithful man. Instead of consummating his marriage to Tamar, Onan refrains (fearing the same outcome his brother Er suffered).

38:10 Onan also died to protect Tamar from a corrupt marriage.

38:11 Judah sends Tamar away to her home temporarily, until his third son becomes an adult.

38:12 Judah's wife, Shua, dies. Judah goes to Timnah to see his friend.

38:13 Tamar is alerted that Judah will be in Timnah and is now a widow.

38:14 Tamar disguises her appearance, wrapping her face and covering it with a veil. While there, she noticed that Shelah was grown yet had not been offered to her as a husband. Judah likely caught on that his sons were not worthy of her.

38:15-16 Mistaking Tamar for a prostitute, Judah begins to make a deal with her. Her offers her a goat but Tamar requests more.

38:17-19 In order to give Judah what he wants, Tamar requests his ring, cord and staff (everything that established his authority). Tamar conceives. Judah offers Tamar a goat and she pretends that she needs proof that he will deliver his promise. Temporary possession of Judah's most important items is given to Tamar as the proof.

 It was important to God that this family remain pure in faith; in order to ensure such a hope, the faithful Tamar is destined to become the mother of Judah's children.

38:20-21 Judah awakens and Tamar is gone. He asks the men around him where the prostitute went but they tell him that there never was a prostitute.

38:22 Judah searches but cannot find her. The men insist that there was never a prostitute.

38:23 In order to avoid shame, Judah allows Tamar to go free with his possessions.

38:24 About three months later, it is revealed to Judah that Tamar tricked him and is pregnant with his child. Judah is furious and wants her brought to him to be killed.

38:25-26 Tamar uses Judah's ring, cord and staff to prove that he is indeed the father of her child.

38:27-28 Tamar comes to the end of her pregnancy and gives birth to twins. The first twin sticks his hand out first and the nurse ties a red thread on his wrist; she believes that he is the firstborn.

38:29 Instead, the other twin comes out before the baby with the red thread on his wrist. This baby was named Pharez, breach.

38:30 The twin with the red thread on his hand came out second and was named Zarah, rising.

OT: The Book of Genesis, Chapter 37

Genesis 37:1-36

37:1 We continue to move through the generations of this family. A covenant established between God and Abraham has moved from Abraham to Issac, Isaac to Jacob and now to one of Jacob's children. Jacob and his family are living still where Isaac lived in the land of Canaan. 

37:2 Some time as passed, Joseph is a seventeen year old young man at this point in the story. Joseph is tending the flock with some of his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah. While with them, Joseph notices the bad temperament of his brothers and he brings it up in conversation with his family. These are Joseph's siblings, there is both love and sometimes resentment in any family and he brings it up with his father.

37:3 Much of the resentment between the brothers comes from the fact that Joseph is Jacob/Israel's favorite child. Joseph, son of Rachel, was the most like his father in nature and character. For this reason, Joseph wore the tunic which represented the patriarch and heir of the family.

37:4 Joseph's brothers were cruel to him. They were unable to communicate and deal with their problems in an effective manner and it manifested as bullying (this is a familiar concept to us today).

37:5 Joseph experiences an incredible dream and he shares the details of it with his brothers but it only causes them to increase their dislike of him.

37:6-7 Joseph explains his dream: he dreams himself and his brothers as sheaves (bundles of grain). In the dream, all of the sheaves bow down to the sheaf that is Joseph. We can immediately understand why his brothers were so angry: they already resented him as the favorite and this dream reinforced that.

36:8 Jacob/Israel had dreamed throughout his life in direct communication with God. Perhaps Joseph's brothers realize before even he does that God is speaking a message to him about his life and impending leadership. Joseph is the product of love, Rachel and Jacob. Almost every one of Joseph's brothers were children of Jacob but their mothers were not loved as equally as Rachel was. Laban had thwarted their partnership by marrying Jacob to Leah instead of Rachel at first. Then, Leah and Rachel arranged for Jacob to have children with their maids (who he had even less natural affection for).

36:9 Earnest Joseph, enthusiastic about his vivid dreams, shares another with his brothers: he dreams that the sun, moon and eleven stars bow down to him (he so happens to have eleven brothers).

36:10-11 Joseph remains the only one enthusiastic about the dream (besides God) after he tells his brothers and father. His brothers were envious, likely perceiving that there was more to this dream than it seemed. Jacob kept the dream in mind but was upset because it caused much tension and confusion among his children.

36:12-13 Joseph's brothers leave without him to tend to the flock and Jacob offers to send Joseph to them. The stop brothers, angry with him and his dreams, have stopped including him.

36:14 Jacob sends Joseph to see how his brothers are doing and tells him to report back.

36:15-16 As Joseph wanders, a man finds him and asks him what he is looking for. Joseph explains that he is looking for his brothers and the family flock.

26:17 The man tells Joseph that he overheard his brothers say: Let us go to Dothan. Jacob makes his way to Dothan and finds his brothers there.

37:18-20 Infuriated with him, the brothers spot Joseph and conspire to take his life. Their unchecked jealousy completely overtakes them. Some of the brothers mock Joseph saying that "the dreamer" is coming. They plan to kill him and pretend that he was killed by a wild animal.

37:21-22 Jacob's eldest son Reuben rescues an unsuspecting Joseph and convinces his brothers not to kill him. To convince his brothers, his plan is to get Joseph into a pit and abandon him. It is not exactly compassionate but he does what he can to save his brother's life.

37:23-24 Joseph walks up to his brothers and they attack him: the divest him of the family tunic they resent him for wearing and toss him into a deep hole without water.

37:25-27 Unfazed by their own cruelty, the brothers sit down to eat. A group of Ishmaelites walks toward them with camels and spices and other goods. Judah has an idea: instead of killing Joseph, he plans to sell him to the incoming men. Instead of having their own brother's blood on their hands, but still getting rid of their problem, the brothers agree with the plan.

37:28 And so they did: Joseph's brothers sell him for 20 pieces of silver. The men take Joseph to Egypt. This is an absolutely stunning moment for us as readers but considering Joseph's reaction and emotions! The faith he would need to employ to deal with such a traumatic betrayal: carried away by strangers to a strange land. Carried away from his family knowing that the truth of what happened might never reach his father (meaning almost no possibility of being rescued). Joseph would need to remember, as we constantly need to remember, that our rescue is in our God.

37:29-30 Reuben, unaware of Joseph's capture returns and finds that he is missing. He asks his brothers where he should go to look for him.

37:31-32 To cover their tracks and evil-doing, the brothers kill a young goat and wipe the blood on Joseph's tunic. They bring the tunic to their father and pretend that they found it that way. They ask Jacob is he recognizes the tunic.

37:33-34 Jacob recognizes it, of course, and comes to the conclusion that his son has been killed by a wild animal. In despair, Jacob tears the garment into pieces. For a long time he mourns the supposed death of his son.

37:35 Jacob's other children try to comfort him but Jacob commits to mourning his son for the rest of his life. He continued to weep.

37:36 Meanwhile, Joseph very much alive is sold again to an officer of the pharaoh and captain of the guard.