Day 30, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Genesis 45:1–46:4
A New Perspective and Revived Hope
Is there a rainbow of hope at the end of our storms? Many of us have gone through tempests and lost hope. Perhaps situations or relationships turned against us. Maybe we lost a house or a loved one, and it seemed senseless. Then, whether we feel like hearing it or not, someone quotes Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV). Really? How can that be true?
Reviewing our life gives us perspective
It is difficult to get the right perspective when we struggle through life’s challenges; we don’t understand what God is doing. Joseph, one of the Biblical patriarchs, probably felt that way. He tried to be a good son. Could he help it if his father favored him? His brothers were jealous of him and hated him for his dreams, so they sold him to some Ishmaelite traders who were passing through headed to Egypt. There he was resold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the Captain of the Guard.
Joseph became a household servant, a slave. He proved responsible and did all things with so much excellence that his master trusted him with the care of his entire household.
Potiphar’s wife also noticed him—Joseph was handsome and well-built! Day after day, she tried to persuade him to go to bed with her, but he refused her seductions. Finally, in her scorn, she accused Joseph of attempted rape, and he was thrown into prison. Joseph served well under the authority of the jailor but seemed forgotten by God.
Just when we might expect Joseph to give up, we read that the LORD got him out of prison through a bizarre set of circumstances. It began when Pharaoh’s Cupbearer and Chief Baker were put into the same prison as Joseph. These two had troubling dreams one night and shared them with him. Joseph interpreted the night visions, and soon they were fulfilled just as he said.
Two years later, the Pharaoh of Egypt had a couple of disturbing dreams. The Cupbearer told him Joseph might be able to interpret them. When Joseph appeared before Pharaoh, he said the two night visions were one—God will send seven years of bountiful harvests and then seven years of drought and blight.
Pharaoh was impressed by Joseph’s interpretation and wisdom, so he made him second in the kingdom. With this new authority, Joseph diligently stored up grain during the seven good years to prepare for the seven bad years.
Joseph tests his brothers
In yesterday’s Bible reading, we saw that the drought was severe all through the land and the surrounding nations, even in Canaan, where his family lived. Jacob sent ten of his sons to Egypt to buy grain, keeping the youngest with him at home. However, instead of a friendly welcome, Joseph accused them of being spies (they didn’t recognize him after fifteen years and dressed as a Pharaoh). Joseph was testing his brothers to see if they had changed. Finally, through a series of tests and observations, he was satisfied that his brothers had reformed, thinking more of their father and youngest son than themselves.
A new perspective
In today’s Bible reading, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. They are shocked and dismayed at his presence, but Joseph replies,
And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt (Genesis 45:5-8 NIV).
God showed Joseph a new perspective, and now he shares it with his brothers. All these things happened to him to save that region of the world and Jacob’s family during the drought and famine.
His brothers feared Joseph would take revenge. Incredibly, however, he harbored no bitterness toward them. Instead, he embraced the good which came from their evil actions.
Reviewing what God has done leads to praise
Looking back on our journey through life, have we seen the bigger picture— why all these things have happened to us? Here are some things to think about.
- Have good things resulted from our trials?
- Has our character been strengthened?
- Are we more patient or sensitive to the sufferings of others?
- Has God brought us through victorious on the other side of our struggles?
- Have we learned to praise God for his mercy and grace?
- Have we seen God working all things for his glory and our good?
Sometimes, we never know why we are going through trials until we are on the other side of them, and maybe we won’t know in this lifetime. Still, we can praise God for what we know he is doing.
A new hope (confidence)
We can ask God to give us understanding and a new attitude. He will help us learn to love and accept his will and to be thankful instead of bitter. He will provide us with a fresh perspective and revived hope.
The news of Joseph still being alive brings revived strength to Jacob. For a long time, he had grieved for his son. He thought he was dead. Now, at last, he knows the truth: Joseph is alive, and God has made him a lord in Egypt!
When we begin to understand some of what the LORD has done or is doing, our devastating losses can turn to a revived hope (confidence) in God. He does indeed care! God works in the circumstances of life for his glory and our good. The LORD is good, and we will worship and praise him again.
Discussion
How can reviewing our lives give us perspective?
What are the values of going through trials?
How can we have renewed hope (confidence) in God?
Focus Verse
1Peter 5:10 (NIV) “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Other Scriptures which may encourage you: Psalm 23, Romans 8:17-18;
2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 1 Peter 4:12-13.Here is a song which might encourage you: God's Been Good by Legacy Five
You can watch a video presentation of this lesson here. Begin at 1:42:42 and end at 1:46:22
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: It was not enough for Joseph to bring his family to Egypt to save them from famine. He took other steps to protect his family. What can we do to Protect our Family Heritage?
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
Go to Home pagere-edited 1-29-21
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES