The Christian Worker's Spiritual Food

Surviving Tragedy.

2009-07-09T12:56:00.001-07:00

Surviving Tragedy. Genesis 47:13-26.

Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, "Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed." Genesis 47:13-15(NKJV)

Proceeding this time of famine was a time of plenty; is that not the way it goes in life? There was plenty of grain in the fields and their livestock had room to graze. People were buying land, and fighting to take land; now there had come a famine and all they valued disappeared, it became worthless.

The freest of person, no matter how rich they are, is a slave to their mortality. A person needs food to survive and our source for foods depends on the actions of others. Food must be harvested, transported, cleaned, and packaged, before it makes it to our tables and our world has placed their future in hopes that these chains of commerce to not breakdown.

All we see around us can disappear in moments. Should power grids fail and satellite transmitting end, it would cause a modern day famine. Natural disasters also contribute to desperate times. People are not beyond ruin and their reality is not beyond crashing in around them.

Should our electronics systems fail, ATMs would no longer be able to dispense the money most survive on. Stores would have to rely on a cash system until their supplies were gone. Chaos and looting would ensue and marshal law would have to go into effect and the military would have to replace the departmental police.

Certain collapse of the banking system would occur and the cash in your hand would be worthless. The coins you have saved would be only metal.

In Egypt, the famine had done just that. The money was worthless and the people were worried for their existence. Joseph had become the most trusted man in Egypt and he relied on God for wisdom on what to do.

With Joseph, it all began with a dream of Pharaoh. Joseph was given the interpretation and the dream was a warning from God that famine would occur. Yet though Joseph understood the warning, now he had to see the terrible realities come to pass. Joseph had to continue in faith to trust God for how to react to the circumstances.

Then Joseph said, "Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone." So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year. Genesis 47:16-17(NKJV)

When knowing the famine was eminent, Joseph stored up food in the storehouses of Egypt. Vast quantities he compiled and guarded as precious commodity. He was working for the Pharaoh and as a good workman he used those resources to buy up all the livestock, for that was the only thing of value.

Joseph looked at the future, as reveal by God, and took control of the circumstances. Looking at what was truly valuable; Joseph gathered grain for bread and seed for replanting. When others might stockpile their futures in land, gold, silver, and money; Joseph was able to see what was needed to sustain life.

His situation is not so different from ours. It has been revealed by prophesy and written in our Bibles that when the world reaches the end of days, there will be famine, sickness, and trials of great magnitude. Yet we live in a society that will not even prepare for surviving a minor earthquake. The smallest of tragedies rock our lives and in no way are we ready to survive end times.

When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, "We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate." Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh's. And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other end. Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands. Genesis 47:18-22(NKJV)

Many people put faith in the land they own; however, as you can see, land loses its value quickly when tragedy strikes. In Canaan and Egypt the fallacy that people owned their own land was most people's conception; however, Governments control our lands and through a deed may hold our name, the ownership of land defaults quickly.

It is also interesting that Joseph used the conception of selling their land for rite of passage into their cities. Some governments have gone out and rounded people up and forces people to become slaves. Yet the finesse of Joseph kept peace amongst the people and made Pharaoh's popularity high.

Then Joseph said to the people, "Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones." So they said, "You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh's servants." And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have one-fifth, except for the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh's. Genesis 47:23-26(NKJV)

Joseph was a man of God and his obedience to be kind to others is what made the difference in getting the land of Egypt back on its feet. The famine lasted seven years and in the end, commerce survived.

Most people in our world refer to men of God as being fanatics, extremists, and pushing their views upon the masses. When tragedy strikes, the world should hope for godly men to help them through the crisis.

This is why people preach the word of God. Not to condemn the world, but so the world might be saved from the perils they will face. So they may trust in God's wisdom to survive.

We need godly people in offices of prestige and our children should be raised to be those men and women that make a difference. This cannot happen if we teach them to live in false realities of electronic worlds.

Yes, electronic media has a place; but reality, preparation for the future, and honor of God must be first and foremost our agenda for salvation.

Do not Discriminate.

2009-07-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

Do not Discriminate. Genesis 46:28-34.

Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him, and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. Genesis 46:28-29(NKJV)

The land of Goshen was located just beyond the border of Canaan. It was important for Joseph to head off his family in order to pave the way for their acceptance by the Pharaoh. The Egyptians culture was not accepting of shepherds; the idea of shepherds was an abomination to them.

Have you ever been looked down on due to race, occupation, and other discriminatory profiling? It is a terrible thing to face. However, Joseph was about to proudly accept his family for who they were and make a way for them to dwell in the land peaceably.

It had been many years since Joseph had seen his father and the sight of him caused Joseph to break down in tears and fold into his father's out stretched arms. Joseph had to live like he had no father and suppress the longing for his father; however, now that separation came to an end.

No matter if a person is dead or alive, parting is sorrowful. That is the way God intended it to be. God desires us to dwell in love and unity; however, the sting of sin and death has ravaged our lives.

And Israel said to Joseph, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive." Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's household, "I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, 'My brothers and those of my father's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.' So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, 'What is your occupation?' that you shall say, 'Your servants' occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,' that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians." Genesis 46:30-34

Israel, whose name was first Jacob, felt that seeing his "supposed dead" son was more than what life could hold for him and now he could pass to the grave happy. Not all people get this opportunity; death has a cold parting swallow and the grave has a never ending hold on mortality.

Thank God that He forgives sin and provided His own son as a sacrifice for our sin. In this there is hope beyond the grave and the sting of death is only a moment of separation; however, parting is never sweet sorrow.

Joseph was ready to face the truth of his existence; He was the son of a shepherd and his family tended flocks. This would make for a tense situation; for the Pharaoh had trusted Joseph to manage his countries affairs; and soon all of Egypt would know Joseph was a shepherd's son. Most leaders will not take an unpopular stance before their people; however, Joseph was willing to risk all in honor of truth.

Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, "My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed they are in the land of Goshen." And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation?" And they said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers." And they said to Pharaoh, "We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen." Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock."Genesis 47:1-6(NKJV)

We must understand that we are not to be afraid of who we are or how people will judge us. If we be righteous before the Lord, even our enemies will be at peace with us.

Because people are self righteous, they will judge you greater than they will judge themselves. Trying to trap Jesus, one day the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Him. They accused her of her sin and through it was true, Jesus turned to them and told them to stone her if they, themselves, had no sin.

With that understood, let us be as the Pharaoh and make a way to include others who need our help. Let discrimination be stricken from our hearts and our acceptance presented with boldness.

The Pharaoh was not intimidated by what other thought. He was only commanded by his ability to do good to this faithful servant and the family. Pharaoh did not let discrimination rule his life; he let goodness flow.

Pharaoh not only did he allow their passage, he gave them the best part of the land, which honored Joseph and Jacob.

Do you realize that God one day will allow people to dwell in the fullness of His kingdom? Like Pharaoh, He will accept people for who they are and not hold their position in life or race against them.

God will take the lowliest of men and raise them to a position of greatness. No matter the sin committed, God will forgive those who have humbled themselves before Him and believed in His wonderful savior.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for all; therefore, we are to respect others and no matter their sin, accept them for who they are and support them.

Driven by Circumstance.

2009-07-07T14:17:00.001-07:00

Written in Memory of Michael Jackson. 1958-2009

Driven by Circumstance. Genesis 46:1-27.

So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, "Jacob, Jacob!" And he said, "Here I am." So He said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes." Genesis 46:1-4(NKJV)

What a great promise from God. Though driven by circumstance, Jacob is given a promise of protection and honoring God he took it.

Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. His sons and his sons' sons, his daughters and his sons' daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt. Genesis 46:5-7(NKJV)

The names of the children of Israel are contained in verses 8 through 25 and will be omitted due to space. However, the blessings upon Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, shows the work of God to build this great nation.

As we have studied, Jacob was not always the best father; neither was his father, Isaac. Because of this Jacob raised his own son's to know of God, yet many strayed away from godliness. Their sins were terrible and at times tragic. Yet God chose to use these men to build the nation Israel.

Let it be a comforting thought; no matter the sin you have committed, God is willing to continue to work in your life for good.

There are those who were raised by parents who sinned against them. These children were mistreated and grow with character flaws which follow them throughout their life. The pain caused by a parent has a ripple effect that transcends generations and some lose their dignity, feeling less than adequate.

Some children grow to make friends with others who sin against themselves. Selecting to change the course of their own life, they follow others into depravity. Still God loves them and is willing to forgive their sin and restore them.

God has His hand in all situations; whether it is tragedy or trauma, God is able to use those events for good. In our passage there is a famine; however, God made a way to escape. In that escape, God continued His work to build the nation of Israel; a nation that would be His people, a nation that would bring forth a Messiah to save the world from sin.

All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob's sons' wives, were sixty-six persons in all. And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy. Genesis 46:26-27(NKJV)

The promise came from God to one man, Abraham. In faith, Abraham declared to his own son that he would be used by God to build this nation. Abraham's son, Isaac, told his son, Jacob, the same. Jacob could continue to tell His sons of the great work that the Lord was going to do and the message had to be bathed in faith.

Why would God use sinners to build a nation? That is a question that we must bring to our own selves. Why would God want us to be a part of His kingdom? Why would God consider sinners for such a prominent position as to be heirs to eternal inheritance? What have we done to deserve this?

The answer is that we have done nothing. For God so loved the world that He made the plan and built the nation that would bring His only son, Jesus Christ alive to walk among those who would despitefully treat Him and kill Him on a cross.

God knew that people sin. He knew that they would kill Jesus and He knew every sin that you and I would commit. Yet God loved them and God loves us.

These seventy people who entered into Egypt were not perfect, they were not traveling under their own will; they were forced by famine to leave their homeland. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Daily we experience the sins of others encroaching into our lives. There is violence in our cities, in our schools, and in our homes. The world is far from perfect, but God seeks these to build His kingdom.

Tragedy, loss, pain, and suffering grip our societies and yet God is faithful to place a light before us so that we might see His work and join our lives to it.

For those lives we have studied in this book of Genesis there are many people who have honored God and would walk into Egypt with praise on their lips and faith in their hearts. Their entry would be a wonderful new beginning as they trusted God with the outcome.

However, there were others that entered scarred from their past, hiding the truth, and fearful of God. It is the position of their heart, the choice of their life, and a tough, rocky road they travel.

The same occurs today and to that I must ask, "How are you today? Are you enjoying the road you walk as you enter in to the place God is taking you by circumstance?"

If today you walk through life allowing emotional scars, the encroachment of sin, and hardness towards God to be the road you walk, then it is your choice.

Jesus Christ came to forgive our sins, repair our lives, and help our emotions to heal. You can be free from sin and the scars of the past if you will turn your life towards God and pray, "God forgive me, a sinner. Come into my life and help me to honor you." This is the first step down the right road and Jesus will come into your heart and lighten your load. It is your choice; make it a good one.

The Importance of the Family.

2009-07-06T10:42:00.001-07:00

The Importance of the Family. Genesis 45:21-28.

After a long ordeal of having his brother's turn on him, being sold as a slave, jailed on trumped up charges, and working his way to the top position in Egypt, Joseph was reunited with his family, forgiving them for what they did to him.

Joseph saw a bigger player throughout all these people he was involved with; it was God that allowed every situation and though sometimes they were bad situations, God was working for the good of Joseph and the families began by the sons of Israel.

Even the Pharaoh had invited all of their families with their herds to the safety of Egypt as there were to be five more years of famine.

Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey. He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments. And he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey. So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, "See that you do not become troubled along the way." Genesis 45:21-24(NKJV).

The prompting of Joseph is a most interesting statement. "See that you do not become troubled along the way." You see, the brothers had interesting ways of getting into trouble and Joseph wanted to remind them that they could still jeopardize their situation. Joseph knew that through they had salvation offered to them, they could still mess it up by sinning against their future.

Much like our situations we are saved by grace and not of ourselves, it is a gift of God. However, it we do sin we can confess our sin and be fully forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. Yet, the Apostle Paul told us that he did not consider himself as already being safe, but that he was racing towards a finish line and after crossing over then he would have the prize; but the race is not over.

Many people like to pass off the mischief we can get into as being covered by the blood of Christ and that there is no worry. But the grasp of sin can once again take control of our life and pull us down to the pit. Continually we must consider ourselves dead to that old sinful life and resist the temptations of sin so that we may never fall short of the glory that awaits us.

This is what Joseph was telling his brothers; he wanted to see them back from their journey and safe where they could be a family again.

Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. And they told him, saying, "Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt." And Jacob's heart stood still, because he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. Then Israel said, "It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die." Genesis 25:1-28(NKJV).

There is no greater feeling than to be a father who is reunited with his family. In our generation, because of commerce and the ease of travel, families live apart from each other. Little is spoken about the psychological effects that has on them.

Recently a friend of mine showed me a photo he had found. In it were his grandfather, his great grandfather, and great great grandfather. In the days of old, a son would live not too far from his family and the influences of the elders played a significant role in shaping their lives.

Yet today many have traded that wisdom for acquired wisdom from the masses and children grow up without a valuable influence of knowing their grandparents and seeing how the family unit can help each other. This is one great reason why marriages have become so dispensable and other social harms occur from parted families also.

However, in our passage God felt it important to reunite this family. The family of Israel struggled and had their shortcomings, but God wanted to do a greater work in their life. He was building a nation of people and these were the birthing parents to that nation.

God went through much trouble to reassemble them and though it was in Egypt, what would come out of Egypt was going to be a great nation.

You can almost say that the same great struggle is happening today as God brings His people together in Church homes. We are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and we are gathering together to so that we can influence each other for good.

God is forming not just a nation, but a kingdom of people who are going to work together to eradicate sin so that we might be one with Him in Heaven. Therefore we must not allow ourselves to be pulled apart and work toward the unification of the church as one. We must make to our safe haven so that God may do his work of building a kingdom.

The Big Reveal.

2009-07-01T10:22:00.001-07:00

The Big Reveal. Genesis 45:1-20.

Have you ever kept a secret so long that it burst from your lips to catch the hearers off guard? This was the case of Joseph. He had hard lined his brothers; they were broken repentant men before God, and now it was time to let them in on his secrete. Their lives were about to drastically change for the better.

Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, "Make everyone go out from me!" So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph; does my father still live?" But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. Genesis 45:1-3(NKJV)

With a great burst of emotion, Joseph made a noise that caused his brothers to quake. "What was happening; what type of release was this?" "Was it a war cry? Would the great man of Egypt now take them on by himself?" Then came the answer, "I am Joseph!"

The shift in thinking had to have been a mental challenge that would make anyone dizzy. From complete terror they had to gaze past the Egyptian makeup of this man of authority.

It had been so many years, what would the young Joseph look like. What character traits did his face have? "Could this be true?" they thought.

And Joseph said to his brothers, "Please come near to me." So they came near. Then he said: "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:4-7(NKJV).

The promise of God is greater than your sin. It was a terrible thing that they brothers did when selling Joseph to the slave traders. Yet God looked past the sin and remembered the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to be their God and make them into a great nation. The promise and plans of God do not end because we sin; God knows we are sinful people.

Joseph recognized this fact and watched the delivering hand of God throughout his horrible journey. He watched God deliver as he rose to prominence. Joseph looked at his life and realized that what was happening to Him was a work of God and he committed himself to it. Now standing before his brothers, he extends the hand of compassion to men who were great with sin.

"God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. " In this statement Joseph was calling the men to repentance in hopes they would see the hand of God and world forgive themselves of the tragedies they have committed.

So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. "Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph: "God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children's children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine."' "And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here." Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him. Genesis 45:8-15(NKJV).

Oh what a wonderful feeling it is to be let off the hook when you are guilty; this is the work of God. He seeks to draw people to Him and uses the trials they bring on themselves to expose His desire to forgive them.

God waits for the day that he can reveal His plan for them and for the day that people will understand. Yet people have to want forgiveness and here, in our story, these brothers of Jacob wanted all of their trouble with the Egyptian people to go away and it did. They were forgiven, they were free from their past, they had received new life.

Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, "Joseph's brothers have come." So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Say to your brothers, 'Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.'" Genesis 45:16-20(NKJV).

When God is for you, who can be against you? It is a fact that if a person repents of their sins and seeks to live a life that is God centered, God will began to move in the hearts of those around you.

Yes, He may move you away from you present acquaintances; but God desires you to live a Christian life that is peace filled, joyous, and one that you can worship Him.

God moved on the Pharaoh's heart and filled it with compassion for the family of Joseph. From here on out they would be supported and taken care of in the land of Egypt and it was not by chance; It was by the providence of God.

God may be pulling at your heart strings for you to let go of your life and come to Him. You may have feared going to church; but God wants you to know that He sees the overall plan for your life and wants you to live in it at peace.

God can forgive all your sin and will if you are willing to be forgiven. You answer lies in the direction you head. Will you head to the place He is drawing you or will you go back to your old life?

Purging Sin from our lives.

2009-06-30T09:45:00.001-07:00

Purging Sin from our lives. Genesis 44:1-34.

Joseph, the Pharaoh's number one man, had successfully made his brothers, of another, mother into humble men. Without recognizing Joseph, he met with them, ate with them, and set them up so that they would bring his blood brother Benjamin to Egypt so that he might see him again.

Now Joseph needed to finish his business and give the family the attention they needed so they may no longer oppose themselves and be safe from the famine that had gripped the land. He did this without his brothers knowing who he was, or what he was up to. Joseph did this for their own good.

And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, "Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the mouth of his sack. Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money." So he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, "Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, 'Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.'" Genesis 44:1-5(NKJV)

Joseph was so cunning and so intelligent when dealing with his brothers. If you remember at one time, Joseph peered up from a pit, listening to his brothers plot his demise.

He heard their cold heartless words as they spoke of killing him and finally, reluctantly, sold him to a slave trader. Now unbeknown to his brothers, Joseph had turned the tables and though they treated him with such coldness in the past, Joseph had a warm heart for God and was going to do what was right in honor of God's greatness. Joseph was going to teach them a lesson and save them from themselves.

So he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words. And they said to him, "Why does my lord say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do such a thing. Look, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord's house? With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord's slaves." And he said, "Now also let it be according to your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and you shall be blameless." Then each man speedily let down his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city. Genesis 44:6-13(NKJV)

Great remorse gripped the brothers and instead of arguing with each other, they ripped their cloths as a sign of complete anger. The anguish they felt was intense and now their trial was not over, but back to where they began. This nightmare was never ending.

They had no idea of how the cup got into Benjamin's sack. Could their younger brother have stolen it? They were out of reason, fearful to the core; for when they were safe to go, they again became targets for terror.

So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph's house, and he was still there; and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said to them, "What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that such a man as I can certainly practice divination?" Then Judah said, "What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord's slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found." But he said, "Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as for you, go up in peace to your father." Genesis 44:14-17(NKJV)

The journey back to the house of the Egyptian leader must have been like marching down death row. As they walked it became plain to the men that God was repaying them for the iniquity and wickedness of their past. Thoughts of their sin flashed in their minds and the faces of those they murdered or dealt treacherously with live again.

It was God that was holding them accountable and now they were going to pay for every sin they committed. However, they willingly walked to their punishment for each person knew they deserved exactly what they were about to receive.

This time, standing before the Egyptian leader was no longer fearful; the men were ready to face their demise, they were sinners and their sin stood before God and God was holding them accountable. They deserved to be punished.

When they thought it could not get any worse and that they had reached the end of their lives, it got worse. The Egyptian leader let them go free and kept their youngest brother Benjamin as a slave. The meek lad, who had not committed great sins before the Lord, was going to be taken from them and he would suffer for the sins of the brothers.

Then Judah came near to him and said: "O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord's hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, saying, 'Have you a father or a brother?' And we said to my lord, 'We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother's children, and his father loves him.'

Then you said to your servants, 'Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.' And we said to my lord, 'The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.' But you said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.' "So it was, when we went up to your servant my father, that we told him the words of my lord. And our father said, 'Go back and buy us a little food.' But we said, 'We cannot go down; if our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man's face unless our youngest brother is with us.'

Then your servant my father said to us, 'You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, "Surely he is torn to pieces"; and I have not seen him since. But if you take this one also from me, and calamity befalls him, you shall bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.' "Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad's life, it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die.

So your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, 'If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father forever.' Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?" Genesis 44:18-34(NKJV)

The wretched man that Judah was has now taken the roll of trying to be a savior. Judah had thrown off his family values, married Canaanite women, worshipped other Gods, and raised his own two sons to do evil. The scriptures tells, did so much evil that God had to kill his sons. Now this act of selflessness was a new attitude for Judah; therefore, we know that even the hardest heart can be turned back to God.

The trials they faced were extreme. It was only by facing such trial that they could be saved from their own selves. The sin they allowed into their life had made them into despicable men, who lied, cheated, and even killed. Yet, now through trial, the men were shedding their sin, coming to the end of themselves, and crying out to God for help.

For some, this is what it takes; trials so great, so insurmountable that they see the truth about their life and they realize they deserve punishment.

Are you a person who has yet to turn from your sin? Is your heart still hard and do you choose wickedness over Godliness? Let this be a warning that God loves you so much that He will reach out to you like Joseph did to his brothers to turn you from your wicked ways.

Yes, we have forgiveness in Jesus Christ; but we have to want it so that we turn from our wicked ways and live life new. Judah was ready to give his own life to save Benjamin; He was starting to sacrifice; God was changing his heart.

Purged of Arrogance and Pride.

2009-06-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

Purged of Arrogance and Pride. Genesis 43:18-43.

The son's of Jacob had nowhere to turn in the trials they faced. They were going to have to face them head on and that was enough to break them, causing them to have to trust in the God of their fathers. Many people are this hard hearted; it takes a major trial to get their attention and even more to change them.

The son's of Jacob traveled to Egypt to take back money that they may have been accused of stealing. They also had to take their brother, leaving their father at home worried that he might not ever see his last beloved son again.

The man they were to face was the most powerful man of Egypt; he was the Pharaoh's head of the nation. Yet they did not recognize the man, for he was also their own brother that they mistreated and sold into slavery.

Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph's house; and they said, "It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys." When they drew near to the steward of Joseph's house, they talked with him at the door of the house, and said, "O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man's money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so we have brought it back in our hand. And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks." Genesis 43:18-22(NKJV)

For some people it takes great trials to turn them into honest people. It seems the tougher the trial the lighter they tread on the ground they would have before trampled on.

God hates arrogance and pride. The Apostle Paul wrote that neither fornicators, drunkards, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, and sodomites will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Many of these people who commit such sins are nice people; however, they will not see heaven because they are arrogant in what they do. When God says No, He means No! These cast aside His warnings in arrogance and to flaunt it before others is prideful.

The sons of Jacob were both arrogant and prideful; but now, having suffered in these trials, they are humble, obedient, and careful to not bring further trial upon themselves or their family. That is a big change in their life.

But he said, "Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money." Then he brought Simeon out to them. So the man brought the men into Joseph's house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. Then they made the present ready for Joseph's coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there. And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. Genesis 43:23-26(NKJV)

Their life was filled with sins of murder, betrayal, disobedience to their father, and disregard for others. They sold their brother into slavery and considered him dead. But now, they are forgiven and their lives beginning to be filled with peace. Can you imagine the weight lifted off of these men?

This story is the same every time a person comes to the end of themselves and repents of their sin before God. The God who says, "Vengeance is mine", puts down His crushing hand to offer peace to those that will accept it.

The men were cleaned up and made ready to be in the presence of royalty. Their old filthy garments exchanged for new; they were clean and dressed in beautiful attire.

A feast was laid out for them and as they gazed at the lavish surroundings, they were pinching themselves for they deserved none of it. Their lives were not special or meaningful; however, they were accepted as being the people they were.

Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, "Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?" And they answered, "Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive." And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. Genesis 43:27-28(NKJV)

They bowed when Joseph entered the room and they bowed when they answered this Egyptian man in command. They were humble, and their actions proved that they truly had been taught a lesson.

The Egyptian leader was a pleasant man towards them and very inquisitive and cared about their family. This was truly a privilege to be in the presence of such a great person.

Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, "Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?" And he said, "God be gracious to you, my son." Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, "Serve the bread." Genesis 43:29-31(NKJV)

Overcome by emotion, Joseph had to leave their presence so that he might let him emotions flow. He had a position to uphold and that was a position of strength. He was a leader who could not show this type of emotion before his troops and before the brothers that still did not know who he was. Besides, he was not finished with them yet.

So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. Genesis 43:32-33(NKJV)

To the brothers it seemed as if this Egyptian official knew everything about them. He kept his distance and the decadent meal was no doubt the best they ever ate and the quietest meal they had every shared.

Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin's serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him. Genesis 43:34(NKJV)

As we have followed the brothers through their trial and into the presence of Egyptian royalty, we have had portrayed the very attitude that God wants every person to learn so that one day they might enter into His presence.

No matter your sin God is willing to forgive you; however, you must change your life, allow Him to clean you through the washing of His word, and learn how to approach royalty in reverence.

He does not see the sins you committed; He sees you as who you could be. God is ready to give you a new start; however, He wants to purge arrogance and pride from your life so that it may not hinder you from being in His presence on that day He gathers His people into the kingdom.

You’re Breaking my Heart.

2009-06-18T07:16:00.001-07:00

You're Breaking my Heart. Genesis 43:1-14.

There are times in our life that we are forced to let go and trust God. Where God desires that we would have soft hearts, freely surrendering to Him, our hard hearts are not so easy to give in.

Such was the case of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. God promised that he would be the father of a great nation. It was a promise made to his grandfather, Abraham and his father, Isaac; now the fulfillment was seen in Israel having twelve sons.

Now all that was being threatened and Israel was being forced to give up and let go of that dream. Israel sat bitterly thinking about the trial they faced.

Now the famine was severe in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, "Go back, buy us a little food." But Judah spoke to him, saying, "The man solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.' If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. But if you will not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, 'You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.'" And Israel said, "Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?" Genesis 43:1-6(NKJV)

The bread they ate was bitter bread. To Israel it was obvious that all the sin that followed his children was being punished by God. Not only were they suffering, he was suffering and when it comes to responsibility for the children, the parents are always to blame.

God promised to bless Israel, but the famine indicated that the blessings had left and now he was being driven to release his last bit of control and give up his last son from his beloved wife Sarah.

But they said, "The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, 'Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?' And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, 'Bring your brother down'?"
Then Judah said to Israel his father, "Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time." Genesis 43:7-10(NKJV)

The time was passing quick, so was the food they ate. Fears of losing the deal with the head of Egypt were fast on their minds and they had to plead with their father to make a decision.

Judah stepped up and said, "Let me take the blame if something happens" but his words must have caused great discomfort to Israel for Judah's life was riddled with disappointment and shame. God even killed two of Judah's son because of the wickedness they committed.

However, to Israel nothing made sense anymore. He had come to the breaking point; they were running out of food and the losses kept mounting. There was only one thing to do and that was to completely surrender to the situation and go with the circumstance.

And their father Israel said to them, "If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. Take double money in your hand, and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!" Genesis 43:11-14(NKJV)

There is a song sang in Christian Churches whose chorus says, "I surrender all to Jesus; I surrender all." This is the attitude that God wants from his people. He wants us to have faith, trust in Him, and surrender all of our problems to Him.

I was told a story that expresses this fact and if it is true, it went like this. On the banks of a great waterfall a tight rope was stretched from one side to the other. A man with a cart was preaching this very message. "You must surrender all to God and step out in faith," he said as he walked across the tight rope with the cart.

Arriving on the other side the man was applauded for such a great illustration and sermon. "Amen to that" said one brother standing in the front of the crowd.

"Do you believe it?" said the preacher. "I do pastor, I do," said the man. "Then you get in my cart and we are going back." Upon that statement the faith of the person was tested.

Weather the man got in the cart I do not know; however, there are many trials that are of such magnitude and they shake our faith. God would have us submit to the trial and trust Him to deliver. But do we?

Here Israel had to reach the breaking point; his sons were right there too. The circumstance was pushing them to the edge and there was no way they could avoid having to trust God for the outcome. Their hearts were hard and God was crushing the rock hard crust to get to the soft middle.

So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, "Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon." Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph's house. Genesis 43:15-17(NKJV)

The young men, who arrogantly caused so much trouble for others, were now humble, submitting, and walking very softly. They were learning to trust God and also to be honest men.

This is all that God wants. If you notice, all the sins of their past were not being brought up. They did not have to answer for every misguided action. God was calling them to repentance and all they had to do was straighten up and act as good men.

God is that way. He is not waiting to air your dirty laundry, He wants only that you repent of your sins and surrender you life to Him. From that point, He would that you walk softly, humbly, and do your best to sin no more.

Sure we will sin again, but the magnitude of our sin will be less for our hearts will not be turned to our own lust and greed, but towards his will. And if we sin, we have a mediator with God, Jesus Christ. All we must do is confess our sin and He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Today, God may be pulling at your heart stings to let go of your destructive life and come to trust in Him. The person who listens will move through their trials quickly as God softens their heart. However, if you continue to resist, I would brace for some very had days ahead.

Double Trouble.

2009-06-17T10:22:00.001-07:00

Double Trouble. Genesis 42:25-38.

Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man's money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus he did for them. So they loaded their donkeys with the grain and departed from there. But as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed at the encampment, he saw his money; and there it was, in the mouth of his sack. So he said to his brothers, "My money has been restored, and there it is, in my sack!" Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, "What is this that God has done to us?" Genesis 42:25-28(NKJV)

God revealed to Joseph in a dream that his brothers were bowing before him. As a young man Joseph could not understand the meaning of this dream; however, as a young man his brothers grabbed him, threw him into a pit, and then talked about how they would kill him. This happened because he told them of his dream. Now here the brothers stood before Joseph with money in their hands wanting to by grain to take back to their starving land.

Joseph's journey started with the brothers selling him to slave traders; from there he was sold to the Pharaoh's captain of the guard. He worked as a servant until the captain's wife tried to seduce Joseph; but turning her down caused the bitter lady to charge Joseph with rape and he landed in jail.

In jail Joseph trusted in God and was faithful to his duties. He dreamed more dreams and those dreams impressed another who recommended Joseph to the Pharaoh.

Then Joseph helped the Pharaoh interpret a dream and because the Pharaoh believed the interpretation, Joseph was made the number two man under Pharaoh. Now his brother's stood before the most powerful man in Egypt and they could not recognize him as their brother Joseph.

It was Joseph's time and he wanted to see his brother, Benjamin. So Joseph gave an order to load their donkeys with grain and asked them to return with the youngest son of their father. However, Joseph knew the deceitfulness in these men's hearts. He knew they would not return.

Known this, Joseph was playing his brothers like a masterful musician holding an instrument. He was not going to let them leave his presence never to return. So Joseph had all their money put back into their bags so the brothers would not only be accused as spies, they would be guilty of thievery.

Then they went to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying: "The man who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. But we said to him, 'We are honest men; we are not spies. We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is with our father this day in the land of Canaan.' Then the man, the lord of the country, said to us, 'By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for the famine of your households, and be gone. And bring your youngest brother to me; so I shall know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. I will grant your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.'" Genesis 42:39-34(NKJV)

Can you imagine being their father and listening to this ridiculous story? First, Jacob knew his sons were not honest men; they had treated others dishonestly and even killed the Shechemite men in a deceptive plot. There was no innocence here.

Second, he knew that his boys were a bit irresponsible and trouble followed them. Now they left behind their brother and they wanted to place another family member in danger? Jacob was beside himself; for the blessings of God seemed to flee them and he felt responsible for the whole mess.

Then it happened as they emptied their sacks, that surprisingly each man's bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. And Jacob their father said to them, "You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me." Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, "Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you." But he said, "My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If any calamity should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave." Genesis 42:35-38(NKJV)

The men were in double trouble. Because of their own deceitful sins everybody was against them. The Pharaoh had one brother and wanted anouther. They knew not what would happen if they returned and their father strongly opposed taking Benjamin with them. What were they to do?

Trials are just this way; the things we did not consider rear up like wild animals to maul our lives. They make us feel like running; however, running would just make things worse?

Of all the trials you face, what can you trace them back to? Is there a decision you made, a thing you did that started the ball rolling?

Many people face extreme financial pressures because they commit themselves before they have money in their hand. Credit cards bring fun, vacations, new clothes, and toys. However, the toys get old, and the clothes wear out, and the vacations are reduced to a few photos you took on the way. You embraced debt and that debt becomes a terrible trial to live with.

Some live hard lives as young adults. They drink, take drugs, and spend their days living for the nightlife. Then one day they realize that their passion to party has dislodged their dreams of what life should be.

Life becomes hum drum; they have to work at lesser jobs because they did not secure the education to do better. Their income does not match their desire and the loves of their life turn into bickering relationships.

Many divorce and some suffer health effects; most never find the answers they need to get them out of their trials. However, there is a group of people who find a way out. These are they that recognize their mistakes and take them to God in prayer.

Even the slight turning of your attitude to God will cause God to reciprocate in ways that are amazing. He can fix any problem, restore any relationship, and even help you gain a new life, a new job, and a new future. God takes the old and makes it new.

It all came at great expense; not your expense, but His' own expense. God gave His only Son, who died on a cross taking the penalty for your sin upon Himself. Since He died for your sin, He can forgive you of your sin and cleanse you.

However, you have to want it. So while you are deep in your troubles keep in mind that God is a way out. You must only honor him as such.

Jacob and his boys were about to have a religious experience; but first they had to sink deeper into their troubles before they called out to God.

Reaching Rock Bottom.

2009-06-16T11:04:00.001-07:00

Reaching Rock Bottom. Genesis 42:1-21.

In our life time, much of the world has insulated itself against famines. However, famines still happen in many countries. Most populated societies are blessed never to know what it is to go hungry; however, where there is plenty many have turned it into decadence and waste much of what they do not eat. It would be nice to balance resources to where all of the people in our world had enough to eat.

Joseph had a dream about the famine that was going to grip the Middle East. God was gracious to show it to him in a dream and set Joseph in a place to do something about it. Joseph became the first in command under the Egyptian Pharaoh.

When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, "Why do you look at one another?" And he said, "Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die." So Joseph's ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. ⁴ But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "Lest some calamity befall him." And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. Genesis 42:1-5(NKJV)

Jacob was Joseph's father; his brother sold Joseph into slavery and told their father Joseph was killed by a wild animal. As time went on this family was missing a most intricate member, the member that was a visionary; for Joseph was gifted by God to know the future by his dreams.

The famine had taken its toll on the people of the land. It is not said what happened to the herds of Jacob, but what is mentioned is that the eleven boys, many of them now men, sat around staring at each other. It is possible the herds starved having no food to feed them and now there was nothing to do, nowhere to go, they were trapped in the land that once sustained them.

Jacob looked to see his sons reduced to broken men and said, "Why do you look at one another?" It was a statement meant to motivate and Jacob sent them to Egypt. This action would begin a cleansing of their sin and the famine pushed them into a trial brought by the mercy of God.

They needed to be taught a lesson. Because of their sin, their hearts were hard and they needed to be broken. A person who holds onto their sin will one day be driven to repent, for God loves them.

You may be facing great trials now and it is time to ask God, "Why?" What does He want to change your life? For those whom God loves He chastens.

People do not often recognize the hard times of trial as God being merciful. Yet because God loves us, He uses trials to bring us back to repentance after we have wronged Him or others. It is a merciful thing to do; when God could allow you to die in your sins, He opens the door of opportunity.

Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth. Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, "Where do you come from?" And they said, "From the land of Canaan to buy food."
So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!" Genesis 42:6-9(NKJV)

Joseph looked and dressed as an Egyptian. He was arrayed in royal clothing and wore accenting make up to his eyes and eyebrows; his jewelry shimmered and Joseph was surrounded by the palace guard.

Speaking through a translator, Joseph's word alerted the guard that spies were in their midst and before the translator could translate and the muscular guards bore ferocious faces as they held their weapons ready to plunge. This spectacle caused the brothers' to fear and thoughts of imminent death filled their mind.

And they said to him, "No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all one man's sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies." But he said to them, "No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land." And they said, "Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more." Genesis 42:10-13(NKJV)

I would have liked to know who it was that spoke for the group. It sounds like the words of Ruben who pled with the brothers not to kill Joseph when they had trapped him in a pit before selling him to the slave traders.

The tone was sharp, trembling, and the speaker was grasping for the right words. He called them servants, honest, and covered the sin they committed against their own brother by admitting, "One is no more." If they only knew that the person they were talking to was not "no more," but held their fate in his hands, I'm certain the words would have been different. We would have read words as "sinner, deceitful, and jealous."

But Joseph said to them, "It is as I spoke to you, saying, 'You are spies!' In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!" So he put them all together in prison three days. Genesis 42:14-17(NKJV)

The brother Joseph requested they bring was Benjamin. Benjamin was the only true blood brother to have been born to Joseph's mother, Sarah. Joseph longed to see his own brother, who by now was a young man.

These men, who tremor before Joseph, took away years that he would have liked to live as a free man. They threw him away like trash. He lived as a slave, a prisoner, and a servant. They forced this upon Joseph and he was not going to easily let them off the hook.

Joseph knew the truth about them. He knew the slaughter they conducted of the Shechemites; he knew their pride and disrespect of God. Joseph knew these guys well, but in love he needed to change them into trustworthy, faithful, repentant men; for they were his father's sons.

Then Joseph said to them the third day, "Do this and live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses. And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die."
And they did so. Then they said to one another, "We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us." Genesis 42:18-21(NKJV)

The boys had hit rock bottom. Their sin had found them out. God was holding them accountable, but they did not know God well enough to know what to do. There was no plan they could craft, no lie they could tell that would get them out of this trouble; therefore, to go with the flow was all that was left.

Many people live as if the penalty for sin will never catch up with them. However, the things done in secret God sees. There is nothing that will stay hidden for one day all will stand before the Lord as these men stood before the ruler of Egypt and their knees will buckle.

When faced with bottom, some people still try to lie, cheat, and steel their way out of trouble; however, sin is as quicksand and it will swallow you whole unless you allow God to save you from our sin.

This one life is the only chance you will get to have your sin forgiven. If you should die without truly repenting before God and turning from you sins, you will pay the penalty and be cast into eternal damnation. This is the only chance you have; you better make it a good one.

From Jail to the Throne.

2009-06-11T09:14:00.001-07:00

From Jail to the Throne. Genesis 41:37-57.

So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?" Genesis 41:37-38(NKJV)

Joseph not only was able to interpret the dream of the Pharaoh, he did it with style. All the trials he had experience through life made him into a man of poise and gave him confidence. What others meant for his harm, God meant for his good.

As a young boy, he was shunned by his brothers; however, that was good for him because he did not need their influence in his life.

When they sold him into slave traders, he was caged like an animal and had to learn to trust in God for his safety for the very first time in his life.

Then having been bought by Pharaohs captain of the guard, Joseph would have to learn to speak Egyptian and Egyptian educates, along with their manors and customs. He would learn how to serve in a royal fashion; how to dress the part, and how to address the Pharaoh.

When Potiphar's wife put the moves on him he learned that it is not good to be alone with a woman in the same room. Through Potiphar and his wife, Joseph learned how to have a bad Egyptian marriage, which would prepare him for a good one.

In Jail he learned that if you serve God by serving others, you will be blessed. He also learned what the Egyptian criminal mind was like. What they looked like and what drove them to be their way.

Now standing before the Pharaoh, Joseph was fully equipped to portrait himself with confidence and understanding. All of his trials made him the man right for the job. It was God's sculpting hand that did the work in Joseph's life.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you." Genesis 41:39-40(NKJV)

In Egypt, they knew of a greater God named Yahweh. In a land that had many gods, Yahweh was now in charge and Joseph would be the representative. He was faithful and sincere; deliberate and intelligent. He was fully equipped for the job and the Pharaoh had complete confidence in Joseph.

This is the work that God wants to do in all of our lives. It may not be to this great extent; however, God wants to raise up legislators, congressmen, presidents, and still has desires for teachers, principles, foremen, executives, and professional people. Christians are needed in every part of the world and each of our jobs in life is important. So important that we must have the integrity and attitude of Joseph; he is the perfect example to us.

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, "Bow the knee!" So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:41-43(NKJV)

It would have been nice to hear Joseph talk candidly about the relationship of his childhood dreams and his rise to power. He dreamed his family would bow down to him and now he had every Egyptian bowing as his chariot passed.

Inside Joseph was beaming, yet he had to look eye to eye with every man, woman, and child. He had to have a serious eye, showing no emotion. Joseph had to look and act as a Pharaoh.

Pharaoh also said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:44-46(NKJV)

His new name meant "Treasury of the glorious rest" and was significant to his role in the Egyptian leadership. Joseph was to be a savior to the Egyptians and protect them from the famine to come.

Given a wife, Joseph was expected to make a dynasty of rulers that would lead Egypt into the new challenging future. Family was an important part of their culture and one sadly neglected in ours.

Children are to inherit our values and strengths. They are future leaders and will run the Church of Jesus Christ long after we are gone. If Christianity is to survive and thrive we must be busy about our business of growing families.

Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable. Genesis 41:47-49(NKJV)

It is amazing when you can get to the point you stop counting. Everything we own we measure. We measure the amount, the value, its effectiveness; however, God had blessed them with enough that many other countries would survive on the stores.

There was only seven years of harvest and during those seven years, the harvest was stocked and not spent. It was put away for a coming famine. This was the actions of a purposeful person; one who looked into the future and saw reality.

In today's societies and with most people, when given supplies of plenty, they trigger a spending spree of plenty. Not looking at the future, they take trips, buy cars, jewelry, and things that perish. But what about what life holds in the future? Is there a day coming when the harvest will be over and you will have a time of famine?

And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: "For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house." And the name of the second he called Ephraim: "For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction." Genesis 41:50-52(NKJV)

Joseph was outwardly an Egyptian, but inwardly he was still the son of his father Jacob. Looking at his children, he found joy that he could have a family and carry on his heritage in a great way. The only thing left was uniting his Hebrew family and as always, Joseph trusted in God to do the work.

Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do." The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands. Genesis 41:53-57(NKJV)

What is amazing is not only did Joseph store the food, he sold the food. He was building the riches of the Pharaoh's kingdom and money was coming in faster than the food went out.

When you see the treasures of the Egyptians you can attribute them to this time when Egypt would become the center of the known world; a giant, rich, nation with a great future.

Dreams can Save Us.

2009-06-10T08:34:00.001-07:00

Dreams can Save Us. Genesis 41:1-36.

Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. Genesis 41:1-4(NKJV)

Though we know that the prophet Joel said that in the end times old men will dream dreams and young men will see visions, God has used dreams throughout history. These dreams come alerting us to a path, a destiny, and future, yet lived.

It is not just Christians that have dreams, all people have dreams and therefore, we all should pay attention when someone says they had a dream.

Psychologists and science will often pass off dreams as coming from the sub conscience and if they relate to our future, it is by chance. However, God wants people to believe in Him and has used dreams to make believers of people.

Martine Luther King had a dream and it changed the world. Here the Pharaoh of Egypt has a dream and it too would be used by God to change the world.

He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. Genesis 41:5-7(NKJV)

Dreams do not always make sense. When dreaming much of what we see comes from our subconscious and experiences of the past. However, those memories can be used to create a message that we are to heed.

The prince of preachers, Charles Spurgeon, struggled to complete a sermon. Sitting at breakfast he told his wife of his dilemma and she filled the gap completing the masterful sermon. "How did you know that?" he asked. She explained, "You preached in your sleep last night; I only listened."

Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh. Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: "I remember my faults this day. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker, we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream. And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him." Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. Genesis 41:8-14(NKJV)

It must have felt nice to clean up after all that time in slavery and prison. I can feel his eagerness as Joseph knew that he would be in the presence of the Pharaoh. It would have been nice to know if Joseph had dreamed the same dream or if God was going to impart wisdom to Joseph as he stood before the Pharaoh. However, the passage does not say.

And Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it." So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace." Genesis 41:15-16(NKJV)

In Joseph's answer we see the relationship and respect that he had towards God. He wanted all the credit to be given to God and humbled himself before the Pharaoh.

This is the mark of a true man of God; they know their role. There is nothing good about us and the only good is God. He changes our lives; it is His work that makes us who we are and without Him we are nothing.

Where most of Pharaoh's people would have grandstanded on their accomplishment, the humble servant of God directs all the glory to God.

Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: "Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river. Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt. And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows. When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. So I awoke. Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good. Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So I told this to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me." Genesis 41:17-24(NKJV)

Throughout our world you find Christians at the top of their peer groups. They excel in their perspective craft and faithful complete their work for it is not them that produce the accomplishments, it is God who does His work through them and they humble rise to the top.

Joseph was about to rise to the top for God had given to him the interpretation of the dream. He would explain the dream with meticulous preciseness and the message would leave the Pharaoh shocked, worried, and relieved. Pharaoh was receiving a warning from the true God.

Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, "The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do: The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one. And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Genesis 41:25-32(NKJV)

Every deed that God enables a Christian to do should shine the spotlight on God. This light does not need to be arrogantly proclaimed, or harshly delivered with threats of hell and separation. Our God would have us do our job and soberly point people to Him.

The Christian should never seem like an eccentric who does not socialize well with others. The Christian can have the respect of his peers and still give all the glory to God. Yet too many Christians never give thought to when is the right time to speak and how they present what they say.

The gospel message of salvation comes with instructions. Much like these instructions for Pharaoh, the presentation of the message must be set out for others to take in for themselves. In this situation, Joseph was not going to be loud, obnoxious, and certainly was not going to be pushy. He would deliver his message and humbly point Pharaoh to know the will of God.

"Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine." Genesis 41:33-36(NKJV)

That was it short, sweet, and to the point. It was a great work of God and Joseph's imprisonment shaped him to be the messenger able to stand before the Pharaoh and proclaim the future. The way to the Pharaoh was paved through Joseph's trials.

Patently Waiting the Trial Continues.

2009-06-09T11:40:00.001-07:00

Patently Waiting the Trial Continues. Genesis 40:1-23.

It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while. Genesis 40:1-4(NKJV)

Though Joseph was in prison, Joseph made the best of a bad situation and submitted to his confinement knowing that God could and would deliver. Such an excellent inmate was he, Joseph became the chief overseer of all the inmates. Two of those inmates were directly put there by the Pharaoh.

Joseph talked with most all the prisoners; every man had his own story and Joseph passed the time listening to why they landed in the jail. The Pharaoh's butler and baker were two of these who wronged the Pharaoh and were placed in prison and spared their life. Could it have been a conspiracy between the butler and the baker or did the actions of one bring the Pharaoh's suspicion down on both?

Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man's dream in one night and each man's dream with its own interpretation. And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. So he asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in the custody of his lord's house, saying, "Why do you look so sad today?" And they said to him, "We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it." So Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please." Genesis 40:5-8(NKJV)

Everyone has dreams and never should a dream be neglected. Those we meet are often disturbed by the midnight dream police and as we see here, the two men were deeply threatened by not knowing the interpretation of their dreams.

Here we also see that Joseph was a man who had much faith in God and believed that God could and would bring an interpretation of those dreams. Perhaps Joseph had dreams also and moved by the spirit of God, understood their dreams.

Dreams were nothing new to Joseph. As a child he had many dreams and when he told his family of the dreams it caused his brothers to hate him. Therefore, Joseph was acquainted in the work of God through dreams.

Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, "Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. Then Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand." And Joseph said to him, "This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh's cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon." Genesis 40:9-15(NKJV)

Evidently it was not the butler that committed the crime in the Pharaoh's court and God was going to allow him to be acquitted, released, and restored to his position. All Joseph asked was for the butler to remember who interpreted the dream, the goodness of God, and pay it forward.

When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, "I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head." So Joseph answered and said, "This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you." Genesis 40:16-19(NKJV)

What could have the baker done to incite corporal punishment? Did he try to kill the Pharaoh by spiking the food he fed to him? This we will never know; however, as dreams sometimes go, Joseph had to tell the baker of his terrible demise.

Some people that we meet need to have the awful truth told to them. If a person does not repent of their sins, they will one day awake in a place that Jesus told us there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Their eternity will be in total darkness and the place is called hell. We need no interpretation of a dream to share this with those we meet. Yet we must have the boldness of Joseph to do so.

Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh's hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. Genesis 40:20-23(NKJV)

Joseph watched the men leave the prison; one in terror, dragged to his death. The other cleaned up and put in clothes fit for the service of the Pharaoh. Hopeful that his time in jail was coming to the end, Joseph prayed to God and waited.

Each day, Joseph longed to hear them coming to release him; but that day would not soon come. Joseph's trial would continue even though God worked in his life to produce a miracle interpretation.

James wrote in his New Testament letter to the church, we are to embrace our trials knowing and they will produce patience in us. This patience Joseph would learn as he starred up to the sky above the prison. That is the lesson for us all and ultimately why Joseph's story is in our Bibles for our learning. Learn to be patient in your trials and know that God is in control.

Fierce Trials Softened by Service.

2009-06-08T11:30:00.001-07:00

Fierce Trials Softened by Service. Genesis 39:10-23.

Joseph was enjoying his promotion as the head servant in Potiphar's house. Having been sold by his brothers as a slave, Joseph was sold by slave traders and found himself working for top officer who was in service to the Pharaoh.

Because of integrity, hard work, and a good attitude, Potiphar began to watch Joseph and found the work Joseph did flourished. To Potiphar it was plain that the God of Joseph was blessing him and Potiphar promoted him to the head of staff.

Now Potiphar did not worship the God of heaven; he trusted in the many gods of Egyptian mythology and integrity did not run deep in his household. In our passage today, the wife of Potiphar decided that Joseph was a handsome man and hopped she could pleasure herself by seducing the young man.

So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside. Genesis 39:10-12(NKJV)

Joseph was startled beyond belief. He had never had relations with a woman and grew up to believe this activity was for marriage and worse, this woman was married. He knew his own father would not approve and certainly God would not approve; so Joseph turned his shoulder, slipped out of his house coat, and fled the building.

Panting, Joseph stopped to ponder what happened. Was the wife of Potiphar so sinful that she would treat him so bad. Joseph felt much remorse for his master and he wondered how he was going to work for Potiphar and avoid this lady who obviously had no morals? Joseph was in a great dilemma. Though the text does not say so; however, this would have been a great time to commit the situation to the Lord in prayer.

And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, "See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside." Genesis 39:13-15(NKJV)

When you can see an integrity flaw in a person, you usually only see the surface; a dirty heart runs deep. From infidelity this woman switched to anger and in anger she lied so that she might hide her infidelity. She picked the one thing different about the Joseph and used it against him. Yet in honesty, she blamed her husband for the incident; her relationship with him was causing her bitterness.

So she kept his garment with her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, "The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside." So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, "Your servant did to me after this manner," that his anger was aroused. Then Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. Genesis 39:16-20(NKJV)

She was not mad at Joseph; Joseph was just a pawn in the bitter marriage that Potiphar had with his wife. If Potiphar would have been listening, he would have heard the accusation, "whom you brought to us," and took it into consideration. However, he only listened to the accusation against Joseph and to make things right he locked Joseph away.

What a trial for Joseph. He was a prisoner and then rose to be an honored servant in the elegant house of Potiphar. Now he was cast into an Egyptian prison where he would again be treated as a slave.

There are two attitudes a person could have in a trial like this. One would be to be sad, sulking in despair. Then another is to submit to the situation as being God's will for your life.

I look at life as stages and each trial as a work of God in my life. Each stage has a day that it begins and a day that it ends. Through it all God changes me to be a stronger, more faithful person. Joseph would find the same thing happening to Him.

But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper. Genesis 39:22-23(NKJV)

As Christians there is one thing that we must learn and that is God places us where we should be and therefore, we are to accept it and make the best of that situation.

When a person puts their faith in God they can do all things as God strengthens them. Yet if a person kicks and screams, moans and complains, it is all a sign that it will take many trials until they will begin to trust in God. A pastor once told me that no matter how big and how hard the nut, God has a bigger nutcracker.

The Lord was with Joseph in his trial and He is with us in ours. God showed mercy to Joseph and in faith, we must believe, He will us. This is where the statement claiming all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to His purpose comes from.

God caused Joseph to have favor in the jailer's eyes and God will cause you to have favor in the eyes of those who hold control over your trail.

Another key word in the passage is "committed." God commits trails to us for a reason. If we graciously accept our trials, we can find a meaning through the confusion and we can find reasons for being there. Joseph found that by helping, he soon was committed the job of watching over the other prisoners and through his situation he brought comfort to many.

Do you analyze and look for the good in your trails or do you kick, scream, and cry through them? God would have us submit to the trials looking for the reason and finding ways to help others who are similarly burdened.

The mind set is of a servant. If you keep your servants heart, through your trial you will find people to serve and in that you will find relief from the anger, frustration, and gloom.

The integrity of Joseph.

2009-06-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

The integrity of Joseph. Genesis 39:1-9.

Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. Genesis 39:1-2(NKJV)

There is one thing for certain, to have God for you can only happen if you are for God. Joseph was a man who called out to God and perhaps because of his terrible treatment he received from his brothers. After they threw him into a pit and argued over killing him, it was there that Joseph had no one else to call out to, but God. Then God acted in his behalf.

Trials are a blessing and are to be embraced; though them we get to know God in a complete different way. Many people kick and complain as they go through trials and they sink into desperation. However, if we embrace trials, realizing that God is going to draw a person closer to Him through them, we can come through the trial a better person.

Are you facing the loneliness of a trial in your life? Today God wants you to know trials only last for a while and through them He will reveal Himself more to you each day.

It is one thing to know of God; but to know Him personally and see Him working in your life is amazing thing. It begins by calling out to Him.

And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. Genesis 39:3-4(NKJV)

The Egyptians were monotheists; they believed in many gods. This master saw Joseph prospering and attributed it to the god he worshipped. Therefore, he put Joseph head over all of his affairs and seeing that Joseph was respectful, the master was able to take his mind off of his business and allow Joseph to be in charged.

These attribute of Joseph, to live godly, know God personally, and to do unto others as he would have them do unto him, are to be our focus. We should ask ourselves are we faithful in all of our affairs? Do others value honesty and hard work to where others trust us completely?

The answer many give when asked about Christians are, "No, I do not trust them and I remember times they lacked integrity." "They treated others poorly or cheated their way through situations." Though Christians are forgiven by God, people are not so quick to forgive.

So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Genesis 39:5-6(NKJV)

Integrity should be worth sacrificing for. If we seek integrity, we will have to deny our selves when we want to do wrong, treat others better than ourselves, and serve people with the intentions that we are serving God first.

Paul told Timothy to let the same attitude Christ had to be our own. He was a servant that was faithful and obedient to God. He became obedient to the point of death; so that others might have forgiveness of sins.

Though Joseph was a slave, he gladly served the master without fault. He was completely trustworthy and the Lord blessed him in all he did.

Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me." But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" Genesis 39:7-9(NKJV)

Even the mention of immorality shocked Joseph. Here was Potiphar's wife and she was not faithful to her husband. She desired to satisfy her flesh and she lusted after Joseph. He could have easily let his guard down, to partake in a moment of pleasure; for no one would be the wiser; yet he could not, for He knew God sees all.

Why should we sin against God? Many people have candy coated their sin so that they taste the sweetness and act as everything is well. I known of men who went to church, serve as deacons, and committed terrible sins thinking they were unseen. However, they only were fooling themselves; your sin will find you out.

Joseph thought of sinning as an intolerable act. He was shocked by the woman's disregard for her own self and her husband. She only wanted pleasure and did not consider what it could do to others.

Sin is selfish, self centered; though someone says they made a mistake, their sin was first a thought and then it was a conscious decision. The person committing the sin disregarded what they knew to be right, disregarded the feelings of others, and disrespected God.

Their reward is a moment of pleasure, which will not bring satisfaction; but the damage they due can be eternal.

God is calling people to be holy as He is Holy. He made a way for us to resist sin and to make smart choices that honor Him. What good is saying that you want to go to heaven if you live like you are going to hell?

This story of Joseph is in our Bibles that we might see a man with a heart to please God and to be like him. Do you have the integrity of Joseph?

Burn the Girl!

2009-05-29T11:04:00.001-07:00

Burn the Girl! Genesis 38:12-30.

Now in the process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah's wife, died; and Judah was comforted, and went up to his sheepshearers at Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. And it was told Tamar, saying, "Look, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear his sheep." So she took off her widow's garments, covered herself with a veil and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place which was on the way to Timnah; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a harlot, because she had covered her face. Genesis 38:12-15(NKJV)

The story of the upstart of the family of Judah is a dishonorable, sinful, mess. Two of his son's were killed by the Lord for their wickedness and now his wife dies at a young age. Judah successfully raised an ungodly clan and it was about to get worse.

In worship to God, we are to clean our own messes up; not make them worse. Here Judah goes to see the friend that encouraged him to marry outside of his family. They met as ruckus young lads and together had many tales of sinful pleasures.

Never does Judah turn to the Lord for comfort; in fact he turns to a harlot; so that he might indulge himself at her expense. Judah was looking to feed his fleshly desires; yet fleshly desires do not cure the hurt the separation death brings.

When we seek after sin, sin will oblige; yet it brings with it devastating results. The person seeking drugs fines not only their drugs, but corrupt people who deal in drugs. Association with those who sell and use drugs invites their dysfunction into your own.

The same can be said about alcohol. Alcohol is a lonely partner and will cause a person to seek others who partner up to indulge. What follows is dysfunction, corrupt conversation, and a casting off of morality.

Here Judah was willing to join himself in a spiritual bond; allowing himself to become one with a stranger and accepting of the responsibility that followed. Sex is never free; it cost you a piece of your own soul.

Then he turned to her by the way, and said, "Please let me come in to you"; for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law. So she said, "What will you give me, that you may come in to me?" And he said, "I will send a young goat from the flock."
So she said, "Will you give me a pledge till you send it?" Then he said, "What pledge shall I give you?" So she said, "Your signet and cord, and your staff that is in your hand." Then he gave them to her, and went in to her, and she conceived by him. Genesis 38:16-18(NKJV)

So many people have been deceived that one time of sexual indulgence is safe. The hope this one date with a stranger will end in bliss. Yet the truth is both walk away degrading themselves, searing their conscious to avoid the thoughts of the affair.

Who said that God approves of extra marital or pre marital affairs? They are all the same in God's eyes. When you join yourself to a person; you have taken them in marriage. When you walk away, you spit on the very concept of marriage and you do so in the face of God.

In our Christian cultures there are many who have formed the opinion that they can live with another person before getting married. How foolish to think that God will honor that? When has God ever allowed that in scripture and why would He start now? It is sin and invits the consequences of sin and crushes the blessings of God.

Here, Judah becomes the fool. His daughter in law was twisted in her thinking. She suffered the death of her husband at the hand of God and now she is determined to have a piece of her husband, even if it came through the DNA of his father.

So she arose and went away, and laid aside her veil and put on the garments of her widowhood. And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand, but he did not find her. Then he asked the men of that place, saying, "Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?"
And they said, "There was no harlot in this place." So he returned to Judah and said, "I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place." Then Judah said, "Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her." And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, "Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry." So Judah said, "Bring her out and let her be burned!" Genesis 38:19-24(NKJV)

In their culture a woman caught in harlotry was to be burned. Judah was quick to judge her. His own sin looked worse on his daughter in law and he cast the judgment condemning her. It leads us to ask, "Who is the fool, here?"

It is easy to condemn another and hate their sin; but when we commit those same sins we are ready to forgive ourselves and go our way.

When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, "By the man to whom these belong, I am with child." And she said, "Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff." So Judah acknowledged them and said, "She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son." And he never knew her again.

Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, "This one came out first." Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, "How did you break through? This breach be upon you!" Therefore his name was called Perez. Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah. Genesis 38:25-30(NKJV)

Judah was willing to admit his sin and still ready to sweep it under the table. He uses the word righteousness which shows knowledge of what is right. The thing he lacked was wisdom; how to do it.

Many people understand what is right. Daily they are confronting situations where they must judge what they will do and daily people fall into sin that changes their life.

People die every day from the mistakes they made; however, those mistakes could have been avoided by choosing righteousness. Yet Judah, his family, and their choices, caused so much pain to their lives and it was pain that could have been avoided.

The bloodline of Judah would continue and the ancestry of Judah would produce one man who would chose to do what is righteous. It was Jesus Christ, a lion from the tribe of Judah, who would make the right choice and be persecuted for it. His death paid the penalty for all sin and all we must do is accept it for ourselves.

Now we who are challenged to live righteously can ask God for wisdom and find it. We can know how to say no to sin and make choice that Judah did not. Judah chose to serve the desires of the flesh; but through Jesus Christ we can avoid those same mistakes.

Killed by God.

2009-05-27T11:40:00.001-07:00

Killed by God. Genesis 38:1-11.

It came to pass at that time that Judah departed from his brothers, and visited a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. Genesis 38:1(NKJV)

When writing the book of Genesis the author included this story to be a warning to the reader. It is a story of degradation and has ugly content. It resides in this account about the sons of Jacob for our benefit; yet it is horrific in detail and sickens me to read.

It was Dianna, who first wandered from the family and mixed with the local people; her rape was a travesty towards their family. A boy asked her hand in marriage after he defiled her and her brothers deceived the Shechemites into circumcising themselves so the marriage might happen.

When the Shechemites were sore from circumcision, having the advantage, Judah's brothers, Simon and Levi, slaughtered every male. In their minds it was the price to pay for defiling their sister. They were keeping the family honor in tacked and this should have sent a message to all the family that you do not marry unless blessed by their father, Jacob.

Dianna's incident would not have happened if she had not wandered off; but now here in our story, the teenage Judah would repeat her mistake and wander off.

And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he married her and went in to her. So she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. She conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. And she conceived yet again and bore a son, and called his name Shelah. He was at Chezib when she bore him. Genesis 38:2-5(NKJV)

Though these are a few short sentences leading up to this marriage, there was more to the story. Judah just wanted to get away for a while and as he wandered he met a young Canaanite man named Hirah.

Like most young men who grow up without godly influence, Hirah had many new and interesting traits. He had a type of strength, free from inhibitions.

As in most societies it is easy to associate alcohol, drugs, sex, and foul language use, as a way to build an accepted identity with others.

Now Judah not only joined the group, he had to take for himself the things that made his identity; this included a girl that he had met; so Judah claimed her like his own property.

Having done things unacceptable to his own family, he stayed away from them. It is not too hard to stay away from a family of dysfunction. His father had multiple wives. His brother's killed the Shechemites. He and his brothers sold their younger brother, Joseph, into slavery. Therefore to get away from them was not a problem.

Then Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. But Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD killed him. Genesis 38:6-7(NKJV)

Judah continued to raise his children without any parenting skills and with no godly influence. In scripture, you do not find many passages where the Lord kills a person. Yet the evil this young man got into was too much for God to watch. So bad were Er's evils that God killed him.

And Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife and marry her, and raise up an heir to your brother." But Onan knew that the heir would not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in to his brother's wife, that he emitted on the ground, lest he should give an heir to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD; therefore He killed him also. Genesis 38:8-10(NKJV)

It may seem as if God is on a rampage towards Judah's family. Yet what started from peer acceptance had grown into intolerable acts of sin, a despicable family, and children who are singled out by God to be put to death.

With God there is intolerance for sin. He is Holy and those who come to Him must have humility towards their sin. Just the act of remorse for sin committed, is enough for God to give a person opportunity to come to Him for forgiveness.

Sin is a weight, and those who feel the weight of their sin have a chance to repent which is given by God. They can come to Him anytime in their life; yet with these young men, there was no way that they would ever live life to repent. Their sin was beyond tolerance and God ended it there on the spot.

Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, "Remain a widow in your father's house till my son Shelah is grown." For he said, "Lest he also die like his brothers." And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. Genesis 38:11(NKJV)

Judah became a man who produced terrible children. He had a warped sense of what family was about and knew nothing about godliness. His own sin caused him deep pain and he no doubt was so conflicted that each day he contemplated his own death.

You have heard it said, "The love of money is the root of all evil;" however, evil has many roots that grow like weeds into your life, penetrating deep into your soul.

Sin breeds despair, hopelessness, anger, and leads to other wickedness. When we meet people, each has their own depression, their own regrets, and their own habits. When we join ourselves to them we subject ourselves to their dysfunction and if a person is not spiritually strong, dysfunction can become their own dysfunction.

The truly amazing point that we must focus on when reading this chapter is that Jesus Christ was a lion that came out of the tribe of Judah.

This is God's message to us all that no matter your dysfunction, your pain, your anguish, good can come from your life. Your family can experience forgiveness of sin and cleansing from all that is evil.

Jesus Christ is a free gift to all who will accept Him. He will come into your life and change it. However, like the young men who were killed by God, the punishment for rejecting this salvation is death.

People die every day and though we do not hear that it was the hand of God who killed them; all people die and end up in the hand of God. There, they will be judged by one criterion, "What did you do with the salvation offered to you?"

Sold for the Love of Money.

2009-05-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

Sold for the Love of Money. Genesis 37:12-34.

Then his brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them." So he said to him, "Here I am." Then he said to him, "Please go and see if it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring back word to me." So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he went to Shechem. Genesis 37:12-14(NKJV)

Joseph, a seventeen year old boy, made his life difficult by mentioning some of the dreams he was having. He was always his father's favorite; but to his brothers he was a spoiled, big mouth, who aspired to lead the whole family. On his last dream even his own father and all of his brother's mothers were bowing down to him. This shocked the family that a young man could openly proclaim such nonsense.

Therefore, he was an outcast by his brothers; and having eleven brothers, peer pressure kept most all the brothers from fraternizing with Joseph. Here we find Joseph left behind as his brothers tended the family flocks.

I see Joseph being a clean kid, without much common sense. His brother's left him often and he would stay at the camp or take short walks; yet Joseph was not the brightest when it came to the outside world or his brother's ways.

Now a certain man found him, and there he was, wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying, "What are you seeking?" So he said, "I am seeking my brothers. Please tell me where they are feeding their flocks." And the man said, "They have departed from here, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan. Genesis 37:15-17(NKJV)

I like the description of the man who found the boy wandering. He was a "certain man". The writer could have said a man, but inferred that there was something special about him. The text does not infer that it was God incarnate, but it would be like God to aid us when we are wandering and in need of direction.

Yet God was allowing Joseph to be pointed in harm's way and as we read about Joseph we will study how God used terrible circumstances to shape his life, so that he might protect God's people. Joseph was going to the school of hard knocks.

This is why we are told to count our trials as gold; for all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to God's purpose.

Into your life trials will come and for many, trials are now here. I counsel you to accept them, embrace them, and look to the sky and praise God for them. For these trails are more valuable than money.

Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. Then they said to one another, "Look, this dreamer is coming! Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, 'Some wild beast has devoured him.' We shall see what will become of his dreams!" Genesis 37:18-20(NKJV)

The sons of Israel were calloused men. It seems as if the slaughter of the Shechemites desensitized them to the idea of killing and now they would even consider killing their own brother; the son whom their father loved.

But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, "Let us not kill him." And Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him"—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. Genesis 37:21-22(NKJV)

It is amazing how one soft soul can control an angry crowd. We might often wonder why God has us around such terrible people who imagine evil for others; yet we can be the peacemakers for God, speaking logic to those who oppose themselves.

Though they may be angry and intending to do harm, we can begin to deliver them by showing them a different way. Ruben thought he could deliver Joseph by letting them torture him a while; but the evil in these boys ran deep into their hearts.

So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. So Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh." And his brothers listened. Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. Genesis 37:23-28(NKJV)

Sold for the love of money. In their worldly eyes they were being gracious to the boy by letting him live. Yet the young seventeen year old lad had to leer into their eyes as they starred with grins on their face.

Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes. And he returned to his brothers and said, "The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?" So they took Joseph's tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, "We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son's tunic or not?"
And he recognized it and said, "It is my son's tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces." Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, "For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning." Thus his father wept for him. Now the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. Genesis 37:29-36(NKJV)

The secrete was safe; for the treachery of these men was so, that not one of the brothers dare cross the others. Ruben felt more than threatened and now would have to live with the actions of his brothers.

Their father, Jacob, now knew what it was to lose a son. The man, who cheated to steel his father's blessing, was now cheated himself. His son, presented to him as dead, was gone; little did he know that he was sold into slavery for silver.

However, evil does not cheat God; it does not win. No matter the crime committed towards another, God will revenge all. He will wipe the tears from our face and make all things knew. When He does, evil itself will be shocked for accountability for every action will come screaming down on it with fire.

"Judgment is mine, says the Lord" and in this each of us who had been cheated, defrauded, and robbed will be recompensed. The ill intentions we suffer are in no way comparable to the wondrous treasures of heaven.

Lastly, God provided a certain man to point Joseph into the snares of his brothers. God knew what Joseph was walking into and God was beginning a new work in Joseph's life. This is the trial that Joseph needed; it would shape his life and make him into the man God wanted.

I Had A Dream.

2009-05-19T09:53:00.001-07:00

I Had A Dream. Genesis 37:1-11.

Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. This is the history of Jacob. Genesis 37:1(NKJV)

There is no greater story to tell of a man than the measure of his children. Children are a reflection of their parents, an indication of their parent's spiritual life, and a statement to a person's outlook on life.

There too, how well a child does in life is not only a measure of their obedience to their parents, but a measure of the parent's comprehension and attentiveness in raising the child.

This family of Joseph has some interesting tales that were placed in scripture for our learning. Let us be a reflection of our father in heaven as we study the life of Jacob through his children.

Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. And the lad was with the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives; and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. Genesis 37:2-4(NKJV)

Jacob grew up to be what he hated. His own father showed favoritism towards his brother Esau. Esau was a manly man, a hunter, and Isaac loved the stories his son told of the pursuit and the kill of wild game. However, Jacob made the same mistake favoring Joseph.

Joseph was the younger brother in the family of twelve boys. Every brother had to watch their father interact with Joseph in a way they wish he would with them. It created sibling rivalry and pitted eleven boys against one.

All Joseph could do was suffer the persecution and take refuge in his father, who would often scold the others. Jacob created this problem.

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf." And his brothers said to him, "Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?" So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Genesis 38:5-8(NKJV)

It is not a rare occurrence to have others think you are strange, when you tell them of the work God is doing in your life.

As a young Christians there were many great works that God had done in my life. I would tell others innocently, how God spoke this or that to my heart and to them, I became the crazy guy who thinks he talks to God.

I can even remember a day when I sat with the guys on a Saturday morning and as one guy was speaking, I had remembered a dream about that very situation. I blurted out that I had dream about this and they responded. "Oh yeah, well what happens next?"

I then told them that the boss would come in and hand me keys and then get on a plane that plane would crash. Therefore, I became the even crazier guy, because the boss never came in on Saturdays. They taunted me saying, "Hey look here he comes down the driveway."

They made me look and they laughed at me; but as I looked, he did drive down the driveway and entering the building, handed me the keys, and said, "You're in charge while I'm gone. I have to go to Seattle," then he turned and got into his car and drove away.

I stood with my hand out looking at the keys as the room erupted in astonishment. "What are you going to do?" they asked. As I folded my hand around the keys, I turned to them and with a pale face said, "Pray."

Dreams are that way; God uses them in our life so that we might beware of the future. This was Joseph's first encounter with God and he did not know what to do with the information and in hind sight, he might have been better off keeping this information to himself.

Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, "Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me." So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?" And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. Genesis 37:8-11(NKJV)

On this second dream, he tried a different approach; he included his mother and father into the announcement. Yet, it too was met with sharp criticism; but the brothers realized that for Joseph to discuss the dream, the way he did in front of his parents, he had a assertiveness that made them wonder.

His brothers began to envy Joseph for they realized Joseph was having a supernatural experience. Though they hated him for the attention their father gave to Joseph; Joseph was willing to sacrifice that to tell of his dream. Something real was happening; but what could that mean?

Dreams are important to pay attention to. Some are caused by fear, emotional trauma, and psychological needs. However, a person must be ready for God to inhabit their dreams.

Throughout my years as a Christian I have had many dreams that helped me make decisions. I have waked remembering exactly what I dreamed and I understood what it was I was to do.

Gideon had a dream that helped him defeat the Midianite army. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he could not interpret, but so did Daniel and he interpreted the dream for him.

In a dream Solomon was asked what he wanted and he told God he wanted wisdom to lead the people. It pleased God so that he gave him riches, honor, and wisdom.

Joseph and Mary had five dreams that helped them care for the child Jesus. Thus dreams are a key function of God that we must pay attention to.

Yet not all dreams are for us to act on; some may have been caused from the spicy food you ate the night before. Yet, when we remember a dream, we must take that dream to God in prayer and in faith we go forward to act.

Is your Family Valued?

2009-05-18T11:37:00.001-07:00

Is your Family Valued? Genesis 36:1-43.

Now this is the genealogy of Esau, who is Edom. Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; and Basemath, Ishmael's daughter, sister of Nebajoth. Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel. And Aholibamah bore Jeush, Jaalam, and Korah. These were the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan. Genesis 36:1-5(NKJV)

Esau gained the nick name of Edom or "Red". When we last read about Esau he was making amends with his brother Jacob. Esau had coped with the fact that his father Isaac had blessed Jacob and that God honored that blessing. Therefore, the brothers were again united, but there was one thing that would keep them apart; Esau made his home with the ungodly Canaanite people and his people were different from Jacob's.

The story teller, inspired by God to write this account, lets us look in look into Esau's life and the nation he fathered children in, called the Edomites. The Edomites will be mentioned in many other stories occurring later in scripture and therefore, it is important to know who they are.

Esau gathered many women; marrying a Hittite, a Hivite, and a Canaanite women. His sons were name Eliphaz (My God is gold), Reuel (friend of God), Juesh (assembler), Jalem (concealed), Korah (bald). These can be called the Dukes of Edom.

The names are significant for they reflect the spiritual conviction of their father. He was more interested in possession than spirituality and his own accomplishments over what God could accomplish through him. Esau began as a hunter and renowned for his hunting. This wildness inside him could not be tamed.

Then Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the persons of his household, his cattle and all his animals, and all his goods which he had gained in the land of Canaan, and went to a country away from the presence of his brother Jacob. For their possessions were too great for them to dwell together, and the land where they were strangers could not support them because of their livestock. So Esau dwelt in Mount Seir. Esau is Edom. Genesis 36:6-8(NKJV)

The land they dwelt in was named after Esau. Edom was a mountainous terrain and stretched 100 miles long and 20 miles wide. The northern area began at the Southern end of the Dead Sea and Edom's Southern area touched a gulf in the Red sea. It was an Arabian nation that bordered Egypt.

Verses Genesis 36:9-29 will be omitted due to its long elaborate presentation of names. Therefore, taking advantage of this passage I will list the names of the grandchildren of Esau, who became chiefs to rule the land of Edom. In this we find that the meaning in their names suggests how the son's of Esau were raised by their father and how they as parents raised their children.

Chief Teman (South), Chief Omar (Speaker), Chief Zepho (Watch Tower), Chief Kenaz (hunter), Chief Korah (bald), Chief Gatam (a burnt valley), and Chief Amalek(dweller in the valley), Chief Nahath (rest), Chief Zerah (rising), Chief Shammah (astonishment), and Chief Mizzah (fear). Chief Jeush (he hurries to aid), Chief Jaalam (concealed), and Chief Korah (bald). Lotan (covering), Shobal (flowing), Zibeon (colored), Anah (answer), Dishon (thresher), Ezer (treasures), Hori(cave dweller) and Hemam(exterminating), Alvan (tall), Manahath (rest), Ebal (bare mountain), Shepho ( bold), Onam (vigorous), Ajah (falcon), Anah (answer), Hemdan (desire), Eshban (fire of discernment), Ithran (advantage), and Cheran (lyre), Bilhan (their decrepitude), Zaavan (troubled), Akan (sharp sighted), Uz (wooded), Aran (joyous).

Though a name is only a name; the Hebrew protection of every name was an important aspect of life. They believed that it could shape the way a child thought of themselves and that God would respect that name and raise that child to be great. However, this eagerness to please God, Esau had no delight in it.

Esau thought only of necessity. He only considered what he needed and he was building a nation; therefore, many of the names called out positions as these men would become chiefs to carry the nation of the Edomites into the future with strength.

A people are no greater than their kings and the following passage reflects many years of kings that the Edomites would have. There would be wars and skirmishes; yet we must remember that with each generation the knowledge and care for God diminished.

Every parent, every ruler, and every common person, has a responsibility to remember God. They must remember God's greatness; for without God a people live and die with what they fought for and protected, so it may continue to go forward, but they gain nothing.

Now with Esau were previous generations all originating from Seth, the son of Adam. Therefore, Esau was not the big fish in Edom.

Now these were the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel: Bela(destruction) the son of Beor reigned in Edom, and the name of his city was Dinhabah. And when Bela died, Jobab(a desert) the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. When Jobab died, Husham(haste) of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. And when Husham died, Hadad(mighty) the son of Bedad, who attacked Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith. When Hadad died, Samlah(garment) of Masrekah reigned in his place. And when Samlah died, Saul(desire) of Rehoboth-by-the-River reigned in his place. When Saul died, Baal-Hanan(baal is gracious) the son of Achbor(mouse) reigned in his place. And when Baal-Hanan the son of Achbor died, Hadar(honor) reigned in his place; and the name of his city was Pau. His wife's name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. Genesis 36:31-39(NKJV)

There were many ruling forces and these people worshiped many gods. There was a deep depression of evil in this society that included worshiping the god Baal. Therefore, Esau was compelled to raise his children to be able to survive in this society by becoming part of it and teaching them to become a part of it. His sons became chiefs and their families worked hard to become leaders.

And these were the names of the chiefs of Esau, according to their families and their places, by their names: Chief Timnah(restrained), Chief Alvah(evil), Chief Jetheth(a nail), Chief Aholibamah(tent of high places), Chief Elah(an oak), Chief Pinon(darkness), Chief Kenaz(hunter), Chief Teman(south), Chief Mibzar(fortress), Chief Magdiel(prince of God), and Chief Iram(belonging to a city). These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their dwelling places in the land of their possession. Esau was the father of the Edomites. Genesis 36:40-43(NKJV)

Of all the names listed in this passage, only Esau will we remember with great understanding. He chose the earthly things of this world and chose to live among those who worshiped idols, not God.

Though he was born into a family under God's providence, he had no respect for it. What he sought to achieve, he did achieve. He became a great people and dominated a large land; but nowhere in this was God honored and therefore, we see the absence of God's interaction with them. They became the dust of the earth to be trodden down by future generations.

Let us ask the question, "If they did not honor God, should God honor them?" Around us are all types of people who act the same as Esau's descendants, should God honor these?

It is easy to look at a Godless society or an idol worshiping society and say they are worthless. Yet God so loved the whole world that he sent His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have ever lasting life.

He granted to Esau an opportunity to know Him and through the years, God did no irrevocable harm. He left a way of escape and never gave up on Esau and his family; neither should we give up on those of our societies. May God be praised in our response.

My Baby, Whoa Baby!

2009-05-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

My Baby, Whoa Baby! Genesis 35:16-27.

Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, "Don't be afraid, for you have another son." As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin. Genesis 25:16-18(NKJV)

It was Rebekah that began her life with Jacob unable to have children. Her inability to have children was a source of shame and as she watching her sister Leah have many children. It made Rebekah feel less than a woman; for in their society, to have children was a sign of blessings from God and she felt cursed.

However, God opened up her womb and child bearing brought Rachel much joy; however, the very thing she desired would kill her; for the last child she was to give birth to, twist inside her and she would die.

As she died, she expressed her sorrow in the name she gave the child. Ben-Oni, which meant "Son of my Sorrow", and was Rachel's way of showing her regret for conceiving this child.

The child would tear her away from the husband she loved; the husband she watched her sister share because of the greediness of their father. She had gained Jacob's affection and no matter what life brought their way, they were deeply in love.

They met in a field as she tended her father's sheep. Jacob loved her strength, her wit, and her loveliness. Jacob committed himself to her, even when she could not bear children and he respected his commitment to her, even to the last second.

In sorrow, Jacob would commemorate her life by re-naming the son Benjamin, which means "The son at my right hand."

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel's tomb. Genesis 36:19-20(NKJV)

The tomb of Rachel can still be seen. The Jews declare it one of the third holiest sites in all of Israel. Tradition says that Rachel wept for the children of Israel as they passed the tomb on their way to exile in Babylon.

In 1620 a building was built on the site and capped with a dome by the Ottoman Turks. Due to a deteriorating structure and security situations in Israel, a building was built around it and now it stands as a barrier to separate it from Bethlehem.

Israel moved on again and pitched his tent beyond Migdal Eder. While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it. Genesis 36:20-22(NKJV)

As we now read, the story teller uses the name to which God wanted Jacob to embrace, Israel. The name signified the new man that Jacob had become. No longer would Jacob be the man who carried shame, he would be Israel, the man of God.

When God changes a person's life, it does not make everyone around them change. Many husbands give their life to God and their wife is slower to follow. It may be their children that do not follow; for people must have their own encounters with God.

This being said, Israel's son, Ruben, commits an act of sin before him. He brought the sin upon himself and would now have to live with the repercussions of that sin.

Yet the text does not show the emotion of Israel towards this child; but a man of God, who knows the forgiveness of God, would not feel anger, but compassion and sorrow.

Your sin surly will find you out and those things done in secret are seen by God above. Ruben thought he was sneaky, his heart was filled with lust; but Israel found out and the dirty truth and shame would follow Ruben. The fact that there is not much said about Israel emotion shows us that Israel knew God would deal with him in His' own time.

Jacob had twelve sons: The sons of Leah: Reuben (behold a son) the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon (heard), Levi (joined to), Judah (praised), Issachar (there is recompense) and Zebulun (exaulted). The sons of Rachel: Joseph (Jehovah has added) and Benjamin (son of the right hand). The sons of Rachel's maidservant Bilhah: Dan (a judge) and Naphtali (wresteling). The sons of Leah's maidservant Zilpah: Gad (troop) and Asher (happy). These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. Genesis 35:23-26(NKJV)

Jacob was a blessed man, who had sheep, oxen, cattle, camels, people, tents, and many possessions; however, all of this could not replace the value he saw in his children.

God had changed his name to Israel and though it took many years for him to accept God's providence, Jacob became the godly man named Israel.

His children would go on to be the fathers of the entire Jewish race and when we meet a Jewish man or women today; their lineage goes back to these twelve children.

Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. Genesis 25:27-29(NKJV)

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the primary chain of fathers that God raised up to be called according to His purpose. What started with faith ended with faith and that faith produced a world changing people that are still being dealt with by God today.

To Abraham, God promised to provide himself a sacrifice and generations later would be born a lion from the tribe of Judah, the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. As promised all the world would be blessed through the seed of Abraham and you and I have salvation because these trusted God.

Any man can be as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God will speak to your heart, change your direction, and make you into a person of great faith; we need only let Him.

Here ends the story of Jacob; and as we follow his children, Jacob will again be discussed as we look into their lives and see our own lives; for God has a message for us all.

Deliverance from Sorrow and Pain.

2009-05-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

Deliverance from Sorrow and Pain. Genesis 35:1-15.

Then God said to Jacob, "Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother." Genesis 35:1(NKJV)

Jacob was sorrowful; his family had committed a tragic act. In revenge of their sister's rape, they killed all of the Shechemite men. Then they pillaged their houses taking with them all their possessions. There was crying in Jacobs camp and now there were angry Shechemite widows who felt like slaves. Jacob looked out over his family with great sorrow.

Our human experience will suffer some major setbacks from situations that drive us deep into sorrow. Every human will know what it is to suffer the death of a loved one, a crime committed in sin, and many have suffered persecution and even enslavement. Life is cruel and in times of despair, God is waiting to help us through it.

"What do I do now?" is the cry too often lifted without direction, to a source that cannot help. We can ask our neighbors, our friends, a doctor, but to find complete rest we must lift our questions to God in faith that He will answers.

God hears our prayers and feels our emotions. The God that knows the future felt our pain and sent His own Son to take the penalty of sin on Himself as He suffered for the sins of all humanity. God took our punishment and therefore, if we trust Him, God can restore joy to our existence.

God saw Jacob's pain and God reached out to restore. "Go to Bethel and make an alter unto me," God said. This was an act of a merciful God who would now help Jacob and his family with its tragic sin. This is our God who wants to help us in times of need and will help when we heed His call.

And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone." Genesis 35:2-3(NKJV)

Like most tribes in Canaan, the Shechemite people put their trust in idols. Graven images that could not speak, could not hear, and could not help, littered their homes and fables about them flowed from their tongues. People want help, but often do not know where to find it, so they invent spirituality.

All these women, whom had been taken as captives, had all the provocative ways of their culture. They dressed scantily, wore jewelry in their ears, they knew how to attract through lust; now they were going to learn what purity was and how to please a holy God.

So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem. And they journeyed, and the terror of God was upon the cities that were all around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. Genesis 35:4-5(NKJV)

In the pursuit of God it is important to understand that He his holy and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. The truth is they did not need the idols they trusted in, they had no power to help them and it was important to strip away their dependence on them.

We must teach people to leave their old life behind to forage forward into God's protecting hand and into protection they did go. Shechemite women scanned the hills and countryside expecting to see other tribes coming to attack the tribe of Jacob; for these came into their land and committed an atrocity. However, as they bitterly stared they saw nothing; for God put fear into the Canaanite hearts so that he might deliver Jacob and his people.

So Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him. And he built an altar there and called the place El Bethel, because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother. Genesis 35:6-7(NKJV)

Jacob was a man who communed with God and now he was asked to return to where his relationship with God began. As if to say, "It is time to start over," Jacob had come to Bethel to find what he had lost, gain what he had ripped away, and be restored unto God. Surely the Lord was in this place.

When we are down trodden and sorrowful in heart, it is important to return to the place where God has touched our hearts. We can become so engulfed in life that we lose the closeness we once had.

It was Bethel that Jacob stopped for his first night of travel, when he fled from his brother. In his sleep God came to Jacob and said, "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."

Jacob relived the moment, he remembered the encounter, and there he worshipped God afresh. Jacob was reminded it was not Jacob's people; it was God's people who Jacob was leading. Jacob was only a tool in the hand of God who was building a race, a kingdom, a people that would be examples for all of history and draw them to the truth that God is love.

Now Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, died, and she was buried below Bethel under the terebinth tree. So the name of it was called Allon Bachuth. Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. Genesis 35:8-9(NKJV)

On our mountain tops of clear sight and restoration, we must remember that there will be more pain in our life and while they were there in Bethel, Deborah died. She was laid to rest under an oak tree and they called the place, "The oak of weeping."

And God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name." So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land." Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it. And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel. Genesis 35:10-15(NKJV)

The blessings of God were again on Jacob, for Jacob honored God, was obedient to his voice, and was an example unto his people. His faith was a long process and for a second time God tells him that his name is no longer Jacob, but is now Israel.

The name Jacob meant "heel holder" and Jacob stood in his brother's shadows for years; yet now his name, Israel, means "God prevails." In saying this, God wanted Jacob to stand up and be a man of God. No longer did he have to hide his head in shame, but he could lift it high for God was on his side. If God forgives us there is no shame and our sins are forgotten; why should we carry them, scolding ourselves over a non issue.

This was his second trip to Bethel and now he was a different man. God wanted Jacob to be confident, fearless, and receive the promise that God was offering.

It is easy to let sin and life to get us down. We can lose faith in God and lose our communion with Him. Yet God wants to restore us to be the men and women that live according to His plan for our lives. We are called by God to be Christians and to this we should honor Him by living according to faith.

Children Consult your Parents.

2009-05-12T08:58:00.001-07:00

Children Consult your Parents. Genesis 34:13-31.

And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: Genesis 34:13-15(NKJV)

The tribe of Jacob moved to a new land and Jacob's daughter, Diana, went out to see if she could meet some other girls. She was the only girl born to her father and hanging out with her brothers left her wondering how other girls lived. So Diana went to explore, to find what life was like in the nearby community that they had just moved into.

As she mingled with the girls, she was met by a young man named Shechem. He was the town pretty boy; who like a normal guy of any town, loved to flirt. Yet his flirting turned into seduction and Shechem took advantage of her and defiled Diana as he would any girl that he met. Their society morals were so low that this was normal for a young man. Yet as he did, he fell in love with her.

We pick up the where Shechem and his father Hamor came to the camp of Israel to ask for her hand in marriage; yet not only marriage, but a free range of intermingling of their people with Israel.

As it happened, Diana's brothers were first to meet these two and after they had heard the offer, the brothers responded "No; you're not circumcised and in order for this to work, your people would have to be circumcised."

But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. Genesis 34:16-18(NKJV)

Now Jacob had preached to his children that they were a special people and God was doing a special work within them. Much like Christians today, God was building a kingdom of people and Israel was to be a great nation.

They were not to mix with other people and therefore the defilement of their sister was extra horrible to them. They felt taken advantage of and they felt as if their sister was tricked as she lost her virginity to this heathen man.

The brothers realized that this was a terrible Godless people who had no respect for others and they were on the land that God had promised their father; so they transpired against them and took the matter into their own hands.

And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honorable than all the house of his father. And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised. Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of their's be our's? only let us consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. Genesis 34:18-23(NKJV)

As Diana's brothers waited for a reply they could sense the greed and the lust in the hearts of these people. The men were so vicious that it took Hamor to reason with them showing them the gain that the Israelites would bring. If he had not done this, eventually these men would have done treacherous acts towards Jacob's people. There would have been skirmishes; bitterness, envy, all compelled by greed. There would be no peace between the two peoples.

And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son hearkened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. Genesis 34:24-26(NKJV)

Of the twelve brothers, Simon and Levi were the ones who harbored the most bitterness in their hearts and committed this terrible act. Before doing so, they did not talk to their father about their intentions and if they had, it is doubtful Jacob would have consented. It was an extreme move and possibly a twisting of their fathers teaching that God was to give them all the land.

The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister. They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their asses, and that which was in the city, and that which was in the field, And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. Genesis 34:27-29(NKJV)

The very thing they hated, they became. They hated the pampas attitude, the disregard for respect, and the way they acted towards these people was worse than the way these people would have treated them.

And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, Ye have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites: and I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me, and slay me; and I shall be destroyed, I and my house. And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot? Genesis 34:30-31(NKJV)

Jacob had failed in this area of raising his children. Perhaps his family had grown too big for him to guide. Now the large family Jacob desired was in danger while they were in this land and they would have to move on. How terrible is it when our children act unreasonably as these did.

Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and do good to those who persecute us. There could have been a better way to handle this and Jacob would have been a good one to consult before they went off to plunder this people. Yet all this comes through teaching and we must teach our children to come to us before they make decisions in life.

Innocence Defiled.

2009-05-11T11:45:00.001-07:00

Innocence Defiled. Genesis 34:1-12.

And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. Genesis 34:1-2(NKJV)

It was a new land, new people, and it led to new trouble. Jacob had built an alter unto the Lord as an expression of his faith; however, that that did not give reason for his children to accept his convictions about God and his purpose in life.

To Jacob, God was wonderful and continuing in him a work that started with his Grandfather. Jacob knew God personally and through his relationship with God he became a purpose driven man.

In addition, Jacob took his position to be the father of Israel seriously. He settled apart from his brother and separated his people from the others in the land. God had promised him the land of Canaan, yet Jacob did not know how God was going to deliver it to him.

However, his family only watched and listened to the stories of their husband and father. When a family depends on the parents for a relationship with God, the children grow to expect that; but they do not have the knowledge or how to gain that for themselves.

For his daughter Dianna, she wanted to find other girls that she could share her young life with. She knew nothing about the ways of other people and in her ignorance she mingled and walked into trouble. She was raped by the young prince Shechem.

Where was the attention of her parents. How did she get out of their sights? Did they not know the dangers or consider what could happen to a young girl? Had they been so isolated from the world that they did not expect them to act like animals without fear for God?

And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife. Genesis 34:3-4(NKJV)

It was a degrading action to succumb to lust and then choose to take her as a wife. It showed no respect towards her parents and it was disrespectful to Diana. She was now a defiled person.

Marriage is to be a sacred commitment and a ceremony that respect parents. In honoring parents the children grow in respect and become respectful individuals; however, this man had no respect and was a selfish person. Only vanity made him think he could be a proper husband. He could not manage his own life; how was he going to manage his children's or respect Diana as a wife?

And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter: which thing ought not to be done. Genesis 34:5-7(NKJV)

Jacob had taught his boys well. They knew of the providence of God; Israel was more than a name given to their father from God, it was name sake to all their people. It was a namesake they were to respect, honor, and defend.

This action not only defiled their sister, but it showed no respect towards them as a people and to become great in this land, respect was important. Yet, Jacob's sons though respect had to be demanded.

And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. Genesis 34:8-10(NKJV)

If Jacob were to allow his families to mix with the gentile nation, what would become of God's special people Israel? Hamor had no honor for God and Hamor did not honor his own bloodline. His sense of pride was in possessions and life was about what you can take for yourself. It is no wonder his son took Diana without asking. The whole community was raised to be like this.

Do you hear what I am saying? When you mix into the ways of the community it drags you down; yet when you hold your ground and show the community what is important you change your community. As Christians we are called to be in this world but not of it or taking on their ways. We are aliens and must keep watch over our own. We are building a kingdom of people and our bloodlines must stay pure.

And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. Genesis 34:11-12(NKJV)

Can you be bought off? Do you turn your back on what is right for money? Our integrity is all we have as people. Our actions proclaim our faith in God and the rejections of wealth to maintain our separateness from the world is greater gain.

There are people who love money so much they concentrate only on their work and so tired are they, after have done all in their day to obtain wealth, they have no time for God. This should not be; our relationship with God and purity in our life is to be our highest importance. It is worth more than money, more important than pleasure, and more than what the world can offer.

There is so much we can learn from this one situation of scripture, but if we do not inject it into our lives like a serum that saves us from sickness, there is not much hope that any of the scriptures will affect us.

Are you a mother of father who has children? These children, no matter if they are grand children, are the future of Christianity and they will take over the leadership of our churches, our towns, our companies, and our nation. Therefore, we must invest out time into them, teaching them the ways of God and showing them how they too can have their own relationship with God.

As Christians we are to be ambassadors of God teaching men and women to forsake the ways of the world and focus on the salvation of their souls. Our example to them is all the Bible they may ever read; therefore your life should be a living epistle.

Restoring Relationships.

2009-05-08T10:26:00.001-07:00

Restoring Relationships. Genesis 33:1-17.

Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Genesis 33:1-3(NKJV)

Here we read about the reunion that made Jacob worry. Though he worried, prayed, and faced his fears, Jacob boldly headed into the inevitable; the future was going to be what it was going to be. Jacob arranged his families into an orderly precession and in front he put his faith in God to protect them.

Worry is one thing that we all do best. How we face worry is what defines us as people. We can be filled with worry, but commit our future to the Lord and still be considered faithful in His sight. It is when we face our fears that our faith is committed to God and without faith it is impossible to please Him.

His brother Esau was still the same man. He had not the experiences of Jacob; he did not have God appear to him and he did not wrestle with the almighty for blessings. Esau had formed a band of people who hunted, fought, and were tough individuals. Now four hundred of these rugged men came backing Esau and ready for anything.

What do you suppose was in Esau's mind? Could it have been expecting a skirmish? Without God in his life, Esau thought of strategies to defeat his brother and surly was ready if Jacob came on attack. Esau still thought of his brother as a thief who stole his birthright and at one time, Esau wanted to kill Jacob. The only thing that shielding Jacob on this day was twenty years they spent apart and God who protected them.

But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, "Who are these with you?" So he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant." Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down. Then Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?" And he said, "These are to find favor in the sight of my lord." Genesis 33:4-9(NKJV)

Truly, the way Jacob approached with reverence and respect, showed no sign of aggressiveness and when Esau looked into his brother's face, he could tell that Jacob was a different man. There was no fear and no frown; Jacob had a look of peace and so does the person who spends quality time to know God; even his enemies will be at peace with him.

So the dialogue began; Esau was amazed at all the children and wives that Jacob acquired; he had left with nothing and returned rich. Esau could see the result from the blessing his father had given to Jacob and now Esau was also at peace with who he was.

Esau liked to hunt and hang with manly men; it is even possible that Esau had no wife and as he looked at his brother's brood, he thought to himself, "I could never be tied down with responsibilities as these." Esau's focus was on the women and children and he gave little attention to the great herds of animals.

But Esau said, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself." And Jacob said, "No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough." So he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:10-11(NKJV)

Jacob was sizing his brother up also. Because he saw his brother had need, he generously offers to give him a share of his herds; but is politely rejected. Esau was a hunter, not a herdsman. Esau could not fathom having to care of such animal; yet he took them to satisfy his brother and put closure to their differences.

Jacob also witnessed to his brothers by proclaiming his wonderful testimony. In his evangelism, he looks into Esau's life to point out the work of God in hopes his brother too would embrace God and seek a relationship with him. Jacob proclaims, "I have seen the face of God and you were pleased with me" which stated that God turned our hearts towards each other, now let us turn our hearts towards Him.

Then Esau said, "Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you." But Jacob said to him, "My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir." And Esau said, "Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me." But he said, "What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord." So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Genesis 33:12-17(NKJV)

Esau's invitation to protect Jacob on the rest of their journey was a great offer; but what need is there? Jacob had his own life and was able to take care of himself. He had done so for many years and though the brothers were united once again, their differences were going to keep them apart. They could be neighbors, yet Jacob was going to have to take care of himself.

Esau was conveying a message of warning. The land they were entering was not the same land as when Jacob left. There were treacherous people who Jacob would have to face and traveling had its dangers. Let the truth be said now, bad company corrupts good morals. The fear that Jacob would face was not might, but secular infiltration of sin into their camp. Yet one does not always see this ahead of time when they choosing where they shall live.

Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem's father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel. Genesis 33:18-20(NKJV)

A new land, a new start, and Jacob declares before his family and friends that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was going to be their focus. El Elohe Israel, "the God of Israel" had brought them back to the land He had promised to them. They would honor God in their families and in their camp with the alter that stood to commutate their elegance to God.

The question we will later answer is, "Is a alter enough to raise a Godly Family?"