Read Genesis 37 -- 39
In Today's Reading:
You may weep as you read Joseph's biography! A type of Christ, both are objects of special love by their fathers; hated by their brethren; rejected as rulers over their brethren; conspired against; sold for silver; condemned though innocent; and raised from humiliation to glory by the power of God.
Verses for Today:
Joseph's master took him, and put him in prison where the king's prisoners were bound. . . . But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:20-21).
Highlights:
Joseph's dreams; Joseph sold into slavery; the cruel lies of Potiphar's wife; Joseph imprisoned.
As a teenager, Joseph was dearly loved by his father. But he was misunderstood, cruelly hated, and betrayed by his brothers who sold him as a slave, and taken to Egypt by Ishmaelite traders.
In Egypt, Joseph was once again sold, this time in the slave market, to Potiphar . . . the captain of the Egyptian guard (Genesis 39:1). As time passed, day after day the wife of the captain said, Lie with me. But he refused, and said . . . how can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (39:7-9). Angered by his refusals, she claimed that Joseph attempted to rape her. Although innocent, Joseph was cast into prison. As a homesick prisoner, Joseph remained shut up in prison for possibly 10 years. During that time, his feet were injured by the cruel treatment he received (Psalms 105:17-18). Without a doubt, his faith was tested as he suffered mental and physical cruelty.
But God had not forgotten Joseph. In His time, He brought Joseph to the favorable attention of Pharaoh by having him interpret Pharaoh's dreams. As a result, Joseph was made second in command over all of Egypt. He was put in a position where God could use him to supply the needs of His people. God always tests our loyalty to Him by bringing circumstances into our lives that we often cannot understand. This is His means of perfecting our patience, as well as our love and loyalty to Him.
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
A Thought from Proverbs: Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it (3:27).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph, who was lifted from the pit and eventually became a world ruler (Genesis 37:28; 41:39-40). Joseph, a type of Christ, was rejected by his own brothers, cast into a pit, sold to Gentiles, and imprisoned while waiting for the fulfillment of his prophetic dreams that he would one day rule.
Word Studies:
37:9 made obeisance = bowed down in homage; 37:11 observed the saying = continued to think about it; 37:22 rid = rescue, deliver; 37:33 knew = recognized; 37:34 rent = tore as an act of grief; 38:2 took = married; 38:18 signet = ring bearing a seal with which documents were stamped to officially give personal authority; 38:28 travailed = gave birth; 39:6 knew not ought = did not bother about anything; 39:8 wotteth not = does not know.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for your Church · Country: Nicaragua (5 million) in Central America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Limited religious freedom · 95% Roman Catholic; 5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayer of thanksgiving for the marvelous blessings of God (Psalms 18:1-3).
Optional Reading: Matthew 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:4