January 13
Read Genesis 37 - 39
In Today's Reading:
Joseph's dreams; Joseph sold into slavery; the cruel lies of Potiphar's wife; Joseph imprisoned
Joseph was the only one of Jacob's 12 sons who expressed interest in spiritual things. Joseph was deeply troubled about his older brothers' evil conduct while away from home. At 17 years of age, Joseph . . . was feeding the flock with his brethren and reported to his father the evil things they were doing (Genesis 37:2). The fact that Joseph was the son of his old age (37:3), and possibly because of Joseph's concern for his brothers' spiritual well-being, influenced Jacob to love him more than all his brethren (37:4).
Some people discourage exposing wrongdoing, and others say they do not want to become involved. But Joseph possessed spiritual integrity and was willing to face abuse from his brothers for exposing their evil ways. Their envy turned to hatred when Joseph shared his prophetic dreams with them (37:5-7) His brothers scoffed, saying: Shall you indeed reign over us? . . . they hated him yet the more for his dreams (37:8).
Joseph's brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem, which was a considerable distance from their home (37:12). Some time later, Jacob, concerned about his sons' welfare, sent Joseph to see if everything was all right with them (37:14). After a long search, Joseph found his brothers near the village of Dothan (37:17).
When his brothers saw Joseph coming, they plotted to slay him. . . . and . . . say, Some evil beast has devoured him (37:18-20). Shocking as it must have been, they stripped Joseph out of his coat . . . of many colors . . . and cast him into a pit (37:23-24). Joseph then was sold as a slave to Ishmaelites, who, in turn, sold him in the slave market to Potiphar, the captain of the royal guard (37:27-28,36; 39:1). Their last memories of their terrified younger brother were of him pleading for his life (42:21).
God used the experiences of Joseph in Egypt to prepare him to be the preserver of God's people and, thus, the lineage of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Christ Portrayed:
By Joseph,who was rejected by his own brothers, sold for 20 pieces of silver to Gentiles and unjustly imprisoned, but who eventually became their savior and a world ruler (Genesis 37:28; 41:39-40). Jesus came to His own (people), and His own received Him not (John 1:11). He was sold for 30 pieces of silver, imprisoned, crucified, and became our Savior and soon will return to rule the world (Revelation 19:11-16; 22:3).
Word Studies:
37:9 made obeisance = did reverence; 37:22 rid = rescue; 38:2 took = married; 38:18 signet = ring of authority; 38:28 travailed = gave birth; 39:8 wotteth not = does not know.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BP Staff: Clarence Rathbone · Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America · Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects · The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic · 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His love (Psalm 63:3).
Optional Reading: Matthew 13
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:22