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The Life of Joseph: His Destiny and Yours Part III
Read Genesis 40:1-23, Gen. 41:1-16
Genesis 40:1-8, 14-15,
20-23
1. Who are the cupbearer
and the baker?
2. Why are they sad?
*Extra Insight-“The Egyptians shared a belief, widespread in antiquity, that “sleep
puts us in real and direct contact with the other world where not only the dead
but also the gods dwell. Dreams therefore
are a gift from the gods” (Vergote, Joseph
en Egypt, 48).”[1]
3. What does Joseph declare
concerning their dreams? Why is this important in light of Joseph’s past? (v.8)
4. What does Joseph asks of
the cupbearer? (v.14-15)
*Application-What does God’s Word tell us about
our troubles? 2 Cor. 4:17, 1 Pet. 5:10
Genesis 41:1, 9-16
1. After two full years the
cupbearer remembers. What does Pharaoh
do in light of this new information?
2. Once again Joseph
acknowledges God’s power to interpret the dream. What do you think Joseph learned about God
during the extra two years of waiting?
*Application- What can we learn from the Apostle
Paul about suffering? Phil. 3:7-10
“God planned for Joseph
to step into the dream at the age of 30—and He knew that could never happen
until Joseph had dealt with that pride.
So God allowed Joseph to see the big dream at 17, so the pride of his
heart could be exposed and dealt with.”[2]
Reflection
1. Have you ever gotten
your hopes up to only have them dashed?
How did it feel?
2. Joseph had to wait 13
years before He was brought to a place of leadership (41:46). How have you experienced God’s blessing after
a long period of waiting like Joseph’s?
“Joseph is a good
example of a man who seemed to have all the gifts and talents for leadership,
but God developed his character and talents over many years. Gifts and talents
may be impressive and immediate, but character is what God looks for and always
takes time to develop.”[3]
On the way to Joseph’s
destiny God was in the process of building Godly____________ in him.
Alright what got me today!
ReplyDeleteWhen you said that "The things you go through offer you a different perspective." I have really noticed this more lately. When you said that I just was shaking my head agree. :)
The "Walls of Protection.... Oh how easy it is to put those walls up and how quickly we can do that. Then how hard and how long it takes to break them down. I know I have some walls up right now that ned to come down. It is humbling myself in order to do so and also letting myself possibly get hurt again. Both are huge stumbling blocks but as you said something good will come of it.
I was so happy to see all this updated today as I have time usually on Thursday afternoons to myself.
Thanks for all your hard work with this study. I am loving it.
Britni,
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate your thoughtful replies.:)
Yes, it is easy to allow the walls of protection to be built up. Especially after a bad experience. Perhaps someone has hurt us, or maybe an event happened in our life that caused a crisis of some sorts?
I was talking with a good friend yesterday about my own walls and just areas of control. We talked about how there are good things in our lives that often get out of control. All of the sudden it's no longer something to enjoy but a trap which has caught us in some type of obessivness.
Whenever we let Jesus into these places we will always be better off then we were before. Sure, it's often painful, confusing, and trying in some way to allow Him in. Why? Because it's not easy to let go of our independence. But I believe this is the place God desires to take us. The place where we realize it's really is all about Him, and not about us. Yes, we may get hurt again as you say, but I really do believe the power that hurt has over us will not be the same because of the healing Christ does in our hearts.
I'll be praying for you and your own walls as you learn to surrender them to Jesus Christ!
I'll keep in mind you appreciate the studies up by Thursday. I was able to get it up a little earlier than usual this time, so I will do my best do it that next time as well!
Thank you for your imput!
Andrea<><