01132008

Genesis 37

Highlights In Today's Reading:

You may weep as you read the biography of Joseph — foreshadowing 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. Joseph remained faithful to God, even with compassion forgiving his brothers.

Joseph had been sold by his brothers as a slave and taken to Egypt. Day after day his Egyptian master's wife tried to get Joseph to commit adultery. His master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he . . . said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master . . . hath committed all that he hath to my hand . . . neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (39:7-9). He did not accuse or expose this woman for her evil, immoral conduct; he simply considered his own responsibility as a servant of God.

Joseph would not compromise his convictions for her pleasure or for his. Driven by hate and revenge over Joseph's refusal to yield to her lust, Potiphar's wife attempted to have him destroyed. He made the right decision because in his heart he was right with God. He behaved properly because he had faith in the Word of God. Joseph remained faithful to the Lord and, in time, God wonderfully blesses all who are faithful to Him.

When we remain faithful to Christ and allow Him to be Lord and Master of our lives, God will wonderfully bless us too. When we experience disappointments, financial loss, death of a loved one (and we all will), it's not easy to say "Rejoice in the Lord." But like Job, we discover that it was a part of fulfilling God's best for our lives. As we begin to understand this principle, we will desire to be obedient to God who said: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). The child of God, regardless of the consequences, should walk in the light, as He (Christ) is in the light (I John 1:7).

It is always in our best interest since we belong to Christ and are part of His body (Ephesians 5:30). Your body is a temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own . . . for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

Thought for Today:

God can use every experience in life to build Christian character in them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28; Psalm 1:1).

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 unto His own (people), and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God (John 1:11-12). But He will return to rule the world (Rev. 19:11-16; 22:3).

Word Studies:

37:1 stranger =emporary resident; 37:2 evil report =f sinful things they were doing; 37:7 made obeisance =owed down, bowed in respect; 37:11 observed =ept the matter in mind, pondered; 37:22 rid =escue; 37:29 rent =ore his clothes as an act of grief; 37:34 sackcloth = coarse, loose cloth worn as a sign of mourning; 38:2 took =arried; 38:18 signet =ing bearing seal with which official documents were stamped; 38:24 whoredom =rostitution; 39:14 mock =isgrace; 39:19 wrath was kindled =nger was aroused.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Country: Andorra (78,000) in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain • Major languages: Catalan and French • Official freedom of religion • 94% Christian; 5% non-Religious; .6% Muslim; .9% Other• Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Proverbs 3:6).

Optional Reading: Matthew 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 22:19