Genesis 37-Exodus 4: Life of Joseph

   Yay! We've completed our first Old Testament book! 

 

   Honestly, this has been my favorite week so far. I was really inspired by the story of Joseph. He lived such a crazy, amazing life and I think we can find a lot of insight and application in it for ourselves. So, this is going to be an abnormally short and sweet post today, as I just have two things I'd like to say.

   A. Joseph's dream interpretation skills are pretty rad. Had to mention that. Because they are. 

    2. I think it is incredible how Joseph responds to his brothers after revealing his true identity to them in Egypt.

 




   They sell him into slavery, and he says: Don't worry, God sent me here to save your lives. You didn't send me here, God did, so bring our father to see me and live here so I can take care of all of you (45:5-13). Then the most amazing part: 

And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. (v. 15) 

   Woah.

   It's like there wasn't even anything to forgive.

   Fast forward a few chapters. 
   Jacob has died. 
   And if there were any questions as to whether or not Joseph was only putting up with his brothers for his father's sake:

But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (50:19-21)

   In light of Joseph's story, my thoughts have been here all week:

• Looking back at the what's, how's, and why's of the circumstances Joseph had to endure before he lived a lovely life with his family in Egypt - What does this say about the Bible's view of suffering? How do the obstacles I have endured fit into this model?
• Looking back at Jacob's incredible example of forgiveness - How does that compare to the forgiveness I have shown others in my own life? How might I shape my actions and, really, my life to better forgive others? Specific people and in general?

What do you guys think?
About Joseph? About suffering and forgiveness? About passages I haven't addressed?
Let's chat :)

~Courtney