Joseph (continued)

Since I'm so far behind in keeping up with writing about the sermon series on Joseph, I just thought I'd start a new post and include all the ones I missed.

21-Oct:  Jacob had many reasons for trusting God, but when crisis hit, he exhibited a lack of faith, being filled with self-pity, depression, and continuing to play favorites.  He responded with blame and deception.  However, we learn that successful spiritual leadership involves:

• Facing problems, for God does not give us more than we can handle (1 Corinth 10:13)
• Remembering that no problem is bigger than God (Rom 8:35-37)
• Being honest
• Putting faith and facts ahead of feelings (Heb 11:1)
• Accepting responsibility (James 4:17)
• Claiming the unlimited wealth of God's promises (2 Pet 1:4)
• Trusting God (Isaiah 41:13)

"Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”    says the Lord, who has compassion on you."   (Isaiah 54:10)

28-Oct:   Joseph's brothers must have experienced much self-examination considering their circumstance.  Guilt cannot be eradicated by human measures but can only be redeemed by God's answer to it.  When reunited, Joseph was so filled with emotion that he had to force himself to remain calm.   But, during emotional earthquakes, we can remember that God is always there (Psalm 56:8). Other interesting points in the passage were that in Gen 43:32-34, when the brothers "looked at each other in astonishment", it was because they didn't know how they were able to be seated in order by age not knowing at the time that Joseph was their brother; and also, in vs 23, when Joseph's Egyptian steward said “It’s all right”and referred to God, he using the words "Shalom" and "Elohim".

 11-Nov:  Two qualities that made Joseph a great leader by God's standards are:

• He trusted God over a very long and very troubling period of his life
• He demonstrated a gracious and magnanimous attitude toward others who had sinned against him

Faith overcomes the past, gives peace for the present, and secures the future.  It's not so much the troubles and trials that make it our worst day, but it would be if we fail to trust God.  "God doesn't just give us grace, but also Jesus, the Lord of grace."

18-Nov:  In Genesis 45:7,8  Joseph provides perspective for what he has suffered though the words "BUT God..."     God allowed the temporary suffering and injustices to happen, BUT behind it all, God was able to use it "to save.. lives by a great deliverance".

25-Nov:  In moving from Canaan to Egypt, Jacob stops at Beersheba where the covenant was previously made.  God reassures him and promises their return and His preservation. 

2-Dec:  A five-step leadership plan from the example of Joseph (Gen 46:31-47:12):

1. Use position and influence to help, not harm, a situation
2. Mentor those following you to speak and behave rightly before they get into the moment
3. Apply godly wisdom to each circumstance and pray when wisdom is lacking
4. Honor God first
5. Follow through on promises, just as God does 

 9-Dec:  Like Joseph, we are to be productive for His Plan and follow his example of leadership with wisdom, integrity, compassion, and creativity  (Gen 47:13-31)

16-Dec:  Jacob passed his legacy through his dying wish to be buried w/his forefathers (Gen 47:29-31).  This shows that he was looking forward to the fulfillment of God's Promise, and is the only clear verse on Jacob's faith and worship.

23-Dec:  The series on the life of Joseph wraps up with parallels shown between Joseph and Jesus (e.g. father's love, hated by brothers, tempted, taken to Egypt, robes taken, falsely accused, placed w/two prisoners - one saved other lost, exalted after suffering, forgave those who wronged him, saved their nation, etc).  Overall, through all his years of suffering, Joseph did not see the final outcome of God's plan of deliverance, but he did not complain, was steadfast in his love for his family, and faithfully trusted God.