Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom

Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church

Pastor Bruce L Kotila

January 17, 2010

Joseph and the Dream Giver

Genesis 37:1-17

Outline

Verses 1-2a, the generations of Jacob

Verses 2b-4, Joseph’s relationship with his brothers

Verses 5-11, Joseph’s dreams

Verses 12-17, Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers

Key Verse

“What is this dream you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground? (Genesis 37:10b)

Learning from Joseph’s Dreams

1.      Joseph’s dreams are really God’s dreams (given by God). Our job is to listen to God’s voice, discern and interpret, not create. Acts 2:14-28

2.      Joseph’s dream is given for the salvation (benefit) of others. God’s dreams for us will also result in the salvation of others in that we have been called to a ministry of reconciliation and to the task of making disciples. 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 28:18-20

3.      Joseph’s dreams are intentionally ambiguous. They are not specific as to the how, when, what or why. We are given a compass and not a road map, direction but not the details. John 5:19; Galatians 5:2

4.      Joseph said “yes” to God’s dream and began to act upon it. Saying yes to God’s dreams requires faith and perseverance. Luke 9:57-62; Hebrews 11:1

5.      Joseph’s dream doesn’t reflect the full implications of God’s plan. Ephesians 3:20-21

6.      Joseph’s dream includes a moral imperative even though it is never stated.

The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson

Ordinary Embraces His Big Dream (13-20)

You Were Born For This (72-85)

“What keeps people from embracing and pursuing their God given dreams?” (76-77)

·        I don’t have a dream

·        I have to invent my Dream

·        I have a Dream, but it’s not that important

·        I have a Dream, but it’s up to God to make it happen

·        I had a Dream, but it’s too late

God is not intentionally hiding your Dream from you. It’s already in you. It’s already who you are. Your opportunity is to discover it. These explorations have helped others:

Think back to what you wanted to do when you were growing up

Interview three people you respect, who you think are living their Dream

If someone came along and gave you all the money you ever wanted, what would you do with it?

Observe your life and write down your conclusions.

1.      What have I always been good at? 

2.      What needs do I care about the most? 

3.      Who do I admire most?

4.      What makes me feel most fulfilled?

5.      What do I love to do the most?

6.      What have I felt called to do?

Ask yourself what legacy you would like to leave for your children and grandchildren: What do you most want to be remembered for?