Walking in the Covenant, Building the Kingdom

Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church

Pastor Bruce L Kotila

June 6, 2010

Joseph and the Dream Giver

Genesis 42-43             Guilt, Forgiveness and God’s Sovereignty

Outline

Genesis 42:1-5            Joseph’s brothers come to buy food

Genesis 42:6                Joseph’s dreams are fulfilled

Genesis 42:7-9            Joseph recognizes/remembers his brothers

Genesis 42:10-20        Joseph accuses his brothers

Genesis 42:21-24        Joseph’s brothers acknowledge their guilt

Genesis 42:25-38        Joseph’s brothers return to Canaan

Genesis 43:1-15          Jacob is forced to release Benjamin

Genesis 43:16-34        Joseph and his brothers feast together

Key Verses

• “But Jacob did not send Joseph's brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, "I am afraid that harm may befall him." (Genesis 42:4)
• “Now Joseph was the ruler over the land; he was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. (Genesis 42:6)
• “But Joseph had recognized his brothers, although they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams which he had about them, and said to them, "You are spies; you have come to look at the undefended parts of our land." (Genesis 42:8-9)
• We are all sons of one man, we are honest men, your servants are not spies” (Genesis 42:11)
• “Then they said to one another, "Truly we are guilty concerning our brother, because we saw the distress of his soul when he pleaded with us, yet we would not listen; therefore this distress has come upon us. And Reuben answered them, saying, "Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy'; and you would not listen? Now comes the reckoning for his blood." (Genesis 42:21-22)
• Then he said to his brothers, "My money has been returned, and behold, it is even in my sack." And their hearts sank, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, "What is this that God has done to us?" (Genesis 42:28)
• “When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which was in their hand and bowed to the ground before him. (Genesis 43:26)

Observations from Genesis 42-43

1. Jacob’s favoritism continues some 20 years later.
2. In accordance with God’s timing, Joseph’s dreams (God’s plans) are fulfilled.
3. As God intervenes, that which was forgotten, both good and evil, is remembered
4. Spiritual principles are inviolate, you will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7)
5. Unresolved guilt hardens the heart and makes it difficult (maybe impossible?) to receive grace and celebrate goodness.

Application

1. Which storyline could you most identify with in these chapters?
2. What is the (kairos) major point of learning for you? Enter the circle and work both sides repent (observe, reflect, discuss) and believe (plan, account and act). 
3. Record and pray through any discoveries.