Post by aimee on Jan 9, 2008 20:57:03 GMT -8
After reading of the relationships of Jacob and Esau and Jacob and Laban and Jacob and his wives, I was so happy to come finally to Joseph.
In Genesis 25:11-36:23, the theme of Jacob's life really struck me as 'Underhandedness'. Jacob seems to backstab in so many of his dealings with family members. Buying Esau's birthright (Esau was rather dense), stealing Esau's blessing, messing with Laban's sheep so they produce more spotted ones for Jacob, saying "o.k." and sleeping with his wive's concubines, etc. etc... And he seems to get back what he dishes out..
So, coming to the story of Joseph was rather a relief. In the beginning, Joseph seems perhaps a tattle-tale and an uppity little guy, but he was 17, and so to be excused to some extent. It is amazing, to see how he grows into a great man of God. Even through the hardest situations, he remains a hard worker and faithful to what he knows is right and to God.
In the area of relationships Joseph differs greatly from his father. He is honest with his employers, even in tough and scary situations. And even though his brothers have treated him horrendously, he is willing to forgive them, help them, and reunite with his family, when he sees that their hearts have changed toward him. Thus healing their relationship and uniting his family.
The part that stuck out to me most in this passage however was when Joseph is sent for to interpret Pharaoh's dream:
Gen 41:14-16
"So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'
'I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'
That part excites and amazes me, Joseph is renown for interpreting dreams and yet, when asked if he can, he says: Nope, but God can.
This seems like the true perspective of someone on whom God's spirit rests. To not seek the glory, to acknowledge that it is not my power, or some trait that I have, it is God.
In my opinion it is like that with spiritual gifts, they are not 'ours' we do not choose them, or own them, but God chooses when and where to display his power through us. And it takes courage, humility, and presence of mind to give Him the complete credit and glory.
In Genesis 25:11-36:23, the theme of Jacob's life really struck me as 'Underhandedness'. Jacob seems to backstab in so many of his dealings with family members. Buying Esau's birthright (Esau was rather dense), stealing Esau's blessing, messing with Laban's sheep so they produce more spotted ones for Jacob, saying "o.k." and sleeping with his wive's concubines, etc. etc... And he seems to get back what he dishes out..
So, coming to the story of Joseph was rather a relief. In the beginning, Joseph seems perhaps a tattle-tale and an uppity little guy, but he was 17, and so to be excused to some extent. It is amazing, to see how he grows into a great man of God. Even through the hardest situations, he remains a hard worker and faithful to what he knows is right and to God.
In the area of relationships Joseph differs greatly from his father. He is honest with his employers, even in tough and scary situations. And even though his brothers have treated him horrendously, he is willing to forgive them, help them, and reunite with his family, when he sees that their hearts have changed toward him. Thus healing their relationship and uniting his family.
The part that stuck out to me most in this passage however was when Joseph is sent for to interpret Pharaoh's dream:
Gen 41:14-16
"So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh.
Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.'
'I cannot do it,' Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'
That part excites and amazes me, Joseph is renown for interpreting dreams and yet, when asked if he can, he says: Nope, but God can.
This seems like the true perspective of someone on whom God's spirit rests. To not seek the glory, to acknowledge that it is not my power, or some trait that I have, it is God.
In my opinion it is like that with spiritual gifts, they are not 'ours' we do not choose them, or own them, but God chooses when and where to display his power through us. And it takes courage, humility, and presence of mind to give Him the complete credit and glory.
