Remain Faithful - Genesis 47:27 - 50:26

When I retired as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joe Scruggs was my Sunday school teacher and I had served several years as his assistant. The class was simply referred to as Dr. Scruggs’ Class. At the time of his death, I became the teacher and without any thought the name simply changed to Dr. Vandivers Class until about ten years ago when I ask the class to choose another name for the class that would appropriately suggest what we were really about. I was very proud when someone suggested that we change the class name to FAITH BUILDERS CLASS. The best I can remember, there was a discussion that centered on the fact that older people seek the presence and consolation of greater faith; and some felt that consistent attendance in this class was a sure way to grow in faith. The regular sharing of our personal experiences in serving the Lord served to build the faith of those who might be prone to pray—“God, strengthen my little faith.”

We had over forty enrolled at our peak and still have twenty-two, and most of these members were there when I started teaching. At our age, with all of our aches and pains we still have an average of sixteen to eighteen present each Sunday. We have lost as many to the death angel as we now have enrolled. Search the world over and you will not find a group of men anywhere who have REMAINED MORE FAITHFUL than these, my brethren have.

I am proud and feel supremely honored to have been the teacher all of these last few years. All praise and thanks go to the Almighty for allowing teachers to gain more than many are able to give. Teaching God’s Word is a challenge and very scary business because of the warning that—“False teachers will be held accountable for any who are misled.” I must constantly remind all of you that read or hear my attempt to ‘rightly divide’ the word should always make sure that it is based on Bible truths. You should always be weary of the Vandiverism that appears.

Should I ask you to write a list of forty names of men that have impressed you most during the last twenty years I dare say that I can tell you many of the names that you would include, and even more of their fields of service or vocations. There would be a couple of Presidents, one or two Secretaries of State, maybe a congressman, Billy Graham, and maybe another preacher of choice, several names would come from the role of great athletes, and then you would top the list off with Bill Gates, and another billionaire or two, and finally a few of businesses’ top moguls like Ford and Rockefeller.
No doubt some of you would include your favorite actor and actresses. Only a very few of these would make my list. The men in my class have REMAINED FAITHFUL and they would top my list because I believe so strongly that commitment to Jesus Christ is the first and foremost necessity in proving any right we have to honor and fame.

Born again believers will usually agree that remaining faithful to our Lord and Savior involves a spiritual struggle. One of the greatest disappointments is watching the productive years of our lives come slowly and disappear with the speed of lightening before many of our expectations have been realized. We have developed some of our greatest ambitions and then watched them fade into oblivion without being fulfilled. God has never promised that we would not experience heartaches and disappointments and we have had our share that left deep scars. Most of us have questioned the results we have experienced from faithfully following the straight and narrow way…Satan uses this trap to lead us to doubt our faith. It is absolutely necessary for us to use God’s Word as our convincing proof that we are always winners so long as we remain faithful.

Christ saved us by his grace—and God then calls on us to remain faithful to him until death. These last chapters in Genesis give us examples of men of faith that were triumphant; and these examples are designed to help each one of us to meet His expectations. A NOTE OF IMPORTANCE: Any time my faith grows weak and I really need a lift I turn to Hebrews in the New Testament; and I feel that you should turn right now to the 10th chapter of Hebrews and the 19th verse and read the rest of the book. Success & happiness comes only by FAITH.

As I look back over my life many times in all honesty [but in ignorance] I have wished someone good-luck. Yes, Christians as well as unbelievers have cultivated this bad habit of wishing another person to have good-luck in whatever they were attempting to do. People either prosper or fail according to the sovereign plan of Jesus Christ—and absolutely nothing is left to luck. Look at the following example of false thinking.

Soon after I married Juanita Uncle Sam inducted me into the infantry and I was shipped overseas. Soon after I returned from WWII an injured back caused hospitalization for over six months but Juanita remained by my side. She stood by me when I was fired. She has remained faithful and cared for me through several serious operations on bad hips, a replaced knee, and back operations. She is still resolute and caring even through this third hip replacement. I AM CONVIENCED THAT SHE IS NOTHING BUT BAD LUCK. Well, the point is that none of these problems arose because of bad luck on any-bodies part. These things happened because they were in God’s plan for my life and as I look back over some of my problems I believe that I understand how many of them occurred in order to guide me into the field of education and into a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

Both Jacob and Joseph had more setbacks than any of us have had but they had a different theological interpretation of the events of life. There is no incidence given where God spoke directly to Joseph. [The nearest thing to it is that God helped him to interpret certain dreams.] However, through all of his problems with his brothers, being made a slave, being falsely accused and in prison—he never lost faith in the God of his fathers. When he finally was accepted by pharaoh, was brilliant and a hard worker some may say that his luck finally caught up with him. No, these were all a part of God’s plan to feed the world during the period of a seven year famine. Joseph understood this and when he reconciled with his bad brothers, he encouraged them to see and understand that they did not make a mistake in selling him, but that they had actually helped God carry out his plan for His people.
Listen now, if you are having a bad time, problems with your health, financial difficulties, family problems…God may be trying to get your attention; these misfortunes may be for a reason—and your reaction should be one of interrogatory prayer; pray and seek God’s will for the rest of your life. He does answer prayer! NOTE: If you do not believe that God intervenes in the lives of men; if you do not believe that he wants the best for his children, then your only hope is that some day in Heaven he will take the time to tell you what he was trying to reveal to you while here on earth.


The Egyptian Pharaoh invited Jacob’s family to move to Goshen; and Joseph insisted that they leave the land of Canaan and move to Egypt. Pharaoh enthusiastically supported the move and even furnished the horses and wagons as their moving vans. He permitted them to settle in the land of Goshen, a fertile area in the northeastern part of Egypt that was suited for raising sheep and cattle which was their trade. It was the custom of the Egyptian people to look down on all foreigners that moved into their land—and this was an exception only because of God’s plan for Jacob and his family.

We should never feel that our ‘little faith’ is a fault that others have not experienced. Jacob is one of those listed as having great faith but there were times when his faith faltered. When Joseph disappeared, he thought his son was dead and now that he has been re-united with him in Egypt, he is overcome with the goodness of God. Not only did he find his long lost son, but he found that he had two new grand-sons. When it was time for him to start blessing all his family before he died, he started with these two new boys in the family, Ephraim the younger and Manasseh, Joseph’s first child. Joseph bowed before his father holding the boys. David placed his right hand on Ephraim and his left hand on Manasseh. This is another indication where the younger son is receiving the first blessing, and the older son the lesser blessing. Joseph did not understand and tried to correct his father, but Jacob followed what he knew to be God’s will. Both would be blessed, but the younger would be first in the kingdom work. Their father Joseph would forever remain the leader over all of his other brothers—that was his blessing.

In chapter 49 Jacob continued to call each of his 12 sons who were to be the heads of the 12 tribes, and made known to them what God had planned for their future. The way each one had lived played a part in the way they would be remembered. This is an open sermon to each of us today. By the time the sun rises tomorrow our actions of today will have become history, past, and unchangeable, but definitely already beginning to shape what our future will be. We should constantly be aware that what we are doing today will effect our future. It is much easier to do right today than it is to have to seek forgiveness before we can move on toward the tomorrows of our life.

Reuben, the oldest, lost his special blessing because of his being untrustworthy in his youth; he even defiled his father’s bed by sleeping with one of his concubines. Evidently he never did show a repentant spirit.

We do not fully understand why Judah was so richly blessed. He was the one responsible for selling Joseph into slavery but God had chosen him as the one that would be the father of Israel’s kings that is what is meant by saying his scepter will not depart from Judah. It would be out of Judah that the Messiah would come. It is believed that his character had probably changed for the better. I believe that he asked for forgiveness and it was granted. Why? Just because the bible has told us…New Testament Christians…that all of us have sinned—but if we will repent and confess our sins that he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. God has not changed. The Book tells us that he is the same yesterday, today and will always be the same loving God.Z

Vandiver Confession: I have read all of chapter 49 that singles out each of Jacob’s sons and how he blessed, or admonished each one. Some of the things he predicted are straight forward and easy to understand—while a majority of it is beyond my understanding. You know…I am not a seminary trained bible scholar…and I have to take advice from others that seem to know more. However, too often, when I don’t understand a verse…very often it is difficult to find any writer that has explained it in their commentary. For example: The commentaries that I have completely skip verses 13-15, and that includes the two brothers, Zebulun and Issachar. Verse 13 seems to be self explanatory. However, verses 14-15 are beyond my understanding. Note: I think that one who has really studied the bible, and can remember, will be able to tell you that this is fully explained somewhere in God’s Word.

As expected, Joseph was the one that Jacob blessed most, and praised highly—a fruitful vine near a spring, which indicated that he would continue to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Indeed, his life has already been fruitful and will continue. He has some memorable descendants; among them is Joshua, who would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and Deborah, Gideon and Jephthah who were later some of the judges of Israel. Joseph was able to draw closer to God as adversity mounted in his life. His constant dependence on the Lord showed his great faith and it leads to the final time we must be reminded that our dependence on God during our lowest moments is the one thing that proves our faith. When others see us placing our dependence in Jesus it serves as our light that is placed high on a hill where all can see. Exercising faith is not a light that can be hidden under a bushel; therefore it cannot be faked.

Can you? Do you trust him when injury or persecution is directed at you? Remember you can not trust completely on your own! Spiritual battles of this life require teamwork between courageous and faithful people and the all powerful and loving Lord of our life. So, we must always remember when the dark clouds gather and the destructive winds of evil begin to blow, we are never alone. He is here, there, and everywhere that his people are and it is solely for their protection. He will not force himself upon anyone, and he expects us to call upon him for his help in our need.

As we bid Genesis goodbye, let us thank God for a great beginning and please allow this one admonishment—TRUST AND BELIEVE IN ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST AND THEN— R E M A I N F A I T H F U L. The reward here will be a happier life…and the award to come is indescribable. AMEN!

Making Major Life Adjustments - Genesis 46 and 47

How often do you stop and realize that the Holy Bible serves us in many different ways? It is our calendar, our measuring stick, time table; it is our planning and operating manual and our dictionary that defines words we do not understand and gives us examples of how to handle every life crises that intrudes our lives. There are literally thousands, yea millions, of us that stumble along through life wondering what to do—when the answer is as close as the Book on the table. Why do people let dust collect on the Holy Word? Pray meaningfully right now that you will be inspired to read it more often.

I can think of no other topic that intervenes in the life of every human alive than does the lesson topic for today—Making Life Adjustments. Just think about it for a moment. One of your most important life adjustments had to be made immediately at the moment you were born. You had been fed intravenously for the last nine months and you had to adjust to being fed orally. Oxygen is absolutely necessary; one can not survive even for a few minutes without its presence in the blood stream. It had been furnished by osmoses and instantly at birth the lungs must take over.

If you live a century, your last days will be filled with life adjustments as you decide on doctors, hospitals, care-giving homes and who will share in your last will and testament—even as to who will conduct your funeral and who will be the six that carries you those last few steps from the hearse. There are ninety-nine years between that are filled with instances where your life adjustments are as vital as life itself. It would literally take pages to list all the new adventures you will undertake. Just a few are; school, college, work, courting and marriage, salvation, church choice, where you will live, and time to move, and finally a retirement plan all of these interspersed with each and every call of the Master on your life.

God gives us one very good example of how Jacob, in old age, nearly blind, and living in Hebron—in the land of Canaan, which was promised to his father and grandfather, is now confronted with the necessity to make another life adjustment. It seems appropriate for us to go back and review the life of this man and at least a few of his many adjustments in order to see what it is that has made it possible for him to endure life and live to be more than one hundred years of age and still have his right mind.

Remember that Jacob was born with his first demise holding to one of his heals. He was the older of the two sons, but soon lost all rights to his birthright and his father’s blessing. He never blamed God and held on to the faith of his father. He was far from a perfect man because he used a scheme planned partly by his mother to cheat Esau out of his birthright and had to escape home to dodge his brother’s revenge.

He soon learned that others could play the cheating game when his father-in-law tricked him into working fourteen years for the wife he desired. You will note that he did not blame God and kept his faith until God started his faith to work again in his favor. He gained in family and goods, until he was able to escape bondage and start his journey homeward.

On his way back to his people we must never forget the one most important night in Jacob’s life. He had hills ahead to climb and knew it, and when God approached him, he held on to god…wrestled with God… all night and refused to let go until God made him promises that He would go with him and help him through the rest of his life.

Let me ask you a personal and very private question. Do not answer to me—but find the answer for yourself and see just how determined you really are to serve God with all your power and might and expect God to keep the promises he has made you through his Holy Word. When you have a serious problem that occurs in your life do you choose to work it out on your own? Do you fight your own battles independently and expect no one to help? Do you face a mad brother or other mad enemy and just handle it yourself? How many times in your life have you been in serious trouble when you went directly to God, and prayed and prayed, and then waited for God to help you through your problem? Jacob trusted God.

I remind all of us again, Jacob was far from being a perfect man, he had some real problems being the perfect father and his gang of evil minded boys proves that. But without failure when his times got rough he tore his clothes, or wept in sack cloth and ashes, sometimes feeling down but never defeated. He never turned his back on the God of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac. Oh, how we need to learn to fully TRUST God every day, all the way!

His family clan has grown to seventy in number and he is still the respected leader of the family. Even the ‘bad boys’ of his family have shown their honor for him and their dependence on him. They have now completed two dangerous journeys to Egypt obeying his commands for them to go. Especially the last time when they knew that Joseph had laid down some hard rules for them to follow. Now they have come to the time when Jacob says it is time for the entire family to leave the Promised Land and move to Egypt and there seems to be no objection coming from the older sons. With all the turmoil that has occurred in this family…how can this father, Jacob, still command such respect from family members that have not always loved him as a father should be loved? There can only be one answer. Jacob has always followed God and God has blessed him for this.

Jacob said, “I am convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” “So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.” Here in the first verses of chapter 46 we find that Israel [Jacob] is still close to God, for God appeared unto him and encouraged him to move on to Egypt. God said, “Go and I will go with you and I will bring you back.” Believing in the promises of god Israel and all that he had loaded into the wagons that Joseph had sent for his use, and they all made one more great adjustment in their lifetime. The remainder of this chapter gives the family tree, 66 in all went to Egypt; Counting Joseph and his family this made a total of 70 in the newly reestablished family.

The reunion in Goshen is one that brought tears of joy to Israel and his son Joseph, and no doubt the rest of the family felt safe and glad to have been led by this great man. There is a beautiful story unfolded in chapter 47. If you will only read it for yourself, you can see how God works in, through and for those he loves.

The famine still had the nations in its grips, but they all survived because of Joseph’s planning and God’s provision. Joseph appealed to the Pharos and his family was granted land in the most fertile part of Egypt. During the last years of the famine all of the Egyptians had to trade their lands and stock for food provisions, so that the Pharos owned all the land. He allowed Joseph to employ his brothers who were good and able workers and the family was soon one of the richest tribes in the land of Egypt.

When the rain returned and crops began to grow, every one was now working for the king and a precedent was set that contends until this day on the rental farms of America. Sharecroppers work the owners land and retain four fifths of the crops for their labor and they pay one fifth of the crop as rent. This is very interesting to me. And one more precedent was also established. The land of the priest did not become Pharaoh’s. In America, the property that belongs to the Church is not subject to government taxes.

Because of the fair deal allowed the Hebrews, they were able to gain wealth, and buy property for themselves, so that they became both the owners of the land and the owners of the land and this brought prosperity. What a beautiful way for Jacob to live out his last days on earth.

When Jacob was 147 years old, he realized it was his time to go home to Glory. His son Joseph promised to take him back to his home and bury him with the older members of this Godly family. Here is proof once more of what we must do to please God and keep his will in our lives. Too feeble to stand alone, Jacob leaned on his staff and spent some of his last moments on this earth worshiping God.

Many of the stories of the Bible, and this has been one of them, are very interesting to read, joyful and uplifting to those of us who believe. But really they are not written for the joy of reading. As the stories are written they continually unfold truths, facts, and plans for us to live by. It is only when we read between the lines…it is only when we make these truths applicable to our lives that we learn how to live with honor, and always pleasing to God. It is in these stories that we find the approved plan that God has to make our lives purposeful.

Never forget that God has a purpose for each of his children. There is a plan of action that will bring that purpose to it’s rightfully conclusion. There is only one place that you will find the guidelines or plans that let you know with assurance that you are on the right road every day. You will find that map in the Bible. Sometimes the road signs are hard to read, and even more difficult to understand and the only way you can make sure that you are not making a mistake is to keep your eye, heart and mind on God. You can see him tomorrow morning when the sun rises in the east, and again when the rain falls, and when the earth turns green in the springtime. You can see him each day you live through a glass dimly, but with absolute assurance when you study his word and apply it to your daily life. Accomplish this and you will be able to make ALL OF YOUR LIFE ADJUSTMENTS WITHOUT FEAR AND YOU CAN KNOW YOUR DESTINATION—hell or HEAVEN.

Work Toward Reconciliation - Genesis 43 to 46

My experience in the field of education included four years as teacher, four years as principal and twenty-nine years as Superintendent, all in public schools. During the expanse of the thirty-seven years one of the most troublesome problems was dealing with teachers, students and parents with broken relationships.

Human nature requires years to build strong relationships that require mutual trust and willingness to share. Even in the most stable of families there can always be problems; and in our society with so many broken homes the problem has grown in intensity. In order to prevent complete chaos in the smaller societies like the home, school or church there must be constant attention given toward reconciliation.

Because of doubts, fear, and distrust reconciliation of two or more adversaries or close friends is no easy task and it usually requires a third party to intervene and insist on some kind of compromise or an additional disaster or dire need to arise that forces one side or the other to seek reconciliation.

This is precisely what happened in Jacob’s family. Looking back to the close of Chapter 42 we find that Joseph did not trust his older brothers that he remembers as being heartlessly cruel in the way they had treated him. He wanted proof of some reconciliation on their part and he also wanted to be able to help his father and his younger brother in their dire need for food. He sold them the grain they needed and then returned their money by hiding it in the sacks of grain. He held Simeon in custody and demanded that they bring his little brother Benjamin back with them when they came to rescue Simeon. The chapter ends with Jacob’s refusal to trust his boys to carry out the deal that Joseph had made and he refused to budge until there was another greater need that forced him to reconsider. His grain supply was running low.

As we start the lesson today the first verse describes the need that had arisen. The famine was still severe in the land and Jacob had used all the grain that was purchased on the first trip to Egypt. Not only was he about to loose his live stock to starvation, but the family was also about out of the basic grain needed for human survival. Jacob directed the boys to make a second journey to Egypt to buy additional grain. They refused to go because of the conditions Joseph had established that demanded them to bring Benjamin with them when they returned to free Simeon.

The Bible has not said how much time had passed, but later we find that it had been two years since they made the first buy and Jacob [Israel] seemed to have forgotten that his boys were not to return without Benjamin. You must remember that neither Jacob nor his older sons knew that the man in charge of the granaries in Egypt was his son, Joseph. When they reminded him of the conditions set down by Joseph, he was leery again of their story and asked them how the man in Egypt even knew that there was a younger son in the family. Their explanation must have been somewhat convincing because he reluctantly agreed to go along with the deal.

Judah became the spokesman for the boys and assumed full responsibility for Benjamin’s return. Their condition had worsened and Judah explained that this was the only way for their father and all of their families to survive. It was a matter of life and death.

Jacob’s reaction proves that he wanted reconciliation with the man in Egypt because he directed that they take back the silver that had been returned and explain that it must have been a mistake…they did not steal the money; he also directed them to take additional silver to purchase the new load of grain.

Then to prove his caring attitude, he directed that they take some of the products that were produced locally and were still available from his land; such as a little balm, a little honey, some spices and myrrh and a few nuts. It is evident that these items were getting scarce, or the amount would have been more generous. This was an act of bartering because these were products that were very rare and expensive and not usually available in Egypt.

Jacob let them know that he was not completely happy with the idea of sending Benjamin as a hostage and that it grieved him greatly to be forced to let Benjamin go. We must read into this act more than barter, because the return of the money was a matter of integrity and honesty. This part of his trade sets an example for each of us today in that we should always be willing to return to others what they rightfully own and never take advantage of someone’s honest mistake. If a stranger should lose a great sum of money in your car or on your property…would you make an honest effort to see that it was returned to the owner? Assume that he did not know where he lost the money and did not seek to retrieve it would you keep it for your own use?

The second journey to Egypt hurriedly took place and Joseph noted that Benjamin was with them as they approached his king-like palace. He ordered that his brothers be taken to his house and that an animal be prepared for a feast to be shared with him at noon that day. They went as ordered, but were leery, even frightened when they were guided by guards to his home. They were expecting to be taken captive and accused of stealing the money that had been placed in their first trip grain bags. Do you see how we are so prone to hold on to our fears of others? It takes a lot more time to regain confidence than it does to lose it the first time.

In verses nineteen through thirty-two, you will find one of the most touching stories, a picture of a large family that has been broken, now approaching the gate of reconciliation. Joseph now knows all is well—even his aged father is still living and well—and he went to his own room and wept; he washed his face and returned to share his food with his brothers and his Egyptian staff that had prepared the meal.

Think about a comparison here with Jesus at Jerusalem. He said, “Oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, how oft would I have comforted you…as a hen does her chicks, and you would not.” Joseph, no doubt, was thinking about how often he would have guided, befriended, and stood by his brothers…and they would not allow him to do so…they had rejected him and literally thought they had destroyed him…as Jerusalem rejected Christ and had him crucified.

There may be a comparison here between Joseph and Jesus, but we still see flaws in Joseph’s life that lets us know that he was not perfect. One sticks out in plain sight when the plates were served at the noon feast—it was the helping of food that appeared on Benjamin’s plate as compared to the others. Joseph arranged for five times more food to be served to his youngest brother…the one who was not involved in his boy-hood persecutions. He may have forgiven them…but he had not forgotten. When Christ forgives us—he also forgets our transgressions and removes our sins to the other side of the earth where they are not visible any more.
Remember that Joseph now knows each one involved…but they have not recognized him as their younger brother. When the feast is completed, the steward was ordered to load their animals with all the grain they could carry. Again, as before, all their silver was replaced in their bags…now they have three times as much as they brought the first time. THERE IS ONE BIG DIFFERENCE! Joseph ordered that his silver cup of divination be hidden along with the silver that was in Benjamin’s sack of grain. This was a premeditated trap set to catch and prove that the cup had been stolen from Joseph’s table after the meal.

[Divination refers to an object {cup in this case} that is used to foretell future events.] It must have been a practice used by Egyptians, because Joseph knew that his divine ability to look into the future or explain the meaning of dreams came directly from God.

The caravan of pack mules moved slowly away from Joseph’s palace headed home. Guards were ordered to overtake them and search the sacks of grain for the cup. They started with the oldest son, and did not find it until they came to the sack belonging to Benjamin. All the boys were returned to face Joseph and the charge of stealing the cup. They were contrite, bowed down to Joseph and submitted themselves to be his slaves. But Joseph said that only the one who stole the cup should remain as his slave and the rest were free to go.

They explained that all would be willing to stay if he would only let Benjamin go because if he did not return it would mean the death of their elderly father. Joseph finally believed that reconciliation had fully come to all the older boys, that they were really concerned about his father, and he broke down in great sobs of joyful tears, and told them who he was…Joseph, their long lost younger brother.

The very heart of this story about Jacob’s family is found in the 45th chapter. Joseph explained that God had been working through them even when they sold him into bondage. He told them not to feel condemned, and to realize that they had been a part of God’s plan. He explained that God knew the time of famine would come, and prepared the way for him to work his way into the leadership role in Egypt so he could save his father’s family from destruction. RECONCILIATION was now completed, and they were directed to go back to their father and explain what had happened. The family made plans to return so Jacob could see his lost son before he died.

Joseph sent the grain, all their silver and he sent extra animals and carts for the women and children to ride in their journey to Egypt. All appeared so perfectly planned that Jacob believed and cooperated as the family left their home and went to be cared for by God through the influence of their son and brother Joseph.

Have you lost everything? Have you suffered beyond what seems to be fair and deserved? Should you give up? NO! God has a plan for each of us and he will not fail to work his plan…all we need is FAITH TO BELIEVE THAT HE WILL.

Acknowledge Broken Relationships - Genesis 42

If you want some first hand information about the troubles that face many of our elderly castaways, all you need do is spend a few days in a rehab anywhere across America today. If you want to develop a positive attitude and desire to pass it on to love ones, spend a day or two in a rehab. I needed a personal experience that would help me and you understand the broken heart of a parent that is shattered because of broken relationships with their children; and I picked up more examples than I have space and time to write about in the few days I spent in rehab. I will share two or three that fit in with our study today. As you read here, remember how Jacob’s boys treated him.

John is sixty-five, lived out west, was married and has several children, all grown now. He was divorced a few years ago and he moved to live alone in a remote part of central Arkansas. No one bothered to check on him until someone reported to one of his sons still living West, that John had suffered a severe stroke in his left side, leaving him completely dependent upon some one else to feed and care for him. His son finally came to see him in rehab and it was obvious that their relationship was strained.

On the son’s first visit, he asked to offer prayer at our table. Later when I complemented John for having a son that loves the Lord and him, his reply was that he was a pretty good son…but only when he was trying to manipulate things to his own advantage. This remark came through sobs and with tears streaming down his cheeks. The next day I asked the son where he attended church and he let me know that he did not belong to any organized church and felt sure that he was the better for his independence. He and John had an open argument while at our table exposing the long continuing bad relationship.

Then there was the self made mechanic, no schooling or financial backing and 83 years old. He was married and had children who forsook him when he married again after the first wife died. There are two or three children from the second marriage that ended in divorce late in life. His description of her was that she was mean spirited and very difficult to live with peaceably. Only one son cares enough to check on him while in bad health for years, in rehab with me and no place to go except a nursing home, if one will take him. The man has only two or three teeth that do not meet, more of a problem than help. He confided in me that he had been trying for years to save enough money to have the teeth pulled and buy dentures so he can eat ordinary food.

Jacob had four wives and twelve sons, ten by wives he neither loved nor wanted and only two by the wife he loved—Joseph and Benjamin. He had many reasons throughout his life to trust only the two youngest of his sons and he really believed that Joseph was dead. The seven year drought that started in Egypt spread out over all the lands of the descendents of Abraham and caught Jacob and his family with no food. Word got around that there was grain for sale in Egypt, so he sent his ten older sons to Egypt to buy grain. He did not fully trust his oldest sons and kept Benjamin behind in safety. When the ten arrived before their brother Joseph, he knew who they were but they did not recognize him.

He accused his brothers as spies who had come to find the part of his country that was not protected. They told him who they were and why they had come and it was all in good faith. He remembered his dreams as an 18 year old boy that told him this day would come when he would rule over the older men in the family. I think his main object was to find how they had treated his ‘own brother’—had they been as cruel to Benjamin as they were to him? Did they despise Ben because he was not their ‘own brother?’

When they arrived Joseph could only remember one day long ago when they had drug him from a deep hole and sold him away into slavery because of their hatred toward him. He was not sure he could trust them now and decided to try them by demanding that one remain in Egypt until the others could deliver the grain to his father and bring Benjamin back for him to see. He would then allow all to go free.

Grain was very valuable because it could be used in many ways. It could be stored and preserved—not like vegetables, milk, meat etc. that spoiled. It was even used for money… to barter in trade. Their father Jacob and the whole family was desperate for food and they really had no choice but to go along with what ever Joseph decide to do.

To prove his power over them he had them imprisoned for three days—then he revealed his plan that would test them to see if they were truthful and not spies. One brother was to remain in Egypt in prison while the others could return to their home, take the purchased grain, and then bring Benjamin back with them to prove that he was not being mistreated. In the end, if they all proved that they were to be trusted; they would be released to return to their father Jacob.

Reuben was the oldest and probably the wisest of the sons that were still at home. When they arrived back home from their shopping trip and found that their money had been given back to them, and the grain had cost them nothing, Reuben begin to realize that this was the hand of God still at work and that they were still being punished for the way they had treated their brother, Joseph.

The sad side of this whole story is that Jacob had ten sons that he did not trust. You talk about broken relationships—this has been a mixed-up family every since it became a polygamist marriage with one unwanted wife, and two unwanted slave girls that bore him children.

This chapter closes in doubt and fear in Jacob’s mind and heart. He was being asked to allow his youngest and most loved son to travel to Egypt as the pawn that would allow the release of his older brother. Of course, Jacob did not realize that his long lost son Joseph was at the other end of the line making the final decisions. He decided to refuse to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt. We know that in later chapters, Jacob changes his mind and allows him to go; but as this chapter closes we see the height of mistrust that a family with broken relationships can bring to a family.

This brings back to our memory the command that was given by God to all children of men to HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER. There will always be enough sin in the lives of children to cause some misunderstanding; however there should never be a time when simple misunderstandings run the gamete and become broken relationships.

As I close this lesson at ten AM on Saturday, the Cleburne County area is under a severe storm warning. I am in my basement, the safest area of my home, taking the weather man’s best advice to avoid destruction. This is just a simple way of responding to a warning of danger. This is God’s simple way of warning all who study this lesson that we need to be willing to follow the instructions that God has given us if we want to prolong our lives. Honor our fathers and mothers, and trust God to preserve us from the storms of life. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. As I write, the thunder is close and the lightening is flashing and I am still and calm and have trusted all to the Father above. Oh, how I pray that each and every one of you who read this can find the peace and satisfaction that I have found in my complete trust of my personal Savior.

PS: I have had two good nights at home, little to no pain and will soon be able to enjoy the UNBROKEN RELATIONSHIPS that are present in my family. To God be the Glory!

One more PS: I will not take the time to proof read and correct errors, so please forgive my misspellings, and other errors.

When Presented With Challenging Tasks - Genesis 41:1-57

NOTE: It is Saturday, April 12, 2008, 10:45 AM, and this lesson for April 27 is the last early posting. All of the lab work and preliminary papers were completed last Thursday and my surgery is set for April 15, at 6:30 AM. Dr. McCoy says that I should be able to return home in three or four days at most. God willing, I will take up my blanket and walk again. I covet your prayers!

I have found from my study of the Bible that it is dangerous when we condemn any person for their deeds, actions or reactions. We also need to be careful about condemning those that are in authority for the way they judge the accused that come before them. It doesn’t matter how we think men in the Bible should have conducted their affairs; we must always remember that God was involved, and the situation is as it is because God has a plan and a purpose for each of his creation. Let us review the background that leads to today’s lesson.

God’s plan included the birth of Joseph into a family with eleven brothers that hated him so much that they kidnapped him when he was seventeen and sold him to Egyptian traders that in turn sold him to Potiphar, chief officer of the Pharaoh in Egypt. Joseph was trustworthy and became Potiphar’s most trusted servant. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph and he was cast into prison. He befriended a cupbearer that was in the same prison and it led to a pardon for the cupbearer who should have returned the favor, but he forgot Joseph. Add now the years of service and jail time and Joseph must be about twenty four years old.

Consider each person and event at the time it happened and it seems fair and natural to condemn several people. We may have condemned Jacob for his failure as a father in disciplining his sons. We could say that Joseph should have declined to brag about his future domination over his brothers. His brothers were far from Christians in their treatment of their brother. Anyone in the slave trade is in the wrong business. Potiphar’s wife committed lust and lied. And Potiphar should have been a better judge of people. These statements all seem to be the truth; however if any one of them had failed to do what they did, Joseph would not have grown into the strong man that he is today with an abiding faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The last one that failed to help Joseph was the cupbearer, and that was about two years before Pharaoh’s dreams in this lesson.

You should read the first part of chapter forty-one that describes the two dreams of Pharaoh regarding the seven fat and seven lean cows and the seven stalks with withered heads and seven stalks loaded with grain. He was troubled about the meaning of these dreams and he called in his wise men and magicians to interpret the dreams. In Egypt this was an accepted source of unknown information. Pharaoh’s wise men were not able to find the meaning of his two dreams.

The Bible confirms that there were wise men and magicians in those days that could perform miracles. They had surprising powers but they were demonic in nature and therefore always subject to the greater power of God. In Exodus 7: 11, a well known incident is recorded where the magicians were able to perform the same kinds of magic as the servants of God…but God’s works were more powerful and prevailed. These men could read the stars, predict the future, interpret dreams and do other magic.

Admittedly, I have misjudged people when I should not. I castigated the cupbearer for not helping Joseph two years ago when he helped the prisoner gain his release. It now seems evident that the cupbearer really did simply forget to tell the king about Joseph—because now he is reminded of that situation, and he immediately told the king that he knew a man that could interpret his dreams for him. Indications are that he told the king that the young Hebrew with this power was Joseph because the king called for him to be brought to the palace to help him understand his dreams.

Allow me to depart from the story to remind all of us that two years have passed. Joseph had been incarcerated in a dungeon with the usual inhuman surroundings all this time with no visible hopes of release. His faith had not failed him. Some-times we find ourselves entrapped by circumstances over which we have no control and we must depend totally upon our faith and prayers and God’s promises. It is not unusual for us to find the way out of our dilemma at a time or for a reason that is unexpected. That is the way God works in the lives of his people. It is our responsibility to be constantly ready to do that which is required of us in order to receive God’s help. This is known as being in the will of God. Do you daily seek the will of God for your life?

Was Joseph ready when the call came? Not physically, because he had to shave, shower and dress appropriately to meet the king. However, and more important, he was ready spiritually. He realized that he did not have the power to interpret a dream and was ready to depend upon God to do it for him. Said another way, he did not know how to interpret a dream but he knew a God that could do it. Hang on to this thought. It is not enough for you and me to know about God—but we must know God. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who will walk into your jail with you and sustain you while you are there WHEN YOU ARE PRESENTED WITH A CHALLENGING TASK of working your way out of your bad situation?

When Joseph appeared before the Pharaoh, the king said, “I have heard that you can interpret dreams.” Note Joseph’s answer. “I can not but I know the Holy God who can and will give you the answer HE desires.” It is important that we understand what Joseph said. God will always give us an answer for our problems, but it may not be the answer we want…it will be whatever God desires it to be in our lives. There is another very important concept here that we can not afford to overlook. Joseph was careful not to take credit for this super-natural power. The first thing he did was…give all the credit to God. We have some very successful business men in our class who have a great number of special talents that have sustained you. Do you constantly give God the credit for the successes you have enjoyed?

Pharaoh must have been impressed with Joseph because he told him about the two dreams and waited for the interpretation. As the saying goes, there was some good news and some bad news. Both dreams were the same and were only repeated to emphasize that God had already made up his mind and there would be reprieve. The seven fat cows and seven good heads of grain meant that there would be seven years of plenty in the land. The seven lean cows and seven withered heads of grain told him that there would be a seven year famine that would follow the good years. He then warned the king that he must use the good years to store up enough food and supplies to last the nation through the famine that would follow.

Joseph did not stop there. He gave the king a fourteen year survival plan by spelling out step by step what he must do. The only way the nation would survive was through this careful planning, which included one man to be the Commissioner of Agriculture who could supervise and increase the crops to be raised and plan and implement a storage system large enough to house the food that would be needed to feed the nation for seven years of growth.

And now, for the rest of the story! What happened is a well known Bible story that most of us have read about since we were in children’s church. I only hope we can find out more details about why things happened as they did and who was really responsible for the outcome. Pharaoh and his officials thought that they had heard the truth from a man that had a spiritual connection with a God that they had never known existed. They were not a converted people, but they became a convinced people; and they exercised a great amount of faith in Joseph, but also in God. The new assignment for Joseph made him the number one man in authority in all of Egypt—over the land and resources and the people, over everything but the king and his throne. I am no authority on the educational system of that day, but I have read no where that Joseph has been to school one day. Surely there was some kind of home schooling, or even organized programs to teach the elite and those who were in leadership roles. The one thing I do know: this was the day WHEN JOSEPH WAS PRESENTED WITH HIS MOST CHALLENGING TASK. He had demonstrated his abilities to get things done right and with integrity; but other than that why was he chosen?

What was the overriding circumstance that caused Pharaoh to choose Joseph? Let him tell us. “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.” Then he gave Joseph his signet ring which was the official stamp of authority that sealed any document that Joseph approved. He was second in command in Egypt with only the king as his superior. He was given the robe of fine linen and the king’s chariot—a Cadillac Stretch with an experienced chauffeur.

In the 46th verse we finally know for sure how old Joseph is; he was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh the King of Egypt. He went from prison walls to the palace; from a prisoner to second in command in the nation within a matter of days, maybe even a few hours. In seven years he saved Egypt from a famine that might have completely destroyed the nation. There had been famines before in that part of the world and it did not take seven years to make one catastrophic. It is difficult for us to imagine what the results could have been. There was no refrigeration so only dry storage could be made available. They had been living from year to year, and now enough storage for seven years was needed. Grain was most important for the people to eat and food for animals that would furnish milk and meat.

Joseph and Egypt were successful beyond anyone’s fondest dreams. The famine came, over Egypt and all surrounding nations. Joseph was able to sell food from the storage houses and keep the nation going. He even had excess that was sold to surrounding countries that came to him to buy food that kept others from perishing.

****One last thought is that world wars cause famine in many of the same ways that drought does. It robs us of our resources, able bodied men and women, and puts survival in jeopardy. The only way we can evade a third world war is for us to find a Joseph that is led by God, who will call on God to intervene in our behalf. And he can not do it alone…unless…and until…our people turn from their wicked ways and submit to the will of our Lord.

When All Hope Seems Lost - Genesis 39:21-30

Considering the length of the war in Iraq with no peaceful settlement in sight, how do you think the President of the USA feels each morning when he arises? With the war in progress, the national debt climbing, the rapid decline of morals in America, and growing unemployment how do you feel and what are your overriding thoughts? There is an old saying that depicts ones condition when existing conditions make life miserable; it is like being between “a rock and a hard place.” I think America is standing in the hard place and the rock is rolling down the hill. In addition to the above national problems, and especially without God, each one of us has our own personal problems to face alone. I sometimes wonder how anyone can maintain their senses and any kind of hope for the future without knowing the promises God has made and faith to believe he will fulfill his promises. Joseph and the three Hebrew boys are examples for us to follow.

Jews and soldiers held in German prisons were sometimes tortured by placing a thumb or the whole hand in a vice that was tightened slowly until the pain became unbearable. Whether pressure is physical or mental, when applied to the point of causing pain it brings out either the best or worst in any man. At some point [maybe even more than once] in our lives, most of us have felt as if we were held tightly in a vice that is relentlessly closing. Do you ever have experiences like this? The only way out of our turmoil today is for every believing citizen, including the President, to exercise the use of our abiding faith.

Sometimes through no fault of our own we may be surrounded by difficulties that seem hopeless. I started above with problems of the world but more often they are individual and personal. For example it really gets personal when there is a family relationship gone bad; when you are the one out of work; when financial security is lost; or one has a bad health problem. Some of the normal reactions are such as depression, apathy, hostility or all loss of hope. Our lesson today proves that believers have a better way and that is to learn to practice our faith even WHEN ALL HOPE SEEMS LOST.

In a short review we will be reminded that Joseph has already experienced what it is like to be between a rock and a hard place. On his last visit into the country to check on his brothers he found that they were willing to kill him because of their jealousy. They threw him in a cistern from which he could not escape without help, and then decided to sell him to a slave trader. God saved his life. He started as a purchased slave [not a man but property like a horse] working for Potiphar and soon worked his way into great favor and was made the king’s head butler with total responsibility for the kings holdings, and Potiphar trusted him. God is still working in his life. Then he had the experience with the wife of the king wherein he was falsely accused; and this is equally as frustrating as being sold by his own brothers. Potiphar had prospered from the day Joseph arrived and realized that God was with the young man. He was imprisoned, but by holding on to his faith, he found that God had soon brought relief from being imprisoned by his being placed in charge of the prisoners. Not only he, but the warden was experiencing great rewards that were the results of his believing in and favoring Joseph. It is easy to conclude that even in difficulties, Joseph by faith never wavered.

I think that it is most interesting that Joseph was not executed for the charge of rape. It was law in Egypt at this time when any commoner raped a woman of royalty it meant sudden death. Since Potiphar was the judge and jury, why didn’t he have Joseph hanged? I can only think of two possible reasons. Most likely he did not believe his wife was truthful. Or, he may have already begun to see the hand of God working through Joseph and did not want to kill the goose that was laying the golden eggs. Both of these reasons could have been true. What do you think?

To the fathers and grandfathers who read this lesson I speak now and remind you that the successful life of Joseph was made possible only because of the teaching of his father, Jacob who had taught him the basic truths about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was taught that he was a chosen vessel and that God would bless him and his people through him. Though now in prison he was maturing physically, mentally and spiritually. God was not punishing him, but was polishing him for even greater service. Now I ask you dad, or granddad have you taught your sons what it really means to fully depend upon God? It is never too late, and you will never be prouder of anything you ever do. One more reminder, the Bible is not written as a piece of literature to be read for pleasure even though it can be just that. These are real life circumstances to show us what we should do when confronted with life’s problems. If we learn from their experiences then our lives can be saved without having to invent the same wheel.

Another experience is recorded in Daniel 3:17 that is as crucial as this one in Joseph’s life. Remember the Hebrew boys that were thrown into the burning furnace because they would not bow down and worship a golden image? You talk about ‘living faith’ theirs was. These boys were valuable to this king; he really did not want to see them die but his own men had put him between a rock and a hard place and he had no choice. He gave them every chance to relent and they refused. We should always remember their reason. They said, “Our God can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire….But even if he does not rescue us.….we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue.” Even if God does not remove the thorn in our flesh, we must still praise him and worship him because he is our sovereign.

In prison Joseph was placed in charge of the king’s cupbearer and a baker. The baker was in charge of preparing and presenting food for the king and the cupbearer chose and presented the wine and he tasted of everything to make sure that it was not contaminated. The Book does not say, but my guess is that they had tried to poison someone in power and got caught. The Pharaoh had personally placed them in prison. One morning when Joseph greeted them he said they looked distraught—he knew they were worried about something more than just being in prison. Remember the two dreams that Joseph had about his rise to power? The meaning of his dreams was that he would become ruler over his brothers. That was the start of his experiences with dreams and interpretation of dreams. The prison guard did not know about Joseph’s dreams, but he had assigned these two dreamers to Joseph. Was this a coincidence? I think not. It was a part of God’s overall plan. Nothing is happenstance when God is the perpetrator.

Joseph found that both of these men had dreamed strange dreams, both the same night. He told them that dreams belong to God. This is important; don’t miss what I am saying. This proves that he wanted God to get all credit for anything he did—he did not want the Egyptians to misunderstand and start thinking that he had any kind of supernatural powers. Joseph is acting as a witness for God. You and I are God’s witnesses here and now. You can see from this that one aspect of good witnessing is being able to recognize opportunities when they are present and being able to relate God to the other person’s experiences. It always requires great courage to speak to others about their problems. The cowards way out is to rationalize that this is none of my business; I’ll be quiet!

There is no doubt that God used dreams to convey messages and therefore there was no witchcraft involved. Joseph asked what their dreams were. The cup bearer told Joseph his dream first. Joseph told him that his dream meant that he would soon be released and restored to his cupbearer’s position serving the king. Then he asked the cupbearer to tell the king about Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams.

The baker liked what he heard about the first dream and told Joseph his dream about the three baskets of bread on his head with the birds eating the bread. He was not as fortunate as the cupbearer, because Joseph told him that in three days he would be beheaded and hanged to a tree for the birds to eat. Read about the dreams and you will know that the interpretation was supernatural—God at work through Joseph, his chosen vessel. You are a chosen vessel with a job to do.

Three days after Joseph had explained the meaning of the dreams, it was the king’s birthday and he threw a big party and invited all of his officials to attend. The main event of the day was witnessed by all present at the feast. The cupbearer was set free and returned to his original position as the taster for the king. The baker was hanged as Joseph had predicted, in public for all to witness. If someone does you a great favor do you remember him for it? Wouldn’t it have been the Christian thing to do in this case? Wonder why the cupbearer forgot Joseph’s good deed? He did. Has anyone ever befriended you? Did you repay by befriending him? God had a reason to see that the cupbearer forgot and we will find that reason in the next few chapters. Let us sneak ahead just one verse and look.

God must get pleasure from watching his children who are willing to hold on and depend on their faith in God and his promise not to forsake us. Sometimes he will wait years to answer our prayer that requested him to act yesterday. It was two years before Joseph got another chance to be set free. Friends, 730 days and nights in prison seems like eternity to a young man who is not guilty of any crime; he was not only completely innocent, but he was God fearing, and Christ like.

Do you have a sustaining problem of some kind that you have prayed about asking God for help? Do you pray for Him to remove the problem? Or, do you pray for faith and strength to endure the problem? You may pray for both. God will answer the prayer. His answer may be NO. If you don’t get an immediate positive answer I beg you not to blame God. His will shall prevail. Just remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace; it was impossible for them to live—but they did. Remember Joseph—he did succeed. Remember Paul, in my opinion he was the greatest laborer God ever had in his field of harvest, but he was martyred with the thorn still in his side.

On April 15, Dr. McCoy replaced a worn-out metal hip with a new one. Then I will have two metal hips and one metal knee. My prayer is that my little faith will grow just a little bit. Who knows, I may be able to move mountains! Pray for me.

When Others Hate You - Genesis 37 and 38

I was very fortunate to have Dr. Roy B. Allen as my advisor to guide me through the doctoral program at the University of Arkansas. He was head of the department of School Administration which was my chosen field. As we were planning my course of studies he advised me to choose Psychology as my minor field. At that time in life, I had some interest in the field of Psychology but did not realize how important the background would be to a Superintendent of Schools. It is closely related to, and forms the basic foundation for students of counseling. There are two strengths that are absolute necessities in order for a superintendent to be successful in Public School Administration. He/she absolutely must understand how to develop and control the budgeting and financing of the school and must be able to work with people—parents, teachers, and students. School is a people business. The two most stressful responsibilities are the proper handling of the people’s money and the thoughtful, caring, and responsible counseling of people. Dr. Allen taught us that the two greatest hazards of being a superintendent was that we were forced to get into the people’s pocket books and responsible for other people’s children.

The greatest people problem connected with school hinges around broken and blended homes. A major percentage of ‘problem-students’ in the public schools come from one of these homes. I am not sure which leads the list. The broken home comes first. There is usually a season of turmoil when parents are going through the problems that lead to divorce. The children are caught in the middle of a fight between the two people they love most. Then comes the divorce which forces the children to choose—or they are forced to accept the parent that will be their guardian.

The blended families come next when the divorced parent with children are married to another divorcee who also has children. The impossible situation is finalized when the couple then has children of their own. It is impossible for me to explain all of the different ramifications that cause fear, hatred, and all kinds of accusations either real or imagined in the lives of this three-way family. The school is often the place where all of this turmoil turns good people into discipline problems that are sometimes impossible to correct. The final consequence often results in bad grades, failures, drop-outs and in the past few years guns and dead students and teachers. The problems do not end at graduation, but continue on the college campuses, and all through life.

Did this problem start in the mid 1960s here in America? No, not hardly. Read the two chapters being covered in today’s lesson. What do you think life was like in Jacob’s household during the time his kids were growing up? There were four mothers in the family, two of them considered as concubines, and only one of them, Rachel, was actually loved by the husband and all of the sixteen older ones knew what was going on. When Rachel died a new struggle arose as the three women left behind started to vie for Jacob’s affection. The problem is complicated even more because since Jacob had loved only Rachel, he showed favoritism to the two sons that she bore, which were Joseph and Benjamin. Ten boys now believe that their own father does not care for them and the one daughter is considered to be a whore because she placed herself in the position of being raped. This home provided a breeding ground for hatred, jealousy and misunderstandings.

I truly believe that my God given purpose in this life was to be a school teacher, administrator and counselor of students, parents and teachers. However, if they would have had public education at that time in Jacob’s nook of Canaan Land and I had been superintendent of their school, admittedly I would have tendered my resignation.

We should keep in mind that Jacob spent twenty years of his life in Paddan-aram working for Laban. He only loved Rachel; but was tricked into marring four women to whom twelve children were born by the time he escaped, and started home to Canaan Land. The last two lessons have covered is trip home, chased by Laban, dreading to meet his mad brother, wrestling with God, making up with Esau, moving into Shechem, the rape of his daughter Dinah, and the killing of Shechem and all the men in the city.

Jacob eventually moved his family and followers to the southern part of Canaan; in Beersheba, back in the area that had been settled earlier by his father, Isaac. This means that he had left the fine farm lands around the Bethlehem area where life was a bit easier and more profitable, and moved to the edge of the southern desert that bordered Egypt. At that time the area was inhabited by Hittites, Canaanites, Perizzites, and Egyptians. Most of these people were herders who pastured sheep and goats in the arid open fields of wild grass and because of overgrazing they were forced to move their herds to find food. This area is located in the southern part of the Southern Kingdom known as Judah. Life there was difficult, with hot days and cold nights that made the life of a shepherd uncomfortable and lonely.

Having this information is easier for us to understand the constant movement of Jacob’s family between the arid southern regions and the highlands around Shechem. There were constant warring between the tribes of Egyptian, Hittites and smaller tribes of Canaan. Ironically this place and the troubles there can be observed in the daily news of struggles along the Southern Gaza Strip in tomorrow’s news. [Now Read 37: 1-11.]

Joseph is seventeen at the time of this incident and he is working as a shepherd boy along with the sons of his father by two different wives. These were Joseph’s half-brothers. In the second verse we find that his half-brothers have been dishonest is some way and he feels led to tell his father about the incident. The Bible does not say what they had done, nor does it state what Israel did about it. My guess is, from past history and the incident at Shechem, he did nothing about it. If you had been in Joseph’s place would you have reported the incident? Was it tattling on his brothers? Or, was it justified? One thing is sure, it caused the brothers to hate Joseph even more than before.

Now I refer back to the introduction to this lesson on page one, and suggest you read verses three and four. Joseph was the first son born to Rachel [the wife he loved] and he was born in Israel’s old age and he loved Joseph more than the others. Are these valid reasons for favoring Joseph? It surely had its repercussions, and the ‘Coat-of-many-colors made for and given to Joseph did not help matters one bit. The book says that when they saw the special robe; “They hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” The title today is: WHEN OTHERS HATE YOU.

Vandiverism is my own philosophy—it is what I think, and admittedly it can easily be wrong, and should never be taken as truth, I use it occasionally hoping to make you think for yourself. Vandiverism says that the heart of this problem lies in the fact that Reuben was the firstborn of the twelve sons of Jacob and should be line to receive the birthright and blessings of his father. Ten more boys followed him, and were all older than Joseph, and they felt that they should be considered before him. To all of them it appeared that the partiality being shown to Joseph was an indication that their father was unfair to them. A craving for wealth, property, prestige and power lit the fires of hatred in their hearts.

Joseph had two dreams that incriminated him in his brother’s sight, and seemingly he may have used bad judgment in sharing the dreams with his father and the boys. He dreamed that it was harvest time and they were shocking their grain. His shocks of grain remained standing while the shocks belonging to the rest bowed down to his shock. Of his second dream he said; “The son and moon and eleven stars were all bowing down to me. This second dream even bothered his father and caused him to ask if he was saying that the time would come when his father, mother and eleven brothers “Would bow down to the ground before him.” Sine scholars think that he used poor judgment in relating the dreams. Some say it showed immaturity on his part and may have been done in an arrogant way. The new testament is full of incidents where Christ had to reprimand his people, tell them things they did not want to hear, and did not appreciate, but he always found a right time and place to talk to them and a loving way to express himself. At seventeen, there was a lack of past experience, maybe he was as some would say a little green behind the ears.

Just in case you are wondering about the dreams, as to whether or not they were real, you won’t have to wonder too long. Later in Egypt, you will learn that Joseph had a special gift for interpreting dreams; and much of his strength and honor in Egypt came to him because of this special ability. Too, the family did bow to him; therefore I have no doubt about his sincerity and truthfulness regarding the dreams. I may have a bit of doubt about the judgment he used in telling all of them at this time.

Now we come to one of the best known stories recorded in God’s word. The word does not say ‘all’ of his brothers, but evidently all were involved. His brothers were with his father’s flock, evidently had been out several days and grazed down the pasture and had to move on to near Shechem and new grass. Jacob or Israel, they are the same, became worried that the boys had not reported in some time and he sent Joseph to check on them and bring him word regarding their success. Joseph went where they were supposed to be and found that they had moved. A witness told him the direction they had taken toward Shechem, so he continued until he found them.

When the sons saw Joseph in his splendid robe approaching them, they planned to kill him. Surely you know this story—read it again in the latter verses. One thing stands out. Reuben, the older man, defended Joseph and insisted that he not be murdered. Now I wish to let you decide; was Reuben honest in his care and protection, or was he afraid that he would be the logical one for his father to blame if something happened to Joseph? For some reason Reuben was the one out watching the heard when the Medianites came by the well and bought Joseph as a slave for twelve shekels. When Reuben returned and heard what had happened he was either mad or scared for he rent his clothes in anger or fear.

The brothers killed a goat, drenched Joseph’s robe with the blood and returned home and told Jacob what had happened. The father rent his clothing and mourned for his son whom he thought had been killed by a wild animal. Joseph was both loved and hated.

We now look into the future, follow the life of Joseph and find that even though his brothers hated him—he did not hate in return; instead he forgave his brothers and longed to see his father. God blest him, and prospered him so that he could use his wealth and positions to one day make it possible for the family to be reunited.

Growing Spiritually Through Crises - Genesis 32 - 33

The assurance we have that we can always depend upon God never changes; God has never changed and he has never failed to keep his promises. The human conception of a crises changes almost as frequently as we have birthdays. If the bottle is not ready when a new born gets hungry he is in crises. When mom retrieves a glass candle holder from a toddler and places it back on the shelf out of his reach he is in crises. When the wheel falls off of the tri-cycle that is being ridden by a four year old he is in crises. When a mother tells her nine year old daughter that she can’t wear lip-stick to school she is in crises. When she is fourteen and is told that she can’t wear short-shorts to school she is in crises again. When the first boy-girl friend breakup happens, both are in crises. So they all think; but none of them know the meaning of the word crisis. However, if properly taught in each of these circumstances they can learn from their experiences. When we are Christian adults it is much better for us to learn from the crises that were experienced by the biblical characters as recorded in the Bible than it is to learn the hard way—through our own crisis.

Age may vary from the day anyone acknowledges accountability to twenty-one [adult age] when one starts understanding the true meaning of a crisis. Webster says that a crisis occurs “When there is an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person’s life. It can be at a decisive moment in life.” A crisis occurs when “Any situation has reached a critical phase; it can be when any unstable situation with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome occurs.” If any one expects to grow spiritually through their crisis, they must first have a personal spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ. Without having the personal guidance of the Holy Spirit, no one can expect any kind of positive growth in their life.

Study the nature of crisis in the life of any adult and you will better understand why Jacob could not come up with a plan to control his life and manipulate people and things to his advantage. It seems plain to me that although he was a member of a chosen and blessed family, he had not reached the place where he was wholly dependent upon God to guide him in his personal decisions and dealings with others. Then one day he met God, an angel, or just a man sent by god as a messenger to him. Jacob wanted God’s guidance and his blessing so badly that he took hold of the angel and refused to let go until he received the answer he wanted.

I believe that God has sent me to be your witness and I can attest that I have been in the same situation that Jacob was in. I only wish that I could truthfully tell you that I grabbed hold of God and refused to let go until all of my answers came. Here in lies the difference in me and Jacob. He held on and refused to let go. I have let some kind of weakness, lack of faith, or maybe times of unconcern break the personal relationship that is required for total success. I ask you: How sincere are you in your search for spiritual answers to your concerns? Are you dedicated in your search for truth? I have been close enough that I can attest to the fact that there will always be crises in our lives and I believe that one of the purposes of these testers is just that…a test to see if we really believe that God will keep his promises.

As you start reading the scripture recorded for our study today in chapter 32, please remember that Jacob has been living with Laban for the last twenty years and it has been a life of one crisis after another. It will appear that he has finally found a way to grow spiritually through his crises. That simply means that he has learned how to depend on God day by day as he lives through the good and bad times.

Laban finished his unsuccessful search for his gods that his daughter Rachel had stolen, kissed his daughters and grand-children, blessed them and returned to his home. Joseph also went on his way toward his old home land, knowing that he would soon meet his brother Esau and dreading the consequences of this first encounter in twenty years. The last time he saw his brother, Esau was mad and threatening to kill him for stealing his rightful blessing.

Insert your life into this situation; how would you feel and what would you do if you knew that you were about to meet up with someone you had done wrong? Would you attempt to meet the person face to face wishing to apologize and be accepted? Or, would you have changed directions and moved on to another place. Jacob probably would have preferred to dodge his brother, but he felt that God had directed him to go home and so that was his destination; even if it meant that he would fail again. The first verse tells us that Jacob saw angels approaching his way. The book does not say who they were nor from whence they came. This is not an unusual happening and needs no explanation. However it is important that we see that the incident caused Jacob to KNOW that God was with him. His faith had grown to the point that he was willing to trust God to make things right.

Jacob instructed his messengers to go forward and find Esau and tell him that he had been working for their uncle Laban for the last twenty years. Tell them that I have acquired a family, wealth, flocks and herds and have need of nothing except his friendship. The mission was accomplished and they returned with only this scary message. “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you; he has four hundred men that are coming with him.

Jacob made two moves that would be remarkable in the life of any man. First he divided his people and wealth into two groups, thinking that if one group was attacked by Esau, the other group would be able to escape. The second was that he went to the Lord in prayer. This was no ordinary prayer. It recognized his heavenly Father as the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac. Then he reminded God of a promise He had made. God, you are the one who told me to go back to my country and my relatives, and you said that you would make me prosper. This was a humble prayer. He acknowledged that he did not deserve the kindness and faithfulness of God’s blessings. He named one great improvement by remembering that he left his father with only his staff, broke and on foot, and now he has enough to divide into two groups, each with numbers and wealth enough to succeed.

His prayer could be compared to the one Jesus prayed in the garden before his betrayal. He was praying as though he had a cup to bear…meeting his distraught brother…But that if it was God’s will the bitter part of the meeting did not have to be, however he was willing to do God’s will either way.

Jacob then designed his plan, divided his people and holdings and determined who would lead the way. He gave all necessary instructions for the meeting with Esau, and made ready to start early the next day. Night fell, and this is the night and place that he encountered the man, an Angel or God that wrestled with him all night. As I have said before, Jacob did not let go of the hold he had on divine power. I believe that this was a physical encounter because Jacob was crippled in the morning and walked with a limp. I know that it was a spiritual encounter, because God intervened in the meeting with Esau and in this case Jacob’s cup had been removed. One other example stands out to prove that God was pleased with Jacob. His name was changed to Israel. We all know that God changed the names of several of his chosen ones only to recognize them as his faithful and obedient followers—to show that he had changed their lives. This was a great name-change improvement for Jacob [which means the ambitious deceiver] who is now Israel [one who struggles with God and overcomes] a man that is pleasing to God.

In chapter thirty-three the two brothers Israel and Esau meet for the first time in twenty years and it was as it should have been with out animosity and anger. It appears to me that the attitude of prayer and repentance on the part of Jacob/Israel must have had wings or created an angel that brought a change of heart to Esau as well. Now, I ask you to enter this situation in a personal way and think of yourself as being Esau. He had suffered greatly at the hands of his mother and brother, and had lost a birthright that was never regained—if this had happened to you—would you have been as forgiving? Have you ever suffered a wrong that cost you both money and prestige? Have you forgiven your enemy? If the answer is yes; let me ask you this—have you gone to him/her and hugged them closely and said to them personally…”I forgive you?” Israel did and his brother Esau forgave him and both shed tears of joy and happiness over their reconciliation.

At the time of their reunion Esau had already forgiven his brother, and had forgotten the past because he ask Israel why he had sent all of the droves of animals ahead as a gift. Jacob told him that they were given to him in order to find favor in his sight. Esau refused the gift and said that he already had plenty and did not to need to take anything from his brother. Jacob persisted by saying that now since you [Esau] have forgiven me it is as if I am seeing God’s faithfulness—and then Esau accepted the gift and suggested that they join each other and go their way.

Life can deal us a blow and place us in some terrible situations and it is human nature for us to be distraught and even angry as Esau was, but we do not have to remain in that frame of mind. Do not ever forget that our sins nailed Christ to the cross but he forgave sinful man, and gave his life for me and you. These two chapters teach—revival and reconciliation between two people; however in the church reconciliation often brings on a revival. If you desire joy in your life, you must learn the art of reconciliation. Never let the sun go down on your wrath!

Responding to God with Faith - Genesis 28

March second, today marks the beginning of our spring session that will cover the second half of the book of Genesis. The prime focus of this study will deal with two contrasting personalities—Jacob and Joseph, father and son. The name 'Jacob' means 'cheater' and it is one that fit him well and was earned early in life when he cheated his brother Esau out of his birth right with a bowl of red stew and later cheated Esau out the blessing from his father by using a disguise that fooled their ageing blind dad into thinking he was blessing Esau when it was really Jacob in disguise.

Jacob spent much of his life in conflict with his father and brother, then with his Uncle Laban and ultimately in conflict with God that terminated in a wrestling match with God that lasted all night ending, as you would expect, with God the winner [Gen. 32:24]. Jacobs life gives us a picture of things we should not do if we are truly Christian and it tells us that we can always be successful at the end if we learn the lesson well that we must yield our will and accept God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Jacob finally learned.

Joseph [which means ‘to add’] was the youngest of Jacob and Rachel’s sons; and he was a blessing that God added to this family in old age. ‘To add’ also means to accumulate and his life amounted to one that grew from near nothing to a man of great wealth and power with both man and God. This man stands as a stalwart of faithfulness surpassed by few if any including Abraham and Isaac. Moses was despised by his twelve brothers because of the favoritism shown to him by his father. The coat of many colors marked him as dad’s favorite, and served as the blood soaked proof that he had been killed by a wild beast; the truth was that his brothers sold him to and Egyptian trader to be his slave and made up the story of his death. Joseph never lost sight of God, and persevered through many trials before he was finally recognized as a great leader, became wealthy and was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and during their forty year journey in the wilderness on the way to the land of Milk and Honey.

These men are gone; as are all other patriarchs and even the writers and disciples of the New Testament. Some of you may enjoy reading history but that is not whey we are studying men who are recorded in the Bible. We study prominent men of God in order to find what God would have us do in our journey through life. Stop now; and ask “Where am I in my spiritual journey?” Which of these men do you best identify with? Have you learned the hard way, like Jacob, cheating and failing until you finally realized that you can only succeed by yielding your life to God and letting him lead you? Or have you kept the faith and remained persistent, honest and trustworthy through difficult and even unfair circumstances as Moses did? God wants us to learn what we should and should not do by giving us examples of strong and weak, winners and losers, God and Godless people. Do not waste good council! You must study God’s word to show thyself approved. We learn from our own mistakes; but it is less painful and much more profitable when we are able to learn from the mistakes that others make. It is never wise to replicate the mistakes of others; and foolish to do so expecting better or even different results. Many of the examples of failure come from disobedient Christians and this should not cause our faith to waver because we are all sinners, saved by grace, and at times we come short of God’s expectations.

Do you respond to God with faith? Some are even prone to doubt the need for faith. Some will even argue that faith is not a true entity because it is an abstract term that can not be identified, seen, smelled or cable of being touched or felt. Regarding this argument, I would like to ask each of you—have you been able to specifically identify wind, do you see it? No! But we know that wind is present because of the effect it has on leaves, trees, and even houses as they are blown away. Faith is the evidence of things unseen, just as moving leaves is the evidence of wind unseen but definitely present.

You will not find the word faith used as a verb in the English version of the gospel. In the translation from Greek and Hebrew the verb ‘faith’ is usually translated to mean ‘believe.’ When we believe in a fact known to us—it is a mental agreement or acknowledging something as truth. However it is more than mental agreement and requires action. For example, you may believe that a boat is safe but the truth of your faith in the boat is not proven until you are willing to get in the boat and thereby you trust it to do what you have believed [faithed] it to do. You may say that you have ‘faith’ in God, but is not faith until you have trusted him to do what He has promised. He has told us that his grace will save us…therefore we are saved by his grace through our faith. Read the 28th chapter of Genesis.

Jacob was saved in the same way that you and I are saved, and we now come to the most important event in this man’s life which includes his conversion experience and is explained by Moses beginning with the tenth verse of this chapter. When Eliezer went back to the homeland to find a wife for Isaac, he left with camels to ride and with a bundle of riches and escorts to help him succeed. He located Rebekah, Jacob’s mother. His leaving home is much different from old Eliezer and he goes to Paddan Aram to find his own wife. He has to slip away on foot, under cover to hide from his mad brother Esau and he was broke and alone in his search. He stopped at night to rest, using a stone for a pillow, and during the night God made his first appearance to him through one of the best known dreams recorded in the Bible. We often refer it to Jacob’s ladder. In the mind and heart of men of all ages there has been a longing for some kind of connection between heaven and earth. Not long ago we studied about the nation that built the tower of Babel by which they expected to ascend into heaven and trust their own gods. There is one vast difference between the tower of Babel and Jacob’s ladder and that is this; the tower was built on earth reaching up toward heaven—while the ladder originated in heaven and was reaching down to earth. That should be a lesson for us to remember. Any time you read about God reaching down—or you view a picture of God’s arm reaching down toward man—the author or artist has true knowledge and understanding of God’s nature.

I have wondered about the meaning of dreams like this…one thing for sure they are not just some strange stories that are usually explained somewhere in God’s word. This was the beginning of Jacob’s conversion and the ladder he saw was God’s way of communicating with him. John teaches us in his gospel that this ladder represented Christ—He is the connection between heaven and earth and through him angels are able to ascend and descend between heaven and earth. Angels are God’s helpers or witnesses that are mentioned in both the OT and the NT and their function as His helpers are much akin to the work that the Holly Spirit does for us.

In Jacob’s dream, if we will accept it as a picture of one way that God communicates with man—it ceases to be a mystery and becomes a grand reality for any Christian believer. You must remember that earth and heaven had been separated by sin that was committed in the Garden of Eden and every inhabitant of earth including you and I are conceived, born and live under that curse—man was separated from God—and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that we can do for ourselves to earn salvation. It was only by God’s grace that the chasm was spanned by the coming of Jesus Christ our redeemer. He is our bridge across the chasm! He is our ladder, and He is the only means by which we can climb up into heaven. Christ said: “No man can enter heaven except by me.”

In John 1, Jesus said: “Hereafter you shall see the angels of heaven ascending and descending upon the Son of man,” showing that The Son of man [another name for Christ] fulfilled the type of Jacob’s ladder. When Jacob awoke from his dreaming sleep, he said: “Surely Jehovah is in this place,” and he called the name of the place Bethel. “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying if God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and Jehovah shall be my God, then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house; and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” Listen carefully dear student—this is the statement of evidence that proves that Jacob had repented of his sinful life. Herein lays the evidence of his conversion. Until this time in his life, he had been interested in cheating his way to the top. It was a bowl of red soup for his brother’s birthright; or appearing in disguise, wearing his brothers clothing to cheat his brother out of his blessing; and there surely was never any thought of returning anything for his gain.

I have been asked to explain the difference in Esau’s “birthright” which he sold—and his “blessing” that Jacob stole from him by deceiving their father. In all of Israelis history the oldest son always inherited all of the father’s wealth and also any special blessing, power, or covenant that God had extended to the father. In this case God made a covenant with Abram [Abraham] assuring him that he would be renowned as the father of many nations—that his family would expand until they would out number the sands of the sea or the stars in the sky. {This simply means that they would be in great numbers, too many to count.} Abraham was ‘blessed by God.’ This was his special blessing. Abraham’s son, Isaac inherited Abraham’s wealth and blessing. He took his fathers place in history. Abraham had never owned land…he even had to buy a burial plot for his wife. However, he was able to mass a great amount of wealth including animals while living in Egypt. Isaac inherited his father’s wealth

Isaac had twin sons—Jacob was holding on to Esau’s heal at birth, so Esau was the eldest son and by law was in line to inherit Isaac’s wealth and blessing. When Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of red soup, he gave up the right to all the wealth owned by Isaac. When Jacob cheated him out of his ‘blessing’ Esau lost his rightful position of being known as the “father of many nations”—he lost the special blessing that God had originally given to his grandfather, Abraham. Dear ones, do not condemn Jacob nor feel too sorry for Esau…just remember that in all the maneuvering minds of men—God has always been the architect that drew the plans. Careful study of the blood line from Abraham—through King David to the birth of Christ was God’s plan for the coming Messiah to be according to the prophecies as recorded throughout history.

Note: Sorry for the two paragraph distraction; now let us go back to Jacob’s conversion.
I want to make a special appeal to anyone that worries about the tithe belonging to God. Here is a man {Jacob} that had lived a selfish life, without the benefit of parental training [both parents had disobeyed God and neither one was an example worthy of a child’s respect] but somehow he knew that it was the will of God that all who follow him owe one tenth of their income to his cause. Immediately upon his conversion his first promise was that he would return unto God the tithe [10 %] that was his. This is the second time that the Bible teaches tithing, both before the establishments of the law on mount Sinai. The first mention of the tithe was when Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek. In so far as I know, the Bible had never mentioned anything about a tithing at the time of this incident.

Conversion is more than a stated belief. Conversion contains faith or belief first, but it is followed with action that proves the faith is real. Faith may seem like an abstract word, but like the word ‘wind’ it must be proven by seeing something moving in your life. The presence of wind is proven by watching leaves move. In your life, faith is proven by watching you change your life style; no cheating—but giving your tithe instead; and this includes you time, talent, and witness. When you are spiritually converted you do not loose your abilities, or shrewd business sense; instead of loosing, one gains the daily presence of the Holy Spirit to protect and guide in righteousness.

From this study about the family of Jacob and Esau we have been warned again about the consequences that can continue for generations when parents show favoritism…or when they differ or exhibit conflict with each other regarding disciplining of their children. Many families have been damaged, even destroyed, because of parental differences. Some parents will argue that it is impossible to keep these conflicts out of the everyday life of the family. I will agree that it is very difficult to prevent problems from arising, but I do not believe it is impossible. As my last thought for today, I want you to think about this. We believe in the trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and they are three distinct spiritual beings—however they are only ONE. They work individually with man, each at different times and under different circumstances—but their instructions to man never disagree, and always support each other.

The Bible teaches us that a man and woman make a sacred marriage vow and they become ONE. If they will commit their lives to the true teachings of the triune God they will be able to work individually with their children at different times and under different circumstances—but their instructions to their children will never disagree and they will support each other. Families, who PRAY TOGETHER — work, play and STAY TOGETHER.

Review and Introduction to the Book of Genesis

My usual practice has been to write an introduction at the beginning of each book studied; however Genesis is very important as the foundation upon which the rest of God’s word rests; it is a long dissertation and has been divided into two three month studies. We have studied the first twenty-seven chapters this winter and will complete the study during the next three months. There are several new families on the mailing list that did not study the first half of Genesis; hopefully they will gain from a review, and then it surely will not hurt any of us to firm up our foundation. The introduction to the second half will hopefully help us to better understand what is ahead for our study this spring.

There should be no surprise to parents when their children start asking questions, to find that one of their most perplexing questions is “Mom, where did I come from?” Genesis is an exciting book because the first information we get is the answer to their question. “In the beginning” Gen. 1:1 starts the answer to our most intriguing questions of life. There is no conflict between the Holy Bible and the Hebrew Bible at this point; the title of the book in their Bible is simply…b’re’shith, meaning “In beginning.” And the true meaning of b’re’shith as they interpreted it actually meant “Head.” Moses wrote this book, and he may have been thinking more about who was the “head,” that is who was in charge,…God!... than he was thinking of time…the start or beginning of everything.

There is no doubt in the mind of Christian people today, God is the source of all things that are; he is the mind and spirit behind all things. God was, is and will always be the power or force who designed our complex universe, He is the glue that holds it together, He is the engineer that designed it and his power and spirit orders the complexities to abide and function in every minute circumstance and carry out his orders regarding the universe and human life. Our earth is still in orbit, with light and dark, land and sea, and has not disintegrated simply because of the Pilot’s superior knowledge.

Genesis is our book of beginnings. To the Jew it is a part of the Law and is named Torah. The first five books of the Bible are called the Pentateuch, but contain much more than a listing of God’s laws. Genesis begins with God’s creation of everything that is; from the microbe or gene to the largest of all animals; from the grain of sand to Mount Everest; and from the two gases hydrogen and oxygen mixed as H2O, water, to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Some scientist claim that the universe exists as a result of a giant explosion. One thing is for sure…if they are correct…we can be assured that God lit the fuse.

Following the creation of human beings, very soon thereafter comes the account of human rebellion against God. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, which means that they also had the freedom of choice to do right or wrong. They chose to listen to the earth’s deceiver, Satan, instead of to God, and through their wrong choice evil [sin] entered a perfect world. It immediately contaminated the human race and made it necessary for God to plan to overcome the rebellion. His plan begins with the man in the Bible known as Abram, later known as Abraham.

God knew Abraham to be a man of faith, not perfect, but a man he could depend upon to remain true to his God. God made a covenant with Abraham and it was that if Abraham would remain true and faithful to God, he would be rewarded by being the father of many nations that would be blessed through him. Later on the land of Canaan [now known as Israel] was promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendents—and I truly believe that it will ultimately be their land and will not be Islamic.

There are two incidents in the first part of Genesis that stand alone in history as proof that Abraham was a man of great faith. The first incident occurred when God visited with him and told him to take his family and go into a land unknown to him…one that God would show him. People do not like change especially during old age…but Abraham obeyed God and by faith arrived in the land that we know as Mesopotamia, somewhere near the convergence of the two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates. I believe this to be the land of Milk and Honey that God speaks of as the place where His people would reign.

The second event occurred because God had promised that he would be known as the father of many nations. His wife Sarah, was old and without child, and it seemed this promise was impossible, but God sent three angels to assure him that she would bear a son in her old age and she did have Isaac when they were near one hundred years old.

While the Israelites inhabited the land of Milk and Honey, the nations grew, and divisions arose among them. One group built the tower of Babel in rebellion against God, and as a result the people who all spoke one language, and could understand each other, had their language scrambled until there was no dominance…they could no longer understand each other…and this brought about all of the different nations in this area that are still at war with each other this day 2008.

Abraham, his family Isaac, Jacob and Esau and their families were directed to leave Mesopotamia and move into Canaan and that general area that we know as Israel and the Holly Land today. According to the covenant made with Abraham, God gave this land to his Chosen People, it later became known as the Northern and Southern Kingdom {Judah} and Jerusalem and the temple has held the dominant position since that day even though they have been conquered more than once and the city and temple has been destroyed and rebuilt. Time will not permit us to go into each of the different problems that arose during the first half of the book of Genesis.

We will not review some of the events that form the turning points of the history of God’s people, the Israelites, as recorded in chapters 28 through 50 in this book. Probably the greatest of all themes found here is the fact that there is only one true and living God…who has no rivals and is omnipotent. This one true God has extended his love to all people including the Gentiles {US} and finally in the NT we find that God’s Chosen People are no longer just the Israelis but include Christians too.

Following the destruction of the tower of Babel, there was an expansion in religious beliefs that resulted in the creation of “many gods.” This rebellion against the true God is at the basis of most of the problems that came upon the early nations. In this summer study the emphasis will be on the fact that there is only one God—this is known as Monotheism—only one God. This covers a period in history when the shepherds wandered the country sides in search of pasture land. Walled cities with defensive gates were scattered through the land as places of safety at night.

In early days of creation, beginning with Adam and Eve they were ordered to be prolific and inhabit the land. After the flood, the population had been reduced to Noah and his family who were ordered to do the same thing. In these cases it was necessary for some intermarriage and some men had more than one wife. You will find that this is not what God wants out of the family unit, and the order comes down that they are to have only one wife, and the family becomes a predominant teaching. This practice started with Abraham and Sarah and continued with Isaac and Rebecca who had two sons Jacob and Esau, but Jacob broke the pattern when he had four wives including two who were slaves, Rachel and Leah and at least thirteen children. There is little doubt that this mixed marriage caused the problem between Joseph and his eleven brothers. Parental preference showed up again when Jacob loved Joseph more, and showed it openly by furnishing him the coat of many colors and allowed the brothers to see that the father preferred Joseph to them. They sold him into Egyptian slavery and took the coat of colors, covered with blood, back to Jacob to prove that he was dead.

Joseph used his lengthy imprisonment in Egypt to move into a place of leadership. God gave him the power of interpreting dreams which he used to gain his good standing with the Egyptian pharaoh. He predicted the terrible famine that was coming, and was placed in charge of making preparations for the country to survive. He was successful and moved to the top ranking officer under the pharaoh. Using this power and position, he was able to become reconciled with his family and was chosen by God to lead His people out of bondage.

During this spring we will cover three main units. The first is the ‘growth of faith’ and it shows Jacob’s spiritual development. The second unit has to do with the ‘practice of faith’ and it demonstrates Joseph’s faithfulness to God in his many severe trials and problems with the pharaoh and then in his success in leading his people out of bondage. The last major step lists a specific ‘task of faith’ which focuses on Joseph’s ability to test his brothers, and eventually reconciling with them even after they had sold him into slavery. His father Jacob and the family eventually moved to Egypt in order to have food, and Joseph’s last promise was kept when he carried his father back to Canaan for burial. This will end our study in Genesis.

You say…”That is OT stuff, how does it pertain to me?” Matthew 1:1 says that Jesus is a descendent of Abraham. Jesus is our Lord and Savior and he will carry out God’s promise made to Abraham regarding God’s continuing action toward his people…US. In Galatians 3: 29 and Romans 4: 9-17, Paul identified the followers of Jesus as spiritual descendants of Abraham and that is US. Therefore, the principles of behavior outlined in these lessons are only the bare minimum of what God expects from YOU AND ME.

START NOW! READ & STUDY GENESIS 28 THROUGH 50. May God bless each and every person that diligently studies this portion of God’s word.

Do you want to keep God’s commandments that pertain to you? Yes? Well then…just remember that he told you to “Study to show thyself approved.”