Faithfulness in Affliction (21.04.2013) –  Pastor Dr Quah

Introduction

The next series of sermons will be based on the story of the life of Joseph of the Old Testament. To fully understand the life of Joseph, several pre-requisites are needed:
  • ·        A good bible
  • ·        Maps of Canaan and surrounds
  • ·        The 12 tribes of Israel
  • ·        The background of 3 main characters in the Bible:

-       Abraham: the Promise and Power
-       Isaac: the Provision – 2 sons Jacob and Esau
-       Jacob: the Purpose: God’s choice
-       Joseph: the Plan

Take note of the shadow of Jesus’ life in Joseph’s life.

Text:   Gen 37: 1 – 17
            Gen 35: 16 – 29

God’s 7 Promises to Abraham:
  • -      Make you into a great nation
  • -       Bless you
  • -       Make your name great
  • -       You will be a blessing
  • -       Will bless those who bless you
  • -       Will curse those who curse you
  • -       All people on earth will be blessed through you


Family Tree of Joseph

Leah
Zilpah
Bilhal
Rachel
1.    Reuben
7.  Gad
5.  Dan
11.  Joseph
2.    Simeon
8.  Asher
6.  Naphtali
12.  Benjamin
3.    Levi



4.    Judah



9.   Issachar



10. Zebulun



*  Dinah – daughter
** During the birth of Benjamin, Rachel died.

Pastor Quah believes that Joseph’s family was somewhat dysfunctional.

Jacob as a father with 4 wives, 12 sons and 1 daughter and taking care of his father-in-law’s livestock. He probably had no time to raise his family properly and was also rather passive as a father. Probably adopted a ‘no eyes see’ attitude.

Dinah was raped by the Shechemites but Jacob did not do anything. Then her brothers took revenge on the Shechemites by deceiving them and then attacking them when they were helpless. Again Jacob did not reprimand them.

Jacob’s failures – “deceiver”, “passivity”, “practised favouritism”

The latter (favouritism towards Joseph) was noted by all the other brothers and who got angry and jealous of Joseph. Added to that, he listens when Joseph tattled on his brothers.

Questions for Discussion

1   1.   Do you agree that Jacob showed parental favouritism to his family? How could he have avoided showing favouritism?

2.   Is there favouritism in your family? Are you a Recipient or Victim of favouritism? Do you harbour a grudge? Confess and forgive.

3.   Do you keep an “Hatred Ledger”? How can you trash this ledger?

4.   Joseph had a divine gift of interpreting dreams. Should he have shared his dreams with his brothers and parents? How would you handle such dreams?