Bible In 90 Days – Day 4
Reading: Genesis 40:12 – Genesis 50:26
Take Away(s):
- Joseph’s perspective. Joseph could have been very conceited about interpreting dreams and said he had power, knowledge, and insight. He could have even alluded to having consulted with his God – all the while saying “he” interpreted. He didn’t do that. He forthrightly states that the answer came from God – not him (41:16): “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” I pray that the knowledge of Who enables me doesn’t stay “knowledge” – but that it transfers into testimony of Who He is and how He enables me.
- The word WORSHIP. Chapter 47, verse 31 is the fourth time the word worship (or worshiped) is used so far in the NIV. There are other words and phrases used for the act of “worshiping” or revering God – I’m just curious as to the differences in the Hebrew and any significance for using that specific word in these four instances. No time to research this right now, but I certainly will do it soon. [A quick search online shows that in the NIV, the word or root-word worship is used 175 times in the Old Testament, 75 times in the New.]
- Joseph’s perspective – Part 2. Of course, one of the classic observations and lessons from the story of Joseph is his telling his brothers that their act of selling him into slavery was God’s plan (50:19-21). The fact that God is sovereign and uses all situations (the good, the bad, and the ugly!) for the furtherance of His story, for His glory, and ultimately for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). The hard part, of course, is aligning our definition of “good” with Gods! [OK, Joseph did make his brothers sweat a little before he revealed himself to them…]
I can’t help mentioning that as I read about Joseph, I recalled watching Donny Osmond play him in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! [Karen’s been an Osmond fan since her childhood!]
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If you’re participating, what were your observations?
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