JOSEPH #1
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3597
JOSEPH #1
1. What about Joseph?
Of all Biblical characters, the Bible gives us the clearest autobiography of Joseph's life from birth to death.
For unlike many others he is the most Christlike of Old Testament characters other than Daniel.
2. The Meaning of Joseph's Name
Names in the Hebrew tradition carried an identity and purpose.
In Jacob's family, each child was named by Leah or Rachel ( with the exception of Benjamin ).
Rachel named her first son Joseph
( "let him add " ) in Genesis 30:22-24.
3. Joseph and his brothers
Their names identified them as individuals, a family, and a fledgling nation.
They were the sons of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the ones through whom the covenant promise would be passed down.
They would become the future heads of the twelve tribes of Israel; the beginning of the Jewish nation.
Their names reflected a rich heritage and destiny.
Sadly his brothers lived much of their lives as products of their past and their "present" environment. Joseph took on the identity of his God and lived his life as an heir to God's promises despite his family circumstances of extreme sibling rivalry, envy, and jealousy.
What is our first lesson on Joseph?
Genesis was written primarily for the children of Israel, but it has a secondary application for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 says: " For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope".
We are all influenced by our background and environment, but that does not mean we have to become a product of our past.
When we trust Christ as our Saviour, we become children of God and heirs with Christ to everything God has to offer.
Our family may not leave us much of a tangible inheritance, but God gives us all we need, and so much more.
