Bruce Waltke, in his brilliant Genesis commentary, points out that “the account of Jacob” from 37:2–50:26, the final toledot of Genesis, maps God’s unifying of Abraham’s line. Here God makes Abraham’s family “worthy covenant partners” (p.191) via two unlikely heroes: Joseph and Judah. Reuben was firstborn, but unworthy of his position. So, God replaced him...
Continue Reading
As this week’s passage picks up the story of Joseph in Genesis 41, we come across a young man – a mere 30 years old at this point – who has reached a position of power and prominence in one of the most powerful kingdoms of the world. What may appear as a stroke of...
Continue Reading
A spoiled little brat tattletales on his brothers, and they hate him for it. Anyone could have seen that coming in Genesis 37. Of course, the response of Joseph’s brothers is rather severe: they try to kill him, only belatedly settling for selling him into slavery. Poisoned family relationships in the ultimate dysfunctional environment. As...
Continue Reading
It is easy for Christians to shy away from power. Jesus Christ, the author of our faith, was essentially homeless and devoid of any earthly authority while in this world. He commanded us to turn the other cheek when attacked. When all expected him to deal a giant blow to Rome, he rode into Jerusalem...
Continue Reading
Sports are one the most enjoyed and exclusive past times in the whole world. Virtually every country has a national sport, and every four years each of those countries vies for a spot in one of a dozen major international competitions, from the World Cup to the Winter Olympics. Most of us, though, will never...
Continue Reading
In Genesis 41 Joseph rises to unimaginable power over Egypt, being second only to Pharaoh, and through his wise governance as Egypt’s grand steward, Egypt is saved from famine, as is the whole known world. This rise to power, however, is not a tale of selfish ambition; rather, it is a tale of Joseph’s faithful...
Continue Reading
