Dr. Craig M. Jenkins, Pastor

Sunday School

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 God Rewards Obedience

Genesis 41:25-33, 37-40, 50-52
  Lesson 2 September 30, 2020

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Joseph had reason to be bitter. He had been sold into slavery by his brothers when he was 17 (Genesis 37:2) and was later thrown into prison because of a lie by Potiphar's wife. He found himself existing in the Egyptian culture which did not recognize the God of the Hebrews as the only true god. They had many false gods.

Because of his circumstances, Joseph could have rejected obedience and loyalty to the Lord but there is no evidence that he did. He was a prophet in that God revealed to him events of the future based upon dreams. Joseph knew that only God could reveal the meaning of dreams (Genesis 40:8).

When Pharoah asked Joseph to interpret his dreams, Joseph said

"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, 'but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.'" Genesis 41:16 NIV

Joseph had learned that the true credit for interpreting dreams should be given to God. Only God has that power. This displays the wisdom and knowledge the Lord had given him since he had been sold into slavery by his brothers.

Before that event in his life, there is no indication that Joseph consulted God to reveal the meaning of the dreams he personally had. The way he told the dreams to his brothers only made them extremely angry with him. (Genesis 39:5-8).

Largely because the Lord revealed the meaning of Pharoah's dreams through Joseph, God blessed him to be second only to Pharaoh in control of Egypt when he was only 30 years old (Genesis 41:46). Without God's help, it is doubtful this position of authority given to Joseph would have occurred.

Even though it may not always be in the form of dreams or visions, like in the case of Joseph, God still speaks to us today. He speaks to us through His testimony—which is the Bible. When we apply the Bible to our everyday living we can be assured of a future in Heaven with the Lord.

Conversely, through His word, He also tells us when we are doing wrong. What's so tragic is even though we know we are doing wrong, there are times when we disregard this knowledge and continue disobeying the Lord.

Based on First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, TN

Submitted by Donna Reed                                                                                          
 

Beth Eden Baptist Church