One of the great lessons of Joseph's life is that every negative can lead to a positive. Joseph's witness to us today is that God takes our set-backs and turns them into comebacks, He takes our bitter disappointments and turns them into appointments and He takes our misfortune and turns it into a ministry.we pick up with Joseph after being the pampered favorite son of Jacob, only to be thrown into a well and left for dead, then suddenly hoisted up from the well and sold into a life of slavery, to find a step forward in being put in charge of Potiphar's household only to be falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison adding to his list, "convicted felon." While in prison although life once again took a turn for the worst for joseph yet he still chooses to be, "soul'd out" to God and be a trusting soul to those within the prison. All along God was using what was meant to destroy Joseph and make him stronger and wiser for a day when he would save a nation and his own family who sold him out.
Date: 02/23/20
Scripture: Genesis 40:1-23 and II Corinthians 1:3-4
From Series: "Soul'd Out"
Are you Soul’d Out? Joseph was Soul’d Out and still his life and dreams took turns he never expected. We will dive into Genesis to learn about the Life of Joseph. In six episodes, we will experience success and pain in waves right along with Joseph.In episode one, we will see a favored son given all the advantages making his older brothers jealous. Thus the first series of unfortunate events was set into motion and Joseph is “Sold Out.” In episode two, In his new circumstances, we know, “The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian Master.” (Genesis 39:2) Joseph learned responsibility and gained administration skills from his experience serving.However, through no fault of his own he needed “Quick Soles” to escape.In episode three, did Joseph succeed or would he need a “Trusting Soul” to fulfill God’s Plan? Joseph will show his true character as in one of his darkest times of suffering he will show compassion and kindness by helping others. “Why do you look so worried today?” (Genesis 40:7) In episode four, is Joseph the “Sole Interpreter” that can properly administer the resources of the entire land of Egypt or as “Pharaoh asked his officials, ‘Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the spirit of God?’” (Genesis 41:38)In episode five, as Joseph now has great power, he also has a great responsibility to the land and the people. Will Joseph show us a “forgiving sol” toward his brothers or will he use his power to crush them as they tried to crush him in episode one? As Joseph goes through the process of discerning the fate of his own family, we can see God at work and Joseph’s heart softening. “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)In episode six, “Solus Christus,” Joseph has proven to overcome even when others meant evil against him. God brings all that happens to Joseph and makes it work for the good of all. God isnot done with Joseph’s family and using them to fulfill promises. The twist is that God will not use the worldly sensibilities, which include the practices of birth order, to fulfill his plan. “Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” (Genesis 48:19) Ultimately of this lineage will come the greatest blessing that can be bestowed upon the world, Jesus Christ God’s own son.
