icon__search

The Life of Joseph: God's Sovereignty in Our Suffering

Lent 2018

Blessing and Rescue

March 25, 2018 • Ruth Carver

Joseph’s story ends with his family together, his relationships restored, and the hope of a future for himself and God’s people. Our stories are stories of blessing for us and for others, but find their deepest meaning in the story of God’s blessing intended for all the peoples of earth.

Reconciliation

March 18, 2018 • Matt Erickson

After a series tensions, Joseph is overcome by emotion and reveals himself to his brothers. Joseph and his brothers experience a reconciliation of relationship with one another and their father. How might our suffering lead into life, healing and reconciliation?

Open Wounds

March 11, 2018 • Matt Erickson

The climax of Joseph’s story in Genesis 42-44 is his encounter with his brothers in their hour of need. Walking into their lost brother’s world, the brothers do not recognize Joseph. It is only after a series of challenges that they realize what is happening. How do we deal with our wounds, particularly when past hurts are opened by those who inflicted them?

Lost and Found

March 4, 2018 • Matt Erickson

In Genesis 40, we find Joseph languishing in prison, where he is put in charge of the prison because of his diligence. He interprets dreams of Pharaoh’s imprisoned cupbearer and baker. When Pharaoh himself has inexplicable dreams, the cupbearer remembers Joseph’s abilities. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams and suggesting plans for good stewardship, Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of Egypt’s action plan for the season of famine.

Caught

February 25, 2018 • Matt Erickson

In Genesis 39:1-20, Joseph works as a slave in the household of an Egyptian official, Potiphar, whose wife accuses him of misusing her after Joseph rebuffs her entreaties. Joseph is wrongly imprisoned because of the false accusation. How do we respond to temptation? And what do we do with wrongful accusations?

Descending

February 18, 2018 • Matt Erickson

Joseph’s story begins with dreams, parental favoritism, and family tensions. His father’s favorite son, Joseph, quickly finds his disagreements with his brothers boiling over into his faked murder and sale into slavery. What do you do when everyone seems to turn against you?