Genesis 37

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37

Key words / phrases:- Prophesies, Persecution, Great wickedness among God's people, God's protection


Discussion Questions:-

  • Following up on prophesies made by God via Joseph (v 6-9):- In Bible, we often see prophesies being made by God. Why does God prophesy? Why are prophesies very significant? Has God ever prophesied through you?

Quoting from http://devos20xx.blogspot.com/2016/12/can-one-prove-god-exists.html :-

"Many scholars, actually claim that one can make a very strong case for GOD. They often cite many “prophecies” which they claim to have been fulfilled over the course of human history to make a case for God. For instance, non-trivial prophesies about Jesus’s life made hundreds of years before Jesus came (Book of Isaiah, Book of Daniel found in "dead sea scrolls"). Following two passages from Scriptures are also used to defend why prophecies about future events can be used to make a strong case for the existence of God:-

- Isaiah 44:7-9: “Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.” (That is, God of the Bible is suggesting us a great way, via prophesies, to find out if He is real).

- Isaiah 42:9: ”See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you." (“God” is actually very much expected to prophesy about future events. So, if non-trivial prophecies attributed to “God” are turning out to be true during the course of human history, then one can make a strong case for “God”)

- Also, note Genesis 18:17: "The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do," (Again, it seems God loves to prophesy, which can be used to test Him)

Jesus, also referred to the prophesies in the Old Testament, to justify that He was God (also by fulfilling the relevant ones through Himself) - John 5:30-47."


  • Reflect on the extent of wickedness in Jacob's family (bad parenting, murderous brothers, etc). Are you amazed that God choose this family to further his plan to save the world (arguably the most important & critical plan)? Specifically, note that each of the twelve son will form a tribe of Israel:- what an honor given to these wicked brothers of Joseph!


  • We see Joseph being persecuted. Why and how is a Christian persecuted today? Why does a good and loving God allow a Christian to be persecuted? How does God guide a Christian amid persecution & trouble?

Jesus warns His followers about persecution & trouble in this world:- John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble", John 15:20: "If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also ", Matthew 10:16: " I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. ". Also remember all the spiritual warfare that is going on:- http://devos20xx.blogspot.com/2017/08/spiritual-warfare-under-construction.html

In general, yes, God allows suffering & persecution on a Christian (http://devos20xx.blogspot.com/2017/01/on-suffering.html). Also, because His ways are not our ways. Also He is always in full control. That is, suffering happens only if He allows, for holy purposes which at times we may not understand. But we can always remember Romans 8:28 " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ". These verses give some insight into why God allowed suffering in Joseph's case:- “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves (Joseph's brothers) for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. . . . It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:5, 8). God was always in control, as Joseph was being persecuted - Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”, Genesis 39:2 “God was with Joseph and he prospered” . Someone pointed out that v 25 mentions that the passing caravan has plenty of "spices, balm and myrrh " - something Joseph would need and as if God arranged!


  • How should a Christian treat their persecutors? How did Joseph treat his persecutors / wicked brothers?

Note, here Joseph was persecuted by his own brothers. How much do Christians feel hurt by fellow Christians in the Church? Have you heard many say that they do not want to go to Church, because Church is full of hypocrites? Someone, rightly said - "'The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.". Anyways, Jesus challenges us in Matthew 5:44-45:- "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. ". Joseph also forgave his brothers. Jesus offered eternal life in heaven to his murderers!


MISC COMMENTS

  • A friend pointed out that Joseph's dreams "seemed" self-glorifying and had hence had the potential of attracting persecution. Also Joseph did not mention that the dreams were from God.