The Rise and Fall and Rise and Fall and Rise and Fall and Rise of Joseph

Introduction

Law & Order v. Lost

Stool

Promise and fulfillment as the theme of Genesis

Joseph’s place as culmination and contrast

Is this the offspring of the woman and Abraham who will crush the serpent and bless the nations?

Episode 1 – Joseph’s Dreams (Gen 37:1-11)

The arc of Genesis toward royal fulfillment

Robe

Bowing (sheaves, sun, moon, and stars)

Reign

Genesis 37:8 “8 His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said.”

The dreams are messages from God and emphasize his engagement in the coming story

Episode 2 – Joseph’s Sale (Gen 37:12-36)

The descent of Joseph into the pit

The departure of Joseph to Egypt – not by choice

Episode 3 – Joseph in Potiphar’s House (Gen 39)

Joesph’s prosperity is a result of the Lord’s presence – v. 2

Everything in his care v. 4

Joseph’s morality is a result of God consciousness

Joseph’s prosperity is a result of the Lord’s presence – v. 20-21

Everything in his care – v. 22

Episode 4 – The Cupbearer and the Baker (Gen 40)

Interpretations belong to God – v. 8

Lift up/lift up from off him

Fulfillment demonstrates that God is indeed still present with him

Episode 5 – Pharaoh’s Dreams (Gen 41:1-40)

“I cannot but God can”

Pattern of two dreams (third time)

Both the interpretation and the content of the dream emphasize God’s sovereign control

Episode 6 – Joesph’s Final Rise (Gen 41:41-57)

Royal Joseph assumes his role as governor over Egypt

13 years have passed

Joseph enriches Pharaoh and by extension himself

Application

Prospering as a saint

Faithful in Suffering

Faithful in Temptation

Faithful in Prosperity

Joseph predicts the shape of salvation

A favored son

Sold for silver

Stripped of his royal robe

Delivered up to the Gentiles

Resisted temptation

Falsely accused

Lifted up as a ruler

Forgives his brothers

He is exalted through humiliation

Blesses all nations

Gives bread to the hungry

Knees bow before him

Contrast

Joseph dies

Exodus 1:6–8 NIV

6 Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, 7 but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them. 8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.