Genesis 37

This week we will begin class by wrapping up the remainder of last week's lesson (we ran out of time), including the deaths of Rachel and Isaac and Esau's lineage to the Edomites. Then, we will focus on Genesis 37 and the transition to Joseph as the next central character in God's covenant people.

Up to now, most of the good and bad that has happened to God's people can be pretty directly attributable to their own actions. When they act in accordance with God's instruction, they are blessed. When they don't, the suffer negative consequences. The story of Joseph shows us a different perspective.

Joseph was a good and righteous man. Perhaps the most ‘Godly’ of all the characters we’ve met in Genesis. At times, Joseph clearly represents an early view of the role Christ would later fulfill in a more universal way. Yet he still experiences great struggles and trials. In fact, many times we will find that the trials he faces are BECAUSE he chooses the Godly path.

Can you relate? Joseph remains faithful. He knows that, even in challenges, God’s plan would not be deterred. God is sovereign and He works providentially through all things to achieve His ends.

For Genesis 37 lesson notes, click here.

God Bless You,

Matt

P.S. I don't know if there is any photographic evidence of what went on at our class social Friday night, but if there is I will do everything in my power to get those pics up on this blog!

Genesis 34-26

Lots of ground to cover this week, including:

• The brutal violation of Dinah by Shecham
• The massive overreaction and vengance plot of her brothers
• Jacob's return to Bethel
• Jacob's recognition that God is a personal God to be sought out
• The birth of Benjamin
• The deaths of Rachel and Isaac

... just for starters! There is a lot we can learn in these chapters, with striking relevance to Christians these thousands of years later. For this week's lesson notes, click here.

Genesis 32-33

Today's lesson follows Jacob as he confronts his fear of confronting his brother Esau. In the process, he wrestles all night with God, only to realize he has been wrestling with God all his life, and that sometimes God has to break us to bless us.

To download this week's lesson notes, click here. See you Sunday.

God Bless,

Matt

Genesis 29:31 - 31:55

We had this very nice family tree up for last week's lesson and didn't have time really to get to it. So, this week we'll pick up right there where Jacob starts having sons in Genesis 29:31 and try to cover a lot of ground, getting him and his family on their way back to his homeland for next week's encounter with brother Esau.

For this week's lesson notes, click here.