In this passage we explore how both Jacob and Joseph die as great men of faith. We also explore how Joseph grieves his father’s death, how he recovers from that grief, and how - even in the face of his own death - he leaves God’s people with a sobering but hope-filled reminder.
The Blessing of Jacob’s Sons - Genesis 49:1-28
In this passage Jacob speaks words of blessing to each of his sons that predict their future as individuals, and the future of the tribe that will descend from them. As he does that Jacob also longs for God’s Promised King - the Lion of the tribe of Judah - who will fully and finally deliver God’s people from Satan, sin, and death.
Finishing Life Well - Genesis 48
In this passage we explore the ways in which Jacob is a great example of us of finishing the life of well. As much as he is physically failing, spiritually speaking, he is sprinting to the line - sprinting into the arms of his Good Shepherd.
God’s Providential Kindness - Genesis 47
In this passage God is never mentioned, but it is clear that he is at work behind the scenes - through the ministry of Joseph - for the good his people, and for the whole population of Egypt and Canaan.
Should we stay or go? - Genesis 46
In this passage Jacob is faced with the terrifying prospect of moving his whole family down to Egypt. We too are faced with many big decisions in our lives. This talk encourages us, as we are faced with those decisions, to seek God’s Kingdom first, and entrust ourselves to Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
How Do I Forgive? - Genesis 44 - 45
Most of us have tasted the sour fruit of betrayal or the bitter fruit of rejection. If we haven't, it's only a matter of time before we do. What we need then is a comprehensive way of dealing with this issue. Though Genesis 45 was written thousands of years ago, it offers a genuine way forward in dealing with forgiveness.
God's loving plan lead to Repentance - Genesis 42-43
This talk explains the process of repentance through God's loving plan. See how Joseph's brothers are woken up, suffer, confess their sins, and lives are fully transformed. Finally they can only lie astonished at the grace they receive. How will you respond to God's loving plan for you today?
13 years a slave - Genesis 41
In a dramatic turn of events the 13 long years of Joseph’s suffering in slavery come to a sudden end and he is promoted to prime minister of a major superpower. In this dramatic account we meet three characters? We the God who speaks: but are we really listening to him, even if his message is troubling? We meet the slave. Joseph’s incredible boldness and openness before Pharaoh spring from a character shaped by God through suffering: Joseph has learnt to be faithful in both prosperity and adversity; Joseph has learnt the value of suffering; Joseph has learnt God’s purpose for his life. We meet Pharaoh: the king who trusted God’s rescuer, and see how God is bending history to bring people to faith in him.