Day 25 – Genesis 38-40

Talking Points

• In chapter 38, the story of Joseph is interrupted with the account of Judah and his sons and heirs. The story is filled with acts of disobedience and acts that dishonor God. We see the tendency to hide sin, hoping it stays hidden (v. 23). We also see that God does judge evildoers. What a mess that becomes part of Jesus’ Messianic line!
• In chapters 39-40, we see Joseph, a man who desires to honor his God. Joseph’s character is further revealed as he flees temptation and suffers for righteousness. He shows great integrity in circumstances that are
  1) truly hard
  2) enduring
  3) nonsensical
  4) unjust
• Chapter 40 ends, and although Joseph is obedient and has done the right things, he is forgotten.

Thoughts

Despite his circumstances, Joseph took every opportunity to glorify God. He didn’t wait for things to get better first. In fact, as he sought God’s glory, things got worse.

Here’s a giant thing to take away from this man’s account: we’re not making deals with God! We don’t get to negotiate our obedience or our response to Him, “God, I’ll do this, if You’ll do that.” Instead, we get to choose to trust Him, to be obedient because of who God is. Period. This is the response that truly glorifies God: “Come what may, God, You are worthy!”