Good morning,

Supremely precious

(John Fawcett, “Christ Precious“)

“Yes, He is very precious to you who believe.” 1 Peter 2:7

If Christ is truly precious to us, we shall prefer Him above every other object; He will have the chief place in our affections. The love which a Christian has to his Savior penetrates and possesses his heart. This distinguishes it from the pretended love of hypocrites, which is only in word, or in some external actions, while their hearts are full of sinful self-love; so that it may be said of them, “This people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”

We may possibly delight in some objects of an inferior nature, as they contribute to our health, our ease, or our comfort. Our homes, our food, and our other temporal enjoyments are dear to us, because they minister to our comfort and convenience in the present life. But true love for Christ does not allow any other object to hold the chief place in the heart. This chief place is for Jesus, whom we ought to love with supreme ardor. The choicest affections of our souls ought to be supremely fixed upon Him.

As it is impossible for any man to love an unknown object–so it cannot be expected that Christ should be supremely precious unto us, unless we know Him to be excellent and desirable, beyond whatever may be compared with Him. We shall not esteem Him above all things, if we have not elevated views of His transcendent worth. Our esteem of Him rises in proportion to the knowledge we have of Him. Godly men therefore ardently desire to increase in the knowledge of Him, that their affections may be more intensely fixed upon Him.

That love, which has but created things for its object, is degrading to the soul. It is a cleaving to that which can neither give happiness to our souls, nor repose to our minds. For to love any object ardently, is to seek our felicity in it and to expect that it will answer our desires. It is to call upon it to fill that deep void which we feel in ourselves, and to imagine that it is capable of giving us the satisfaction we seek. It is to regard it as . . .
  the resource of all our needs,
  the remedy of all the troubles which oppress us,
  and the source of all our happiness.
Now, as it is God alone in whom we can find all these advantages–it is a debasing of the soul, it is idolatry to seek them in created objects! “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ!” Philippians 3:8

If Christ is truly precious to us–we shall be induced to devote our souls and our bodies, our talents, our abilities and our faculties–as a living sacrifice to Him. To contemplate His adorable perfections will be our highest joy. We shall be ready to obey Him, in opposition to all the threats and the solicitations of men. We shall rely upon Him, though all outward appearances seem to be against us. We shall rejoice in Him, though we have nothing else to comfort us. If we enjoy health and plenty, friends and reputation–the Lord is still the object of our earnest desires and our supreme delight.

“Whom have I in Heaven but You? There is none upon earth that I desire besides You! As the deer pants for the water-brooks, so longs my soul after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God!”

  ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001, chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The shedding of blood has been essential to the atonement for man’s sin. The shedding of blood is directly tied to our salvation. Jesus shed His perfect, precious blood to pay our sin debt.

The Passover, instituted by God, is a picture of salvation for Israel. When they applied the blood, God passed over their house. Right after that they were freed from their Egyptian enslavement.

This week we look at the progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves, preparation for deliverance of the Hebrew slaves, the Israelite’s delivered from Egyptian bondage, and Israel redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-Passover.

The Israelites delivered from Egyptian bondage (5:1-15:21) 

1. Moses demands the release of the Israelites (5:1-4) (READ)

“And afterward Moses and Aaron went in, and told Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness.² And Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.³ And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath met with us: let us go, we pray thee, three days’ journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God; lest he fall upon us with pestilence, or with the sword. ⁴ And the king of Egypt said unto them, Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.”

 “Let my people go…” used 8 times

2. Pharaoh’s answer: Hebrews denied straw with which to make bricks (5:5-23) 

3. Moses demand certified by miracle (5:23-7:12) (READ7:1-9)

“And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.² Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.³ And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. ⁴ But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.⁵ And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.⁶ And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they.⁷ And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.⁸ And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,⁹ When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.”
4. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (7:13-14) 
5. First plague: Blood (7:14-25)

6. Second plague: Frogs (8:1-15)
7. Third plague: Lice (8:16-19) 
8. Fourth plague: Flies (8:20-32) 
9. Fifth plague: Disease on Livestock (9:1-7) 
10. Sixth plague: Boils (9:8-12) 
11. Seventh plague: Hail (9:13-35 
12. Eighth plague: Locusts (10:1-20) 
13. Ninth plague: Darkness (10:21-29) 
14. Death announced (11:1-10) (READ)

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.² Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver and jewels of gold.³ And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.⁴ And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:⁵ And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.⁶ And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.⁷ But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the Lord doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.⁸ And all these thy servants shall come down unto me, and bow down themselves unto me, saying, Get thee out, and all the people that follow thee: and after that I will go out. And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger.⁹ And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you; that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.¹⁰ And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh: and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

Moses demands that Pharaoh let the children of Israel to go and worship. Pharaoh says no. He then requires the children of Israel to gather their own straw for the making of bricks.

Moses now proclaims ten plagues on the Egyptians. The last is the death of the first born of all the families of Egypt. Starting with Pharaoh’s son.

It is never wise to oppose God. Believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit of God residing in them. The Holy Spirit will convict believers of their opposition to God. When believers refuse to obey, God brings chastisement or judgment into their lives. Similar to what we see happening to Pharaoh and Egypt.

If believers go too far, God may take them home early. Similar to the death of the first born.

Pharaoh could have avoided this judgment by repenting and obeying God. He did not and he and the nation of Egypt suffered the consequences.

Jesus Christ paid the sin debt for all mankind. Those who have trusted Christ as their Lord and Savior, are to obey what God has given us in the Bible. When we fail to obey, we must repent of our sin, start obeying God’s word, and continue to serve our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Will we choose to be rebellious like Pharaoh or obedient like Moses?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 

Good morning,

The shedding of blood has been essential to the atonement for man’s sin. The shedding of blood is directly tied to our salvation. Jesus shed His perfect, precious blood to pay our sin debt.

The Passover, instituted by God, is a picture of salvation for Israel. When they applied the blood, God passed over their house. Right after that they were freed from their Egyptian enslavement.

This week we look at the progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves, preparation for deliverance of the Hebrew slaves, the Israelite’s delivered from Egyptian bondage, and Israel redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-Passover.

PASSOVER

EXODUS 1-12

INTRO:  The Hebrews in Egypt (1:1-12:36) 

A. Progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves (1:1-22) 

1. The tribes of Israel identified (1:1-7) 
2. Pharaoh (King of Egypt) who knew not Joseph (1:8) (READ)
3. Growth of Hebrew population (1:9-10) (READ)
4. Harsh treatment of Hebrew slaves in Egypt (1:11-14) (READ)
5. Plan to destroy the Hebrews (1:15-22) (READ)

B. Preparation for deliverance of Hebrew slaves (2:1-4:31)

1. Moses born and saved from destruction (2:1-10)  (READ)
2. Moses kills an Egyptian and forsakes Egypt (2:11-14) 
3. Moses in the land of Midian (2:15-22) 
4. God takes knowledge of Israel’s sad plight (2:23-25) 
5. God calls Moses at a burning bush (3:1-4:17) (READ 3:1-10, 4:18)
6. Moses agrees to go back to Egypt (4:18-26) 
7. The Hebrews believe Moses and accept his leadership (4:27-31) 

C. The Israelites delivered from Egyptian bondage (5:1-15:21) 

1. Moses demands the release of the Israelites (5:1-4) (READ)

“Let my people go…” used 8 times

2. Pharaoh’s answer: Hebrews denied straw with which to make bricks (5:5-23) 
3. Moses demand certified by miracle (5:23-7:12) (READ7:1-9)
4. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (7:13-14) 
5. First plague: Blood (7:14-25) 
6. Second plague: Frogs (8:1-15) 
7. Third plague: Lice (8:16-19) 
8. Fourth plague: Flies (8:20-32) 
9. Fifth plague: Disease on Livestock (9:1-7) 
10. Sixth plague: Boils (9:8-12) 
11. Seventh plague: Hail (9:13-35 
12. Eighth plague: Locusts (10:1-20) 
13. Ninth plague: Darkness (10:21-29) 
14. Death announced (11:1-10) (READ)

D. Israel redeemed by the blood of a lamb — Passover. (12:1-13:16) Christ is our sacrifice Hebrews 10:4-10 (READ)

1. Beginning of the year is changed (12:1-2) (READ)
2. Passover instituted (12:3-20) (READ)
3. Procedure for Passover ceremony (12:21-30) (READ)
4. Unleavened bread (12:31-39) Also called the feast of matzah-7 days
5. Death of the firstborn (12:40-42) 
6. Passover to be observed annually (12:43-50) 

 CONCLUSION:

• And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)
• Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:             (1 Corinthians 5:7)
• FOUNDATION STONE: The blood.  It covered but did not take away the sin of Israel.  Jesus blood takes away the sin of those who repent and come to Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The shedding of blood has been essential to the atonement for man’s sin. The shedding of blood is directly tied to our salvation. Jesus shed His perfect, precious blood to pay our sin debt.

The Passover, instituted by God, is a picture of salvation for Israel. When they applied the blood, God passed over their house. Right after that they were freed from their Egyptian enslavement.

This week we look at the progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves, preparation for deliverance of the Hebrew slaves, the Israelite’s delivered from Egyptian bondage, and Israel redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-Passover.

B. Preparation for deliverance of Hebrew slaves (2:1-4:31)

1. Moses born and saved from destruction (2:1-10) (READ)

“And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.² And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.³ And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.⁴ And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.⁵ And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it.⁶ And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children.⁷ Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?⁸ And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother.⁹ And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the women took the child, and nursed it.¹⁰ And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.”

2. Moses kills an Egyptian and forsakes Egypt (2:11-14)

“And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens: and he spied an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one of his brethren.¹² And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.¹³ And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the Hebrews strove together: and he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?¹⁴ And he said, Who made thee a prince and a judge over us? intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian? And Moses feared, and said, Surely this thing is known.”

3. Moses in the land of Midian (2:15-22) 

“Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.¹⁶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.¹⁷ And the shepherds came and drove them away: but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.¹⁸ And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?¹⁹ And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.²⁰ And he said unto his daughters, And where is he? why is it that ye have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.²¹ And Moses was content to dwell with the man: and he gave Moses Zipporah his daughter.²² And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.”

4. God takes knowledge of Israel’s sad plight (2:23-25) 

“And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.²⁴ And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.²⁵ And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.”

5. God calls Moses at a burning bush (3:1-4:17) (READ3:1-10)

“Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.² And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.³ And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.⁴ And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.⁵ And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.⁶ Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.⁷ And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;⁸ And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.⁹ Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.¹⁰ Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”

6. Moses agrees to go back to Egypt (4:18-26) 

“And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.¹⁹ And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.²⁰ And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.²¹ And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.²² And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:²³ And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.²⁴ And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.²⁵ Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.²⁶ So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.”

7. The Hebrews believe Moses and accept his leadership (4:27-31) 

“And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.²⁸ And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.²⁹ And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:³⁰ And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.³¹ And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.”

God’s plan was Moses.

When he was born, he should have been killed. God spared him. His mother puts him in an ark and allows it to float past Pharaoh’s daughter. She retrieves the ark, sees it one of the Hebrew children, has compassion on him, and raises him as her own child.

Then Moses realizes his true heritage and tries to help his brethren. He kills an Egyptian and flees to Midian. He was forty years old. He spends the next forty years as a sheep herder on the back side of the desert. One day he sees a burning bush and goes to investigate. There he meets with God who sends him back to Egypt to be His spokesman. Moses fights with God, but eventually he relents and goes. He goes back and after some convincing, the people believe him.

Who would ever think up a plan like this?

Only God! God was in charge of every aspect of the plan. Moses executed the plan in accordance with God’s desire.

Will Pharaoh let the children of Israel go? No!

God has a plan for each of our lives. Whether we follow God’s plan is up to us. We have been given a free will to obey God’s word or reject it. Obedience leads us to the plan God has for us. Disobedience leads us away from God’s plan.

Choose wisely.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The shedding of blood has been essential to the atonement for man’s sin. The shedding of blood is directly tied to our salvation. Jesus shed His perfect, precious blood to pay our sin debt.

The Passover, instituted by God, is a picture of salvation for Israel. When they applied the blood, God passed over their house. Right after that they were freed from their Egyptian enslavement.

This week we look at the progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves, preparation for deliverance of the Hebrew slaves, the Israelite’s delivered from Egyptian bondage, and Israel redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-Passover.

A. Progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves (1:1-22) 

1. The tribes of Israel identified (1:1-7) 

“Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob.² Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,³ Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,⁴ Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.⁵ And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.⁶ And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.⁷ And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.”

2. Pharaoh (King of Egypt) who knew not Joseph (1:8) (READ)

“Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.”

3. Growth of Hebrew population (1:9-10) (READ)

“And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:¹⁰ Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.”

4. Harsh treatment of Hebrew slaves in Egypt (1:11-14) (READ)

“Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.¹² But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.¹³ And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:¹⁴ And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigor.”

5. Plan to destroy the Hebrews (1:15-22) (READ)

“And the king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah:¹⁶ And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.¹⁷ But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.¹⁸ And the king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done this thing, and have saved the men children alive?¹⁹ And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.²⁰ Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty.²¹ And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.²² And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.”

Joseph has died. Israel is growing in numbers and in strength. A new king comes to power who did not know Joseph or his legacy. The Egyptians were afraid of Israel. The new king commanded that the midwives kill all the males at birth. That did not work.

The new king makes them his slaves. Forced labor. He will work them to death. They just become stronger.

Man’s plan never overrides the plan of God. God’s plan was to judge Egypt for their cruelty to Israel. In the eyes of the Israelites of that time, it seemed God had forgotten them. He had not.

This happens to us. We expect instant results from God. We are looking for our concept of what God’s plan for our lives should be. Not His plan. This causes us to think God has forgotten us. He has not forgotten us. He sees everything, knows everything, and is powerful enough to change anything He desires.

He sees the big picture.

The question is, Will we trust Him? Think about that question this week?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.

III. JOSEPH AS A PRINCE IN EGYPT

Please read chapters 41-50

   A. WISE IN HIS SERVICE TO PHARAOH…

      1. At the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule over Egypt (41:38-46)

           READ: 41:39-40

      2. His wisdom manifested in his administration

         a. Showing foresight during the years of plenty – (41:47-49)

         b. Showing shrewdness during the years of famine – Gen 41:53-57; 47:13-26

      3. Mindful of God’s blessings – (41:50-52)

   B. MERCIFUL IN HIS TREATMENT OF HIS BRETHREN…

      1. Finally reunited with his brothers and father – (42:1-45:15)  READ: 42:1-2, 7-8, 34, 36,38, 43:1, 8-13, 44:32-34 (Judah surety: sold Joseph)

      2. Arranged for them to live in Goshen –(46:16-20, 28-34,  47:1-12)

      3. Reassured his brothers that he has forgiven them

         a. When he first revealed himself to them – (45:4-8)

         b. When their father Jacob died – (50:15-21)

   C. BELIEVING IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD…

      1. That God could make good things come out of evil intentions (50:20)

      2. That God would keep His promises made to His people – Gen 50:24-25

CONCLUSION

1. In the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a character…

   a. Centered in faith and trust in God

   b. Devoted to serving God and man with honor and dependability

   c. Unwilling to be deterred by the hatred, betrayal, and forgetfulness of others

   d. Willing to forgive the wrongs committed by others

   e. Able to see the big picture, God’s wonderful workings in the affairs of men

2. This noble character can be useful in all the seasons of life…

   a. As a youth, tempted and tried with no help from family or friend

   b. As a mature individual, charged with important responsibilities

   c. As an aged person, knowing that death is imminent

May “The Character of Joseph” serve to inspire us to develop our character as well, that in some small way we too can be…

   “..an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Certainly this is the case with the patriarch Joseph!

FOUNDATION STONES:

1) CHARACTER

2) JOSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST

    A) He was loved by his father             Jesus was loved by God His father

     B) Rejected by his brothers                Jesus was rejected by the world

    C) Unjustly tried                                Jesus was unjustly tried

    D)  Suffered                                      Jesus suffered on the cross-man’s sin

    E)  Married a gentile (Egyptian) bride  Jesus marries gentile bride

    F)   Delivered his people from death            Jesus delivered sinful man from death

3)  Obedience saved two nations

“And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:⁴⁰ Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.⁴¹ And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:39-41)

Pharaoh has placed Joseph in charge of managing Egypt. He carries out God’s plan to store food during the seven years of plenty and to distribute the food during the seven years of famine.

Joseph must deal with his brothers coming to buy food. His brothers did not know that Joseph was their brother.  Joseph treated them harshly and yet showed compassion by giving them their money back. Eventually, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. He treats them with respect and kindness. He has them bring their father to come and live in Egypt. He provides for them.

Do you remember the dream Joseph had where his brothers and parents would bow down to him? It came true. God intervened to save Israel and Egypt.

The key verses are Genesis 50:20-21.

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.²¹ Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”

What have we learned from our study of Joseph? I hope each of us have learned lessons that will change our lives and those of others.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.

II. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT

   A. OVERSEER IN POTIPHAR’S HOUSE…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes – Gen 39:1-6

         a. Though a young man, he proved industrious and trustworthy

         b. He made the best of the situation, and God blessed him and          Potiphar

      2. Handsome in appearance, Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife        (39:6b-20)

         a. She tried time and again to seduce him

         b. He resisted, out of faithfulness to Potiphar and God –But he refused v. 8 (39:8-9)

         c. Her advances spurned, she spitefully accuses him wrongfully

            1) Angering her husband

            2) Resulting in his imprisonment

   B. OVERSEER IN PHARAOH’S PRISON…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the keeper of the prison (39:21-23)

         a. Placed in charge of the other prisoners, with complete trust

         b. Prospered in his new role by God, who was with him

      2. Interpreter of dreams, Joseph is forgotten then remembered (40:1-41-36)

         READ: 40:7,8, 12,13 (Butler) 16-18 (Baker)

         a. He interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker

            1) Acknowledging God as the interpreter – (40:8)

            2) The dreams are fulfilled, yet Joseph was forgotten – (40:20-23)

         b. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh READ: 41:1, 14-16

            1) Again acknowledging God as providing the answer – Gen 41:            16,25,32

            2) Offering advice in regards to the dreams’ fulfillment (41:33-36)

[Falsely accused, then forgotten by man, many might wonder “Why bother to be righteous?”  But Joseph maintained his integrity and was not forgotten by God.  Just as he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and the keeper of the prison, so he enjoyed favor in the eyes of Pharaoh…]

“And the Lord was with Joseph,”. (Genesis 39:2,21) Joseph served Potiphar well. So well, that he made him overseer of everything that he had.

Potiphar’s wife was a wicked, vile woman. She was unfaithful to her husband and coveted an immoral relationship with Joseph. Joseph kept working. Then came a day that he was alone in the house with Potiphar’s wife. She grab for him by his garment. Joseph ran, she had his garment. She falsely accused Joseph and Potiphar through him is prison.

Have you ever thought how Potiphar must have felt when Joseph became second to Pharaoh in Egypt?

Then in prison, Joseph found favor with the keeper of the prison. Joseph was in charge of all the prisoners. Then the two dreams and interpretations. The butler restored to his butlership and the baker was executed.

This brought the opportunity for God to use Joseph to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.

Who would have thought the thirteen years earlier, when Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites, that he would appear before the Pharaoh.

God did. Tomorrow, we see what God did and how two nations were rescued.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful

character displayed by this man of God.

“THE CHARACTER OF JOSEPH” Genesis 37-50

INTRODUCTION

1. When we think of “the patriarchs”, the following likely come to mind…

   a. Abraham, man of faith

   b. Isaac, son of promise

   c. Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel

2. Yet consider this about the patriarch Joseph…

   a. More space in Genesis is devoted to him than the others

   b. There is not a single word of reproof against Joseph

3. Indeed, “The Character Of Joseph” is worthy of careful study…

   a. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life

   b. His magnanimity as ruler and brother

   — Make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an      illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the world in perfection

[Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.  We begin with..]

I. JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN

   A. HATED BY HIS BROTHERS…

      1. Telling on his brothers didn’t help – Joseph brought unto his father their evil report (37:2)

      2. Favoritism– by his father certainly hurt – Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children v.3  (37:3-4)

      3. His dreams made it worse – and they hated him yet the more v.5 (37:5-11)

      4. They eventually sold him as a slave – sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite’s   v.28 (37:12-36)

         a. Spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him – (37:21-22)

         b. Spared death by Judah, who suggested slavery instead – (37:26-27)

   B. FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER…

      1. Some children rebel against their parents to win approval from        their siblings

      2. Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his wishes – (37:13)

[One might think such ill treatment, followed by separation from country and kin, would produce bitterness and hopeless in such a young man.  Yet “The Character of Joseph” really shines as we consider…]

II. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT

   A. OVERSEER IN POTIPHAR’S HOUSE…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes – Gen 39:1-6

         a. Though a young man, he proved industrious and trustworthy

         b. He made the best of the situation, and God blessed him and            Potiphar

      2. Handsome in appearance, Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife         (39:6b-20)

         a. She tried time and again to seduce him

         b. He resisted, out of faithfulness to Potiphar and God –But he refused v. 8 (39:8-9)

         c. Her advances spurned, she spitefully accuses him wrongfully           

1) Angering her husband

            2) Resulting in his imprisonment

   B. OVERSEER IN PHARAOH’S PRISON…

      1. Blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the keeper of the prison (39:21-23)

         a. Placed in charge of the other prisoners, with complete trust

         b. Prospered in his new role by God, who was with him

      2. Interpreter of dreams, Joseph is forgotten then remembered (40:1-41-36)

         READ: 40:7,8, 12,13 (Butler) 16-18 (Baker)

         a. He interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker

            1) Acknowledging God as the interpreter – (40:8)

            2) The dreams are fulfilled, yet Joseph was forgotten – (40:20-23)

         b. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh  READ: 41:1, 14-16

            1) Again acknowledging God as providing the answer – Gen 41:

               16,25,32

            2) Offering advice in regards to the dreams’ fulfillment  (41:33-36)

[Falsely accused, then forgotten by man, many might wonder “Why bother to be righteous?”  But Joseph maintained his integrity and was not forgotten by God.  Just as he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and the keeper of the prison, so he enjoyed favor in the eyes of Pharaoh…]

III. JOSEPH AS A PRINCE IN EGYPT

   A. WISE IN HIS SERVICE TO PHARAOH…

      1. At the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule over Egypt (41:38-46)            READ: 41:39-40

      2. His wisdom manifested in his administration

         a. Showing foresight during the years of plenty – (41:47-49)

         b. Showing shrewdness during the years of famine – Gen 41:

            53-57; 47:13-26

      3. Mindful of God’s blessings – (41:50-52)

   B. MERCIFUL IN HIS TREATMENT OF HIS BRETHREN…

      1. Finally reunited with his brothers and father – (42:1-45:15)  READ:   42:1-2, 7-8, 34, 36,38, 43:1, 8-13, 44:32-34 (Judah surety: sold Joseph)

      2. Arranged for them to live in Goshen –(46:16-20, 28-34,  47:1-12)

      3. Reassured his brothers that he has forgiven them

         a. When he first revealed himself to them – (45:4-8)

         b. When their father Jacob died – (50:15-21)

   C. BELIEVING IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD…

      1. That God could make good things come out of evil intentions (50:20)

      2. That God would keep His promises made to His people – Gen 50:

         24-25

CONCLUSION

1. In the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a character…

   a. Centered in faith and trust in God

   b. Devoted to serving God and man with honor and dependability

   c. Unwilling to be deterred by the hatred, betrayal, and forgetfulness of others

   d. Willing to forgive the wrongs committed by others

   e. Able to see the big picture, God’s wonderful workings in the affairs of men

2. This noble character can be useful in all the seasons of life…

   a. As a youth, tempted and tried with no help from family or friend

   b. As a mature individual, charged with important responsibilities

   c. As an aged person, knowing that death is imminent

May “The Character of Joseph” serve to inspire us to develop our character as well, that in some small way we too can be…

   “..an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Certainly this is the case with the patriarch Joseph!

FOUNDATION STONES:

1) CHARACTER

2) JOSEPH A TYPE OF CHRIST

    A) He was loved by his father             Jesus was loved by God His father

     B) Rejected by his brothers                Jesus was rejected by the world

    C) Unjustly tried                                Jesus was unjustly tried

    D)  Suffered                                      Jesus suffered on the cross-man’s sin

    E)  Married a gentile (Egyptian) bride  Jesus marries gentile bride

    F)   Delivered his people from death            Jesus delivered sinful man from death

3)  Obedience saved two nations

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful

character displayed by this man of God.

I. JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN

A. HATED BY HIS BROTHERS…

      1. Telling on his brothers didn’t help – Joseph brought unto his father their evil report (37:2)

      2. Favoritism– by his father certainly hurt – Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children v.3 (37:3-4)

      3. His dreams made it worse – and they hated him yet the more v.5 (37:5-11)

      4. They eventually sold him as a slave – sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite’s   v.28 (37:12-36)

         a. Spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him – (37:21-22)

         b. Spared death by Judah, who suggested slavery instead – (37:26-27)

   B. FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER…

      1. Some children rebel against their parents to win approval from

         their siblings

      2. Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his wishes – (37:13)

[One might think such ill treatment, followed by separation from country and kin, would produce bitterness and hopelessness in such a young man.  Yet “The Character of Joseph” really shines as we consider…]

Come back Thursday to see Joseph’s enslavement in Egypt.

Please read Genesis 37 in its entirety. This chapter sets the stage for all that follows. Remember who is involved. Joseph’s parents and brothers. Pay particular attention to the dreams. The dreams and the family will play a significant role as we move forward.

Then overlay Joseph’s life with Jesus. Joseph is an Old Testament type of Jesus. Look for similarities. Examine the character traits of both.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the character of Joseph. There is nothing negative said about Joseph. In every circumstance of Joseph’s life, the Lord was with him. Joseph led a life of highs and lows, but never complained. He was betrayed by his brothers, lied about by Potiphar’s wife, languished in prison, and ultimately ruled in the nation of Egypt.

Joseph was a dreamer. When Joseph dreamed a dream, it became reality. Through God’s help, Joseph was able to interpret the dreams. His brothers despise him, his parents are annoyed, the butler rejoiced, and the baker ended up dead. Pharaoh requested his help in interpreting his dream. Joseph’s interpretation averted the death of many people. Pharaoh promotes him from prisoner to prince.

Let’s review the life of Joseph, and be reminded of the wonderful character displayed by this man of God.

INTRODUCTION

1. When we think of “the patriarchs”, the following likely come to mind…

   a. Abraham, man of faith

   b. Isaac, son of promise

   c. Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel

2. Yet consider this about the patriarch Joseph…

   a. More space in Genesis is devoted to him than the others

   b. There is not a single word of reproof against Joseph

3. Indeed, “The Character of Joseph” is worthy of careful study…

   a. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life

   b. His magnanimity as ruler and brother

   — Make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the world in perfection

Our challenge this week is to see how Joseph reacted to particular circumstances. Then to take those observations and apply them to our lives. Although extreme, Joseph’s trials were no different than some of ours. 

What is Character?

“A person’s character is who they really are. We all think about a lot of things that are not godly, and things we would be ashamed of if they were available for all to know. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” My reputation is what others think of me, which may or may not be true, but my character is who I really am. Your character is the real you in the sense that you cannot separate what you do from who you are.

Everyone has a “public” face and a “private” face. Most of us tend to act with better behavior around others than we do in private. The other day I was at a major retail store when I noticed sophisticated video surveillance equipment. It’s not that I was going to do anything wrong, but just knowing the cameras were there resulted in my thinking, “I need to watch what I am doing because someone could be watching me.” Stories abound of people being caught on camera committing rueful acts. It is sad but true that video cameras reveal what we all know: that a person’s real character is who they are when they think no one is looking. The British writer and politician Thomas Macauly (1800-1859) once said, “The measure of a man’s character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.”

Character is the aggregate of a person’s ethical and moral qualities, and it is demonstrated through the choices we make. So a person of good character is someone who acts morally and ethically upright. Undoubtedly, we are all a mixture of both good and bad, so we are not saying that to have “good” character a person never makes any missteps. Rather, he is someone who is always striving to take the moral high road and, when he recognizes he has done something wrong, does what is necessary to get back on track.

The list of “high value” character traits (those virtues we esteem) is extensive, and includes such things as integrity, courage, honor, honesty, and fortitude. In addition to the many noble traits there are, we Christians would also want to make sure that we are pursuing those virtues that God espouses. Certainly this list for us would incorporate the distinguishing qualities of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and humility. In fact, it has been said that the fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22 and 23 represent the character of Christ.

Galatians 5:22 and 23a
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…

The type of character you have is your choice. This is why it was once said that, “Your character is the sum total of your life choices.” If you make poor choices, such as stealing, lying, or laziness, then you have poor character. I may not have a choice regarding the situations I am confronted with, but I always have a choice concerning how I respond to those situations. When dealing with frustrating or disappointing circumstances, I can respond with anger or with patience. The choice is always mine to make, so my character is always a matter of my choice, and thus it is my responsibility.” (The Importance of Character, 28 October 2013, Truth or Tradition)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001