Meditate on it

Sermon notes from Jack Abeelen, Morningstar Christian Chapel 1/23/2013 We began this book Genesis, March 7th--last year. So I want to congratulate each of you who have been here for all of the studies. God bless you. I don't know who you are, but I've been here for all of them. And, man, it's been a good journey, learned a lot. In chapter 46, 47, and 48, we followed Israel, Jacob, and his family toward Egypt.  And we got to watch Jacob's meetings with Joseph.  Some of his meetings with Pharaoh.  labor during the final five years during which was then a tremendous time of famine worldwide. And then watch his oversight of the government program to take care of every person under his concern. In all, when Jacob finally showed us there in Egypt, he would live 17 more years with his boy. And they would get to spend time in Egypt's delta, the grazing land of Goshen, at the time where the shepherds of Israel would spend many many years to come. Beginning in verse 28

Jack Abeelen 1/16/2013 Jacob At 147 Years Old Genesis 48-49:12 Jacob--a man who is, at best, unsteady.  We can relate to Jacob. Joseph--you really can't point to anybody. He sails through life--godly, committed, steadfast, 110 years old Genesis 1-11 4 major events formation fall of man flood fallout Joseph--nearly 25% of the book Great lesson to teach us---the sovereignty of God rules over all. God's only interested in two things *get us to the first coming of his son. *prepare us for the second coming. What's the Bible about?  It's to take you to the first coming of Christ at the cross and have you wait for the second coming. Man goes through 7 steps in his life spills--babies spill everything drills--go to school, get tested thrills--grow up, date, drive, college bills--pay for stuff, cost involved ills--get older, things begin to hurt, not as resilient, sick more pills-- wills-- Jacob is in the wills stage. Jacob wants to adopt Joseph&

Transcription of Jack Abeelen's  sermon on Genesis 46 & 47, "The Great Reunion."  Given at Morningstar Christian Chapel 1/2/2013 We're going to continue tonight in our wonderful study through this book of beginnings, the book of Genesis.  And continue with Joseph, in particular, who is certainly a type of Christ. He's a wonderful example to us of Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work together for good to those love the Lord who are called according to his purpose. And Joseph will teach us how that trust in God, when you don't understand His ways, is a life of faith that brings great blessings to bear upon your life.  And let's face it, that's a lot of our life, isn't it? We trust the Lord though we don't certainly always understand. And hopefully, as you've been going through this, together with us, you're allowing that life of  Joseph and the chapters that record it to fill your heart with a new confidence in God. I

Lead in... The seven years of plenty ended and the seven years of famine began. Pharaoh directed the people to Joseph. All the countries came to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph is now 38, 39 2nd year of famine has wife and children been enjoying God's blessing, trusted that God knew...did not get slowed down or slowed up by what he experienced.  Did he understand God's purposes? No, he didn't. Narrative---Biblical truths are found in the narrative itself. Joseph is Romans 8:28 lived out.  Not a man to give up. Where's your limit in trusting God? "All things are against me" -Jacob God:  "All things work together for good. Mannasah--amnesia Ephriam--fruitful, God has blessed me greatly Judah changes--takes responsibility for brother Reuben never changes--unstable as water Simeon---instrument of cruelty (Shecham incident) Think Joseph's law not Murphy's law:  "God has a plan"

Jack Abeelen Morningstar Christian Chapel Look at the story, learn, and then make application. Leaves Potiphar's household when he's 26 or 27. F.B. Meyer's commentary on Genesis--maybe one reason God allows suffering among Christians is so that the world will know their God is real. Joseph noticed others while in prison--not self absorbed.  He was patient...waited in prison despite having no one encourage him. 21 years between when he's traded and when he sees his brothers. Jacob's grieving was unhealthy: "All things are against me." God works big picture.  Don't judge Him until all information is in. Egyptian customs required that all men be shaved bald (a cue-ball ;)). Butler doesn't remember him for two years. Joseph will not take credit for God's work. Peter--healing of lame man, why are looking at us. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar same thing. Joseph's calm and loving heart....not mad at butler...he's kind, he

Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers at Shehman.  They were 12 miles north at Dothan.  Brothers saw him coming from a long way off, hatred boiled forth, decided to kill him.  Judah talked them into selling him into slavery. 18 year old slave in far away country Potiphar--eunuch, court official in Egypt often made eunuchs to reduce threat to royal women. Judah falls.  Joseph triumphs. Contrast between faithless Judah moves 8-10 miles away (perhaps to avoid Dad's grief), stays with heathen friend “a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah.” Hirah shows up three times in this chapter. He marries a Shua, a Canaanite woman.  Canaanites were the worst of the worst--child sacrifice, prostitutes worshiped in temple, God eventually said destroy everything in the land. Judah and Shua's sons: Er, Onan, Shelah Judah picked Tamar as Er's wife.  Er, the first born, has no interest in the things of God, and God kills him (first time God kills someone, and without explan