Genesis 40-41

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 turns to the Lord, turns the attention of the Pharaoh to the Lord--God is kind, He will help you.

"And as with Nebuchadnezzar, later, so with Pharaoh here – God lays out in a dream, before these heathen kings, His plans for the future because He rules even over the government of the wicked. So you Americans who are dissatisfied with your government, know this – God’s on the throne. Rest in Him, and serve Him well with all of the freedom you have to preach. Flourish where God put you. Wasting a lot of time complaining. There’re people that need to get saved." -Abeelen

Manasseh--"forgotten my toil"
Ephraim--"fruitful" God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

"Joseph finds great joy where God plants him and lays any bitterness or anger down so that he might enjoy what God has given to him. He names his son literally “amnesia.” “I’ve forgotten all of the sorrows. I’m just going to rejoice in all that God’s doing. Look at the blessings God has brought to me.” And he doesn’t bear the frustrations of a difficult life to the forefront. How many people do you know that you talk to and they go, “Oh, for years I’ll tell you that since I was eight years old.” They want to just live their life backwards." -Abeelen

"God can handle your Potiphars, can’t He? And He can handle the chief butlers who forget about you. And He can handle brutal families. And he can handle difficult circumstances. “All things DO work together for good to those who love God and to those who are the called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28). And don’t forget – His purpose is to conform you. That’s what the next verse – Romans 8:29 says, “For whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” -Abeelen