What became of Jacob’s children, the ones for whom Leah and Rachel had competed so strenuously (Genesis 29:31—30:24)?
The answer to this question puts a magnifying glass up to one of the youngest boys and Rachel’s first, Joseph. These chapters in Genesis (37-50) not only tell us what became of Jacob’s sons, but they also teach the sovereignty of God in an amazing and intricate narrative.
We know the story well, mostly because of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,” which, I understand, is performed annually here in East Peoria.
But, as you read these chapters, be aware of God’s sovereign hand at work (for God takes a back seat in the musical!).
Notice how God…
- Takes an arrogant, snot-nosed, spoiled brat (Joseph) and, through repeated trials and training opportunities, turns him into the humble, wise, servant-hearted young man who can rule the nation of Egypt, on the one hand, and forgive his brothers, on the other!
- Turns the resentment, kidnapping and lying of 10 angry brothers into the very means of saving Israel (Jacob’s new name, remember?) from certain death during the famine!
- Turns Judah’s immorality into the means of perpetuating the Messiah’s family line! (Genesis 38)
- Teaches Joseph how to trust Him for dream interpretation.
And the list goes on. Let’s be amazed at our sovereign God, this week!
Until tomorrow,
Pastor Gary
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