An Eternal Gift By Andrew McChesney Tragedy struck young Vishalini’s life when her parents divorced over a misunderstanding in the extended family. Vishalini sadly said good-bye to Mother after Father gained custody of her. Before long, Father remarried, and Vishalini had a stepmother. Vishalini felt so alone. Her new stepmother did not like Mother at … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Joseph in Egypt,” Pages 213-223, in Patriarchs and Prophets. “In early life, just as they were passing from youth to manhood, Joseph and Daniel were separated from their homes and carried as captives to heathen lands. Especially was Joseph subject to the temptations that attend great changes of fortune. In his father’s … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 40:1-41:36. How are the dreams of Pharaoh related to the dreams of the officers? What is the significance of this parallel? The providential character of the events continues. Over time, Joseph is put in charge of the prisoners, two of whom happen to be former officers of Pharaoh, a butler and a baker (Genesis 41:9-11). … Continue reading –>
We now pick up the flow of Joseph’s stories, which had been “interrupted” by the Tamar incident. Joseph is now working as a slave for the “captain of the guard,” who is in charge of the prison for royal officials (Genesis 40:3-4; Genesis 41:10-12). Read Genesis 39:1-23. In light of the example of Joseph’s working as a manager … Continue reading –>
The story of Tamar is not out of place here. This incident follows chronologically the sale of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 38:1), and it is consistent with the fact that Judah has just left his brothers, which points to his disagreement with them. In addition, the text shares a number of common words and motifs with … Continue reading –>
However horrible the events that were to follow, they’re not hard to comprehend. To be in that close proximity to, and even to be related to, someone whom you hated would inevitably lead, sooner or later, only to trouble. And it did. Read Genesis 37:12-36. What does this teach us about how dangerous and evil unregenerate … Continue reading –>
Jacob has, at last, settled in the land. While Isaac was only “a stranger,” the text also says that Jacob “dwelt in the land” (Genesis 37:1). Yet, it was then, as he was settling into the land, that the troubles began, this time from inside the family. The controversy does not concern the possession of the … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Genesis 37:1-36; Matthew 20:26-27; Acts 7:9; Genesis 38:1-30; Genesis 39:1-23; Genesis 40:1-41:36. Memory Text: “Then they said to one another, ‘Look, this dreamer is coming!’” (Genesis 37:19, NKJV). The story of Joseph (Genesis chapters 37-50) covers the last section of the book of Genesis, from his first dreams in Canaan (Genesis 37:1-11) to his death … Continue reading –>
Double Answer to Prayer By Andrew McChesney The first-year theology student ran to the worship room at Zaoksky Adventist University south of Moscow, Russia. Falling on his knees, he prayed, “Lord, why are You blessing me? I am so sinful.” Twenty-year-old Vadim Antyushin felt an overwhelming sense of his unworthiness of God’s blessings. He felt … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “The Night of Wrestling,” Pages 195-203, in Patriarchs and Prophets. “Jacob’s experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christ’s second coming … Such will be the experience of God’s people in their final struggle with the powers … Continue reading –>
