THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NESS Flood, Nations; and chapters 12-50 cov ering the history of four well known characters, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph. In this eight word outline of the book we have a'progressive revela tion and gradual unfolding of God. The Creation reveals His power and wisdom. Power in creating the world and wis dom in fitting it for man’s habitation. There is nothing we have to-dày in a material way that does not come from mother earth. The Fall reveals His mercy. Immediately after man sinned and b’efore God spoke any word of reproof or condemnation, He estab lished a covenant whereby He would cover sin (Gen. 3:15), the first proph ecy of a Redeemer. The Flood reveals God’s justice and holiness. As a holy being sin was abhorrent to Him. (Gen. 6:1-5). Through Noah He gave the human race a new start. The Nations reveal God’s sovereignty. He must be obeyed and because humanity would not obey Him and scatter and replenish the earth, (9 :1 ) He smote their tower and confused tlieir language, thereby scattering them and compelling obedi ence. Out of this dispersion He called Abraham whose story coupled with that of Isaac’s reveals to us the faith fulness of God in performing what He promises. Jacob reveals God to us as a long suffering and indulgent Father. As we take up the story of Joseph, Joseph reveals God to us in His provi dential provision for His chosen peo ple. Jacob comes back to his father’s home after two or three sad chapters between the lessons, and the family grow to maturity, Joseph and Benja min being the youngest, ages about seventeen and fifteen. Joseph is his father’s favorite and is used by him as a messenger between the older brothers who are scattered with the herds out on the plains. Jealousy arises in the brothers’ hearts because of the appar ent partiality shown to. Joseph, whom they come to regard as a spy and a tale
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bearer rather than a messenger. Per haps Joseph had been a little unwise in boasting of his dreams. (37:1-11). We are always unwise that we boast of what we are going to do, or if we assume authority given to us with pride. Humility is the best attitude in which to receive promotion. We might divide the story of Joseph into three chapters: Beloved, Hated, Exalted. The story reveals three rea sons from God’s side for his sale into Egypt: For the preservation both of Egypt and Israel; for the numerical development of Israel under most fav orable conditions; for deliverance of Israel from the warlike tribes of Canaan until she should become .a nation and learn dependence upon God. God’s protecting providence over Joseph is seen in verses 21 and 25 of the les son, as indeed it is in every incident of his life. Were the brothers any less guilty in verse 27 and in verse 20? (Matt. 5: 21-28; 1 Jno. 3:15). When is sin com mitted, when hands act and when lips speak, or when the heart cherishes evil and plans vengeance? Men know when we have sinned by our actions. God knows when we have sinned by our hearts. Joseph’s brethren were mur derers even though Joseph was still alive. They recognized themselves as such. (42:22). The first and last por tions of the 139th Psalm would make a fitting closing for the lesson. Joseph Sold By His Brothers. Gen. 87: 18-28 (Read entire chapter.) Memory Verse. “ Let us love one another.” 1 John 4:7. Approach. You cannot guess what I am going to do this morning? Am going to let you tell me what kind of a teacher I have been. If you cannot answer the questions. I BEGINNERS am going to give you, it AND will show I have been a PRIMARY poor teacher, but if you can, then it will show I
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