Genesis 37-42 // Matthew 13-14

While Genesis reminds us how God sovereignly works all situations to His glory and our good, Jesus takes His preaching and extends that to show it is not just for our material needs, but that He sovereignly works over the condition of our soul as well.

Genesis 37 reveals how God works sovereignly over sin. Perhaps Joseph is overly arrogant, though the text does not make this accusation. Certainly, He does not show a wisdom in the way he presents the dreams. Jacob shows an unhealthy favoritism and the brothers certainly show jealousy, rage and murder. We also see that Reuben cannot control the outcome, for his plan is foiled.

Genesis 38 is often considered one of the darker chapters, for two men die because they are evil. A patriarch sleeps with his daughter-in-law because he thought she was a prostitute, not to mention the daughter-in-law going along with it. However, it is tempting for us to get caught up in the gory details and miss the beautiful display of repentance. When confronted with his sin (which he had been ignoring), Judah goes from self-righteously calling for the death of Tamar, to confessing that she is more righteous than he. He sees his sin and repents.

Genesis 39 shows how Joseph prospers in the land of Egypt. He is purchased by Pharaoh's bodyguard, a sovereign act by God that will place him in the Pharaoh's prison, undoubtedly would not have happened without Potipher's connections. Yet, because of his integrity and purity, he is cast into prison. But God's hand of blessing is visible even behind bars and Joseph prospers and it is recognized by the jailor.

Genesis 40 reveals Pharaoh's power. In a display of his "sovereignty," Pharaoh releases the butler but takes the life of the baker. However, working above his actions is God's sovereignty, as God moves a man into Pharaoh's service who will be aware of Joseph at a time of need. However, by forgetting about Joseph for two years, Joseph remains in a place where he can be found when needed.

Genesis 41 reveals God working sovereignly over Pharaoh as He gives him dreams for the future. This presents the need for Joseph, and the butler remembers. Then, as Joseph has stated before, the interpretation of dreams belongs to God and He provides for Joseph in such a way that God exults Joseph to a position where his brothers will bow down to him.

Genesis 42 shows the immediate result of this. Joseph's brothers approach him and immediately bow down to him. Then Joseph watches and discerns how his brothers have dealt with their sin. Chapter 42 ends with Jacob saying he will not allow his sons to return to Egypt, and seems to accept the loss of Simeon as well.

Matthew 13 presents man's response to the gospel in the hands of God. He presents parables for the purpose of veiling His message to some. WHile those whom the Father has chosen gain understanding from them.

Matthew 14 shows the bitter end of rejecting the message from God; the murder of John the Baptist, a taste of the rejection of Christ to come. Yet, by grace some receive the work of Jesus with joy, however we do not see whether they receive His message as well. (John 6 would remind us they do not).