YOU ARE RECEIVING THE FULFILMENT OF GOD’S PROMISES AS YOU CONTINUE TO STUDY THE BIBLE ABOUT UNDERSTANDING HIS PROMISES TO YOU:

1. Genesis 33-35, Matthew 10:1-20.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2033-35%2CMatthew%2010&version=NOG

2. Genesis 36-38, Matthew 10:21-42.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2036-38%2CMatthew%2010&version=NOG

3. Genesis 39-40, Matthew 11.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2039-40%2CMatthew%2011&version=NOG

4. Genesis 41-42, Matthew 12.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2041-42%2CMatthew%2012&version=NOG

5. Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2043-45%2CMatthew%2012&version=NOG

6. Genesis 46-48, Matthew 13:1-30

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2046-48%2CMatthew%2013%3A1-30&version=NOG

7. Genesis 49-50, Matthew 13:31-58

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2049-50%2CMatthew%2013%3A31-58&version=NOG

PN 1). Genesis 33:1–11 describes the long-awaited meeting between Jacob and Esau. Jacob maintains his attitude as Esau’s cautious servant throughout, though Esau himself embraces his twin warmly and they weep together at their reunion.

That’s where Jacob had the dream with the ladder, the angels going up and down on it. God revealed himself to Jacob. God gave him promises, and Jacob said, “I am going to come back eventually to this land. I’m going to set up my family here and call this the house of God.” That’s what Beth-El means. Being a child of God meant to follow Him completely. God’s promises then were given to those who willfully committed their lives to obeying him. For believers today, God’s promises are still applied to those who place their faith in Christ. Seeing joy and acceptance on Esau’s face may have served as evidence for Jacob that God was at work on his behalf even in the face of Esau. Jacob viewed Esau’s acceptance of him as God’s protection. In a poignant and unveiled reference to his own stealing of Esau’s blessing, Jacob offers a conciliatory return of the blessing. What was previously described as a “gift” is here described as a “blessing.” The previous efforts to selfishly garner things for himself are met by Jacob’s assertion that the blessings of God to him are enough. Upon Jacob’s urging, Esau accepted the gift.

Jacob names the altar El-Elohe-Israel, or “El, the God of Israel,” using the name given to him by God. In other words, Jacob is openly declaring that God is his God and, by implication, the God of his descendants after him.

In Genesis 34, some time passes and then Jacob’s daughter Dinah is raped by the son of the ruler of the city. To exact revenge and defend their sister’s honour, Jacob’s sons trick the men of the city into being circumcised and then slaughter all of them when they are recovering, plundering all the wealth of the people. Dinah’s brothers kill the incapacitated Hivite men, taking their women and children as plunder. God is not mentioned in Genesis 34. At first listen, the story sounds godless. But this is the beautiful thing about Dinah’s story. Brothers Simeon and Levi take the initiative in following through on their deceit (34:25-29), breaking the faith of their new blood brothers. They murder Shechem and his father, and every male in town; they rape all the women and pillage the city. Their violence begets further violence. As Jacob and his family settled in the promised land conflicts began to develop. One such conflict erupted around his daughter, Dinah. The account of the incident between her and Shechem and the response of her brothers to it forms another potential threat to Abraham’s family in inheriting the Promised Land.

In Genesis 35, Jacob recommits himself and his family to God. God kept Jacob, just like he had promised those many years ago, and brought him back home. But the good news of the Bible is that God has worked through the mess of this family to fulfill his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God tells Jacob to settle at Bethel and build an altar there, so Jacob tells his household to get rid of their foreign gods, purify themselves, and worship with him at Bethel. As they go, God causes fear to fall on the surrounding cities so that no one pursues them. Most likely, this act symbolized Jacob’s commitment to completely renounce false gods. The message to Jacob’s family would have been clear. Jacob’s household would have understood themselves to be completely dependent on God alone with no other foreign gods to fall back on.

Genesis 35 mentions God over and over again, more than 10 times, plus 11 more times in names such as Bethel and Israel. God appears to Jacob again after his return from Paddan-Aram and renews the covenant He first made with Abraham and then Isaac. The Lord says to Jacob, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins.” Now the Lord reconfirms His promises that a nation, a company of nations, and even kings would come from Jacob’s body. God confirms these promises by declaring Himself to be “God Almighty.” This is from the Hebrew ‘ēl Sad’day, also written as El Shaddai.

And Isaac breathed his last, and he died and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him” (Gen. 35:28–29).

Matthew 10:1 is the first verse of the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. In this verse, Jesus gathers His disciples and grants them healing powers in what is known as the commissioning of the twelve apostles. Jesus gives His closest followers a special mission and a special authority. He tells them to preach what he has preached and do what he has done (Matthew 10:7). They are to announce the arrival of God’s Kingdom and heal the sick. When the moment comes, it will not be the apostles speaking. It will be the Holy Spirit speaking through them. Jesus calls Him the “Spirit of your Father,” which is a beautiful picture that God the Father will be with them, connected to them, and speaking through them through the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells His disciples that they should not be afraid of what people say against them for following Him. Their words don’t matter. God will reveal the truth. The disciples are to boldly proclaim Jesus’s teachings.

PN 2). God’s creation of the nation of Edom is important because it shows that He was faithful to keep His promise to Rebekah that two nations would come through her: “The LORD said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated from your body;’” (Gen. 25:23(a)). He separately showed that He was faithful to His promise to Abraham that “many nations” would come from him (Gen. 17:4-5). The Bible is filled with historical accounts demonstrating that God keeps His Word. His Word never fails.

You also can trust in His promises to you. The accuracy of God’s promises shows that you can also trust His promises for you as well. “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thess. 5:24). “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” (Dt. 7:9). “God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:9). He is faithful even when you are not: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim. 2:13). Have you given thanks that you can trust in His faithfulness even when your faith fails Him?

So perhaps one of the reasons Genesis 36 is given here, tracing Esau’s family to the nation of Edom, is so that the people of Israel, having read and heard Moses in Deuteronomy and Genesis 36 will understand why they are not to despise or to abhor an Edomite, because they are really in a sense, cousins. Just as Jacob and Esau are brothers, they are brothers, they are cousins, and therefore they are not to abhor. The book of Obadiah clearly shows that God’s wrath and judgment came upon Edom for mistreating a “brother” nation. God exercised authority in punishing Edom to the extent that no survivors were left for her.

In Genesis 37, First, God would multiply his descendants into a great nation. Second, God would bless him. Third, God would make Abraham’s name great, meaning that Abraham would be worthy of his renown. Fourth, Abraham would be a blessing.

Genesis 37:1–11 describes Jacob’s love and favor for one of his sons, Joseph. The most obvious sign of this extreme partiality is an extravagant robe given to Joseph by his father. Jacob seems to have forgotten the damage done by his parents’ own favoritism (Genesis 25:27–28).

Genesis 37:12-36. Main Idea: Obedience may take you where you never dreamed, but obedience will always keep you in the hands of God. Realities about where obedience takes you: Obedience may take you to people and to places you’d never dream of (12-17).

What we learn is that God is using the evil of others to accomplish His plans. God’s saving victory happens through sin and suffering. God used the evil deeds of his brothers to begin fulfilling His plan as revealed in Joseph’s dreams. Jesus is the ultimate example of this truth.

In Genesis 38, overall, God persevered, forbearing with our perversity, working out his plan to save us from it, and from the punishment we deserve. God persevered to bring the promised Messiah from the line of Abraham, despite the sinfulness of people like those in Judah’s family. God can work miracles out of a mess.

Genesis 38 seems to be the turning point for Judah himself. What about you? Is there a “Genesis 38” in your life? That ugly story in your life—the scene you’d rather forget—isn’t the end of your story. It’s God’s invitation to humble yourself before Him and receive the forgiveness and fresh relationship with Him He offers you in Jesus Christ, the Messiah who suffered in your stead. God can change anyone, and He does wonderful things with those who humble themselves before Him (Isaiah 66:2).

Paul writes in Romans, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV). What’s the treasure Paul refers to? The Lord Jesus. For those of us who trust in God’s promised rescuer, Jesus, for the forgiveness of our sins, we have been restored to fellowship with God. God has come and made his home with us, by the Holy Spirit.

We who believe in Jesus always hold within us a priceless treasure. Yet, we are all, as Scripture describes us—clay jars. Not one of us is a vessel of honorable use in and of ourselves. None of us have turned silver or gold. No, we are cracked clay, vessels made of hardened dirt, yet dignified by the light we hold inside—Jesus.

In Matthew 10:21-42,  Though the kindness done to Christ’s disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall be accepted. Christ does not say that they deserve a reward; for we cannot merit anything from the hand of God; but they shall receive a reward from the free gift of God. A passage of stern warnings, but given with strong reasons not to fear nonetheless. First of all, Jesus is a realist. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (10:24). If they treated Jesus like this, then surely we should not expect that they will treat us any better.

The promise here is that the person who welcomes a prophet receives a prophet’s reward. Righteous persons are those who obey God. Perhaps the term in this context means Jesus’ disciples—much as we use the phrase “good Christians” today.

PN 3).  Theologically, the point of God’s presence cannot be separated from God’s agency. God is present with Joseph toward particular ends and purposes. God’s presence is not merely, well, a presence. Rather, God’s presence makes a difference. God meets Joseph in his suffering, but God does not leave Joseph there. God enters into Joseph’s suffering to bring Joseph out of it, to another and better place. And this is important — and in the process, God blesses others through Joseph.

Not only does Joseph prosper and thrive — but through God’s presence with Joseph and the blessings result, others are blessed: First Potiphar and his household, later the chief jailer and all those in prison, and finally Pharaoh and all of Egypt. In the end, even Joseph’s brothers receive the blessing — through Joseph. Notice that in this way, the Lord was fulfilling the promise to Abraham — that he and Sarah and their descendants would be blessed and that through them, all the nations of the earth would be blessed in turn.

At least part of the preaching challenge is not to move Joseph too quickly from suffering to blessing — from slavery to freedom, from prison to Pharaoh’s house. Similarly, when proclaiming the promise of Joseph’s story, the challenge is not to overpromise for God — we cannot promise that God will move us from weeping to laughter according to a timeline that we will be satisfied with.

God’s presence with those in suffering and the way God works rarely seems fast enough for those who are suffering. The psalm writers usually scream, “HOW LONG, O LORD!?”  Some people in the tradition have said that ‘God’s timing is always the best time,’ but this never seems the case for those who suffer. Even after the fact, many who have suffered wonder why God could not have acted more quickly.

The key to Joseph’s godly behavior is the fact that “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2). When a believer relies on the presence and power of God in his life, he can overcome evil temptation. A godly person who loves God doesn’t want to displease God. This is a perfect description of Joseph’s character.

From Joseph’s jailhouse ministry, God reveals seven lessons on being a godly servant leader. These include (1) service; (2) compassion; (3) faith; (4) hope; (5) petition through prayer; (6) conviction of sin; and (7) trust in Him and not in people.

Nevertheless, the biblical promise is that God meets us in our suffering. And God does not leave us there. God meets us in suffering and moves us to what one psalmist called more “pleasant places” (16:6). And in the process, God will bless others through us.

Jesus condemns several cities in Galilee for rejecting His teaching, despite obvious signs. He warned them against making false accusations and seeking signs, and He taught the parable of the empty house. He thanks His Father for hiding the truth from those who arrogantly think they are wise.

The implication is to allow Jesus to put His own yoke on us, the way a farmer would put one on his livestock. It means giving Jesus control and letting Him direct our efforts. The work He has will not be difficult, Jesus says. He wants them to learn from Him. He offers rest for those who will take His yoke.

God promises to give His people rest (Matthew 11:29-30, Psalm 23:2). We experience this rest by placing our trust in Jesus. Rest comes from giving up control of our lives and following Jesus wherever His path may lead.

PN 4).  God is infinitely gracious to reveal His plans to Egypt and to save them along with His chosen people. God uses the good and bad for His purposes. Even though our paths are different, they are all controlled by God.  There is a greater good in suffering.  Life is infinitely easier when you believe God has got this. Believers must pray for life’s highs and pray through life’s lows.

Certainly, the time of our Remembrance is now. For a long while, it seemed as though Joseph’s dreams were never going to manifest. It appears God and everybody had forgotten about Joseph, but everything turned around in just one day because the appointed time for the vision came. God is never late! He is always right on time. Each of us has our assignments, dreams, and interpretations. Individual calling and gifts. Surely,  God will bring to remembrance all those who have forgotten about us but hold the key to our breakthrough.

Joseph acknowledges God. All glory to God. Believers must surrender everything to God.  We must let it be all about God and not us. God always answers with peace. When God g7ives a gift, it is not in our place to boast of it, we should remember it is God’s and must acknowledge Him in all of it.

We must understand that fulfillment of God’s promises remains spiritual dynamics. When a revelation is heard or seen more than once, we need to pay attention to it. It may shortly come to pass. There is a reason God showed the dream to Pharaoh twice. God does not hide His intentions or things to come away from His own; He will reveal and trust His own. We should beware of fake prophets disguising with the Name of God. A true messenger of God will not only reveal what is to come if God sends him or her but will also give instructions on the ways forward according to how he or she has received it from God, as Joseph did.

We surely need the gifts of discernment and wisdom. Those two gifts ensure the administration of fulfilment is God’s promises in us. Two qualities and characteristics are necessary for everyone to

succeed. We need these in all our ways. Also, the concept of saving is an element of fulfillment. Fulfilment also embraces the management of the abundance. One-fifth was saved during abundance. Believers must learn to cut down on spending,  particularly in times of plenty.  Yes,  our spending habits should embrace the concept of saving. We need help to cultivate and sustain a life of prudently managing the abundance God affords us.

Walking in the fullness of the Spirit entails the following: Humility of heart;  Not grieving the Holy Spirit; Always connected to the Source by communicating with God, meditating on His Words, and living according to His Will.  Yes, having a relationship with God must be constant, consistent, persistent, and unwavering. Believers must be holy and manifest holiness in daily living. Brethren, we are called to live with and in the fear of God.

In fulfilling His promises to us, God usually turns things around for our ultimate and greater good. For Joseph, it was from Prison to the Palace. The symbol of Authority always has a way to fruition robustly. Once more, Joseph has been empowered as a leader. This has been a manifestation throughout his life, even in extraordinary possibilities. God always knows what is best for us. God is God and He will give us our Manasseh and Ephraim at the right time! Just walk with God in obedience.  Because we are among familiar people does not mean we should let our guard down, we need

to allow the wisdom of God in all that we do. Although Joseph yearns for his brothers, he does not rush to show his emotions out of excitement. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit that all believers must earnestly cultivate.

God will remember His promise to us as we always remind Him of them in our prayers (Psalm 119:49).  When we live in complete obedience, we have the boldness of His Mercy to pray the right prayers. Otherwise, our mind of thoughtfulness could be clouded with doubts and weaknesses to make the right petitions.

God shall unfold before us, all His promises for us. We will weep for joy. Forgiveness and fulfillment of divine mission are spiritual movements of the Spirit in believers’ lives.  What a testimony! Forgiveness starts with the fear of God in us and without the fear of God, there cannot be forgiveness. The fear of God enables us to see others through God’s lens. The fear of God enables us to walk the process with God to the destination of

forgiveness. Trust in God enables us to trust that person again as a changed person because God is working out His Righteousness in us all. We must beware of taking the laws into our hands as if we are God. No one can be God!  God is God!

When we do evil in the sight of God, especially in what we perceive as in secret with no other’s knowledge, we become suspicious of everyone and every situation in our lives. Reuben was not free from the guilt of Joseph’s disappearance. Jacob loved Benjamin so much that his son’s death would be the end of his life. We should serve and worship God in the liberty of the Holy Spirit!

Jesus again emphasizes mercy and insists it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. He heals the man. Rather than learning and repenting, the Pharisees deepen their conspiracy to destroy Jesus (Matthew 12:9–14). Jesus temporarily withdraws, though the crowds keep following Him.

Jesus has just healed a demon oppressed man who could not see or speak, likely by removing the demon from him (Matthew 12:22). Suddenly, the man spoke and saw. The change must have been dramatic, because Matthew reports that the crowd was amazed.

And all the people were amazed. At the cure; it was such an instance of divine power, and so glaring a proof, that the person who wrought it was more than a man, and must be the Messiah.

Jesus’ whole mission was to give the people rest. He is the Lord of Rest. This means that he has come to give the people a greater rest, the rest that God always wanted them to have. The rest that they spurned as they entered the promised land.

Jesus’s point is that God cares far more about loving Him and others and obeying Him from the heart rather than obsessively keeping religious rules (represented by the reference to “sacrifice”). If the Pharisees had known this, they would not have condemned the innocent.

The disciples ask Jesus how He has done this, and He tells them that all things are possible for them if they believe and do not doubt when they pray. With His other comments on prayer, this can be understood in the context of God’s will and the way faithful believers pursue it (Matthew 21:18–22).

In some cases, people react to Christ’s miracles with fear (Mark 5:14–17) or awe (Matthew 8:26–27). This time, the people connect their amazement with the possibility that Jesus might be the long-promised Messiah: the Savior of Israel. They ask each other, “Can this be the Son of David?” The name “Son of David” was a title reserved for the Messiah. It came from God’s promise to David to establish his throne over Israel forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

Because of Isaiah’s prophecies, many Israelites likely associated the time of the Messiah’s coming with the healing of the blind, the deaf, the lame, and the mute (Isaiah 35:5). Jesus had accomplished all those miracles and many more. Those who witnessed this healing made the correct connection between Jesus’ power and the idea that He might be the Messiah.

Christ will not contentiously rebuke and persecute those that are weak in faith, or love, but rather will strengthen and kindle them using His own meekness and gentleness.

Not everyone who witnesses this will be so reasonable. Some are so committed to disbelief (John 5:39–40) that they’ll explain the supernatural act as coming from Satan (Matthew 12:24).

PN 5). [Text: Gen. 43-45] “Sovereign Grace” This is one of the most emotionally charged stories we’ve heard in Genesis. It’s the story of guilt,  repentance, and forgiveness. But more than anything else it is the story of overwhelming grace being shown to people who need it by a God whose purposes will always stand.

When God makes promises, on what do they depend? Do the promises depend on how well you behave? How good a person you are? Do they depend on how clever you are or on you finding out His “perfect will?” If it does depend on those things, what happens if you blow it? What happens when you don’t behave? What happens if you aren’t a very good person? What if you aren’t clever and as hard as you try the “perfect will” of God always seems elusive and just out of reach?

God had promised to bless the family of Abraham and to one day rescue the whole world through them. Now in chapter 43 that promise is once again under threat. Not only is there a famine threatening to kill the people of God, but there is such deep sin and spiritual brokenness within the family that they seem completely hopeless. How could God ever rescue the world through people like them?

We’re going to walk through this story together this morning, making stops along to way to see the beauty of grace at work, especially in the life of Judah and in the forgiveness Joseph freely gives to his brothers. But the main point of this story comes a few verses into chapter 45. Joseph makes plain what we’ve been seeing throughout Genesis. Just like in the act of creation itself, God remains in control over all things. And that is good news because, behind every action in this world, there is a Sovereign God at work, ordaining all things to bring about the redemption He promised in the beginning.

(God’s Wonderful promise to us all, believers in Christ Jesus. It is all about rebuilding our Relationship with God!)

The main idea of Genesis 43:

First, he points out that the family, including the little ones, and Benjamin, will all die without food from Egypt. Second, Judah offers his own life as a pledge of safety for Benjamin, committing to be responsible if anything should happen to his youngest brother.

Jacob finally tells his sons to go buy more food from Egypt. Speaking on behalf of his brothers, Judah must remind their father that they cannot buy food in Egypt if they do not return with Benjamin. The Egyptian ruler insisted on it. Taking a bold stand, Judah flatly refuses to go if Benjamin does not come (Genesis 43:1–5).

Jacob lashes out, blaming his sons for even mentioning Benjamin to the Egyptian governor (Genesis 42:13). It’s not clear how much time has passed, but it’s long enough that the situation goes from bad to worse, and the family is on the verge of starvation. Pressing the issue, Judah sways his father in two ways. First, he points out that the family, including the little ones, and Benjamin, will all die without food from Egypt. Second, Judah offers his own life as a pledge of safety for Benjamin, committing to be responsible if anything should happen to his youngest brother. Jacob can either let everyone die, including his youngest son, or he can send the entire group to see if they can obtain food (Genesis 43:6–10).

Finally, Jacob agrees. He orders his sons to take a gift for the Egyptian ruler, along with double the amount of money needed to cover the cost of both their last purchase of grain (Genesis 42:26–28) and a new one. Finally, he prays to God Almighty for mercy for his sons (Genesis 43:11–14).

Soon, Jacob’s sons find themselves bowing before the Egyptian ruler once more, this time with Benjamin at their side. The men still do not realize this powerful man is their estranged brother, Joseph (Genesis 42:8), whom they sold into slavery twenty years earlier (Genesis 37:24–28). This fulfills one of the prophetic dreams for which Joseph’s older brothers hated him (Genesis 37:5–8). Joseph orders his house steward to bring them to his home and to prepare for them a noon meal. At first afraid that Joseph means to ambush them for stealing during their last trip, the brothers are assured by his steward that God Himself put the money in their packs. The steward releases their imprisoned brother Simeon to them (Genesis 43:15–25).

When Joseph arrives, the brothers present him with their gifts of goods from Canaan. Joseph takes a special interest in their youngest brother, offering a blessing for him. Overwhelmed with emotion, Joseph must leave to go to his own room and cry before returning to them. The banquet guests are seated separately, according to Egyptian tradition. Joseph then seems to test his brothers’ jealousy by giving the youngest, Benjamin, five times the portion given to the others. As it happens, everyone seems happy, and the meal proceeds with great joy (Genesis 43:26–34).

The understanding, at this time, is that all 11 brothers will be sent back to Canaan with full sacks of grain. Things are going better for Joseph’s brothers than any of them could have hoped. Joseph has one last test in mind, however (Genesis 44:1–2), before revealing his identity (Genesis 45:1–3).

The moral lesson of Genesis 44:

In Genesis 44, the story continues between Joseph and his brothers. They were in Egypt attempting to buy corn. Before the brothers returned to Canaan, Joseph played one more game with them by having his steward place his royal silver cup in the bag of Benjamin to make it as if Benjamin stole it. In taking away the silver cup, when they had been so kindly and bountifully entertained. This he was to represent as base ingratitude, as it would have appeared, had it been fact.

Judah’s willingness to acknowledge his iniquity (see Genesis 44:16) and to be enslaved in place of his younger brother is evidence that his heart was changing. While we may not know how completely repentant Judah and his brothers were, from Judah’s example we can learn a valuable truth about repenting of our own sins.

The main points of Genesis 45:

Genesis 45 is a chapter filled with revelations. It begins with Joseph revealing his identity to his terrified brothers. It ends with those brothers revealing that their father’s beloved son Joseph is not dead; he is living as a ruler in Egypt.

Who is Israel in Genesis 45?

Fittingly, this verse once again refers to Jacob using the name Israel. This is the name given to him by the Lord after they wrestled before Jacob’s fearful reunion with Esau (Genesis 32:24–28). Both names continue to be used interchangeably in the book of Genesis.

Did Joseph actually practice divination?

It’s extremely unlikely that Joseph truly practiced divination. The One, true God Himself revealed things to Joseph without the use of any kind of apparatus (Genesis 37:5–9; 41:25–28).

It is clear that Joseph’s use of the “divining cup” is part of his test for his brothers. He planted evidence that would link them to a serious crime. Since the cup was part of a setup, it may have not been used in divination at all. There is no indication in the passage that Joseph actually used the cup for divination. Instead, Joseph may have claimed he used it to divine matters to raise the stakes and incite more fear in his brothers’ hearts. Most likely, Joseph told the steward to mention divination to further his brothers’ assumption that he was an Egyptian lord.

Genesis 45:5 Reminds Us That God Is Working

We can’t see, but we can trust that amidst all the human factors, things that we might like to happen, that happen, or things that we didn’t want to happen, that happen.

The teaching of Matthew 12:24-50

Jesus healed a demon-possessed man, and the Pharisees said it was only by Beelzebub, or the devil, that Jesus could drive out demons. Jesus pointed out that why would Satan go against himself by driving out demons he put into people? And the priests drive out demons, too. The Pharisees were blinded with envy and hatred of Christ, and yet they could not deny the miracles he did, so they slanderously claimed that they were magical, being done by the power of Satan and not God.

In family matters our loyalty as Christians belongs to the company of the faithful. That is our calling. We are never to suppose that we owe absolute loyalty to any social, racial, or religious group.

He indicated that the natural ties that His brothers, sisters, and mother had were only temporary and earthly. The most important relationship we can have with God is spiritual; we can become His child by putting faith in Christ Jesus.

In Christ Jesus,  we have everything, that is the greatest promise here and there: What do you have that is not given by God?

The Bible asks it this way: “What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 TLB).

PN 6). In Genesis 46-48, God fulfils His promises to the patriarchs of Israel. He provides guidance and protection to Jacob and his family as they journey to Egypt during a famine.

In chapter 46, God reassures Jacob that He will go with him to Egypt and promises to make his descendants into a great nation. He also promises to bring them back to the land of Canaan.

In chapter 47, God’s promise of protection and provision is evident as Jacob and his family settle in Egypt. Despite the difficult circumstances, God blesses them and causes them to prosper.

In chapter 48, God fulfils the promise He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by establishing the twelve tribes of Israel through Jacob’s sons. This is a fulfilment of the covenant God made with Abraham to make his descendants into a great nation.

Throughout these chapters, God’s faithfulness to His promises is evident, and He continues to guide and provide for His people. This serves as a reminder of the trustworthiness of God and the certainty of His promises.

In Genesis 46-48, we see several promises made by God to Jacob and their fulfilment:

1. Promise of Presence and Protection:

In Genesis 46:3-4, God reassures Jacob that He will go down to Egypt with him, and that He will also bring him back to Canaan. This demonstrates God’s promise of His continual presence and protection. This promise is fulfilled as the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob, are eventually led out of Egypt by Moses, and are brought back to the Promised Land, Canaan.

2. Promise of Multiplication:

In Genesis 48:4, God promised to multiply Jacob’s descendants, making him a great nation. This promise is fulfilled in the continued growth of the Israelite nation during Jacob’s lifetime, and then significantly so during the time in Egypt when they grew into a multitude.

Interpretation:

The fulfilment of God’s promises to Jacob underscores His faithfulness and sovereignty. It also demonstrates that His promises are not only for the immediate future but are long-term and extend through generations. It teaches us that God’s promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing, even if it might not be immediately evident to us. Additionally, it highlights the importance of trusting in God’s promises and following Him faithfully, as seen in Jacob’s obedience and faith in God despite the uncertainties and eventual challenges in Egypt.

Matthew 13:1-30 includes the parable of the sower, in which Jesus speaks about the kingdom of God and its promises. In this parable, Jesus describes how the gospel message is received by different types of people, and how those who truly understand and accept it will bear much fruit. This passage teaches us that God’s promises are trustworthy and will come to fruition in our lives if we have an open and receptive heart to His word. It encourages us to have faith and persevere in our walk with God, knowing that His promises will never fail.

In Matthew 13:1-30, Jesus tells the parable of the sower, which contains an important message about God’s promises.

1. The Sower: In this parable, the sower represents God, who spreads the message of the kingdom and His promises to all people.
2. The Seed: The seed represents the word of God and His promises. It is sown into different types of soil, representing the hearts of people.
3. The Soil: The different types of soil represent the different responses to God’s promises. Some hearts are hardened and unresponsive, some are shallow and easily give up when challenges arise, some are choked by the cares of the world, and others are fertile and produce a bountiful harvest.
4. The Harvest: The harvest represents the fulfilment of God’s promises in the lives of those who receive His word with open hearts. Those who respond positively to the promises of God will bear fruit and experience the abundance of His blessings.

The interpretation of this parable emphasizes that God’s promises are for everyone, but the reception and understanding of these promises can vary among individuals. Those who receive God’s promises with an open heart and nurture them with faith will experience the fulfilment of those promises in their lives, bearing fruit and enjoying the abundance of God’s blessings.

PN 7). Genesis 49-50 contains the blessings and promises that Jacob gave to his sons before he died, as well as the story of the deaths of Jacob and his son Joseph. These chapters are rich in the promises and interpretations of God’s plan for the future of the Israelites.

In Genesis 49, Jacob calls his sons to him and speaks a blessing over each one of them. He prophesies about their future and the destinies of their descendants. These blessings and promises are a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and His care for His people.

One of the key promises in these chapters is the blessing given to Judah, in which Jacob prophesies that the sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs (Genesis 49:10). This is a powerful promise that points to the future reign of the Messiah, who would come from the line of Judah.

In Genesis 50, the story of the deaths of Jacob and Joseph is recounted. Through these events, we see God’s faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring about good even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Joseph, who had been sold into slavery by his brothers, eventually rose to a position of great power in Egypt and was able to provide for his family during a time of famine.

Ultimately, these chapters remind us of the importance of trusting in God’s promises and his ability to bring about his purposes in our lives. They also show that God’s plans and interpretations are often beyond our understanding, but we can trust that he is always working for our good.

Genesis 49-50 contains several important promises from God, and we can apply them to our daily living in various ways:

1. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty: The blessings and promises Jacob gave to his sons in Genesis 49 remind us of God’s sovereign plan for each of our lives. We can trust that God has a purpose and a plan for us, just as He did for each of Jacob’s sons. This can give us hope and confidence as we face the uncertainties of daily living.
2. Recognizing God’s Faithfulness: The story of Joseph in Genesis 50 illustrates God’s faithfulness in bringing about good from difficult circumstances. Despite being sold into slavery and facing many trials, Joseph remained faithful to God and eventually saw how God had used his experiences for a greater purpose. This can encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the midst of trials, knowing that God is always working for our good.
3. Receiving God’s Provision: The account of Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt demonstrates God’s provision for His people. We can apply this by trusting in God’s ability to provide for our needs, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. This can lead us to rely on God’s provision rather than solely on our own efforts.
4. Embracing God’s Promises: The fulfilment of the promise made to Judah in Genesis 49:10 through the coming of Jesus Christ shows us the importance of embracing God’s promises. We can apply this by turning to the promises found in the Bible and holding onto them in our daily living, knowing that God is faithful to fulfil what He has spoken.

In summary, the promises found in Genesis 49-50 point to God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, provision, and the importance of embracing His promises. By applying these truths to our daily living, we can find hope, strength, and assurance in God’s plan for our lives.

Matthew 13:31-58 contains several parables and teachings of Jesus, which highlight God’s promises and provide insights into their interpretation. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

1. Mustard Seed and Yeast Parables (Matthew 13:31-33):

– These parables illustrate the kingdom of heaven’s growth from small beginnings.

– The mustard seed, though small, grows into a large tree, representing the exponential growth of God’s kingdom.

– The yeast works through the entire batch of dough, signifying the pervasive influence of God’s kingdom.

Interpretation and Application:

– These parables reassure us that God’s kingdom may start small but will eventually have a significant impact.

– We can find encouragement in knowing that our efforts, no matter how modest, can contribute to the growth and spread of God’s kingdom.

2. The Weeds among the Wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43):

– Jesus explains the parable, stating that just as weeds are sorted out from the wheat at the harvest, so too will the righteous and the wicked be separated at the end of the age.

Interpretation and Application:

– This parable emphasizes God’s promise of final judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked.

– It encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God will ultimately bring justice and righteousness.

3. Jesus Rejected in His Hometown (Matthew 13:53-58):

– In this passage, Jesus is rejected by the people of his hometown because they cannot believe in him due to their familiarity with his family and upbringing.

Interpretation and Application:

– This episode illustrates that God’s promises often require faith and an open heart to accept. Despite Jesus’ miracles and teachings, his own community failed to recognize who he truly was.

– It serves as a reminder to us that we should not allow preconceived notions or familiarity to hinder us from accepting the promises of God, including recognizing Christ as the Messiah.

Sure, Matthew 13:31-58 outlines several parables and teachings of Jesus that convey God’s promises and offer practical applications for believers’ daily living. Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Mustard Seed and Yeast Parables (Matthew 13:31-33):

– The mustard seed parable portrays the kingdom of heaven expanding from something small to something significant, illustrating the potential for growth and impact.

– The yeast parable emphasizes the pervasive influence of God’s kingdom, signifying its ability to transform and spread throughout all aspects of life.

Application:

– This teaches believers that although their faith and actions may seem insignificant, they have the potential to make a substantial and far-reaching impact in the world. It encourages a mindset of persistence and hope, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges

2. The Weeds among the Wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43):

– This parable highlights the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the eventual separation and judgment at the end of the age.

Application:

– It reminds believers to remain steadfast and faithful amidst the presence of evil in the world, knowing that ultimate justice will be served by God. This encourages believers to live righteously and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of challenges and moral ambiguity.

3. Jesus Rejected in His Hometown (Matthew 13:53-58):

– This passage describes how Jesus faced rejection in his own community due to their lack of faith.

Application:

– It serves as a reminder that believers may encounter rejection or disbelief, even from those closest to them. It encourages resilience and persistence in sharing the Gospel, even in the face of opposition or scepticism.

Overall, these teachings in Matthew 13:31-58 reinforce the promise of the growth and impact of God’s kingdom, the eventual separation of good and evil, and the possibility of facing rejection for the sake of the Gospel. The practical applications for believers’ daily living include embracing the potential for impact, maintaining steadfastness in faith and righteousness, and persevering in sharing the Gospel message, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Matthew 13:31-58 conveys various aspects of God’s promises, highlighting their growth, ultimate fulfilment, and the need for faith and receptiveness. These parables provide valuable insights into God’s kingdom and its unfolding, guiding us to trust in His promises and remain open to receiving them with faith and expectancy.

WE NOW PRAY IN JESUS’ NAME. AMEN:

a). 1. God, we pray for progress in that process, and the healing balm of your Word, your Spirit, and your love, and your grace, to nurture those wounds. God, we praise You for Your mercy to come to us, even in our sin, and to say, “Let’s go. Let’s leave this behind. Let’s experience all that I have for You.” God, we praise You for You did this in Jacob’s life and family. We praise You for how You do this in our lives. We pray for renewal that begins with repentance, purification, and return for Your people to return to true Worship. Amen.

2. Give us the courage to stand for the truth of Your Word even in the face of opposition. Help us to trust in You even when it means going against the world. We shall heal the sick in Your Holy Name, O Lord. We shall do Your Will, O Lord.  We pray for Your Grace,  Mercy, and Favour to prosper in the work of the Ministry. Amen.
3. We pray, Lord, that we may cling less to material things and more to Your providential presence in our lives, which is alive and active in every moment of our day and every decision we make. Help us to place all our hope and trust in You – for Your love and generosity are never outdone. Amen.

b). 1. Oh God, please help us every day throughout the day to be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit as You convict us of sin. As You open our eyes to sin in our lives, help us to repent of it, to turn from it. In the process, help us to love one another with Your mercy. Help us to be wise in our communication, O Lord! Amen.

That is our desire today, Lord, to have complete forgiveness for those who have wronged us, so that we don’t live with that dread in our hearts for the rest of our lives. You know what has been done to us; You see the injustices, and You will take care of us. Help us to forgive those who hurt us. Help us to move on from our pain. Amen.

2. Heavenly Father, as we serve this day, may we be reminded that serving others is serving You. Would You infuse into our ordinary acts of service a special sense of Your presence so that others may see Jesus in us! Thank You for loving us, living in us, and spilling out of us in our acts of service. Amen.
3. Righteous and Almighty God, please forgive us when we have not told the lost about Your love. Please help us past our discouragement when people won’t heed Your message of grace. Please forgive us for forgetting that the Good News is so necessary for salvation that to reject it is to reject hope. Amen.

c).  1. Lord, please be with us and make us prosper as You did with Joseph. Lord, be with us and give us success in everything we do, as You did with Joseph. When tempted with sin may we say as Joseph did, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” When confronted with temptation, may we run away, just as Joseph did! Amen.

2. God, we trust in you. We trust that You are working all things together for the good of those who love You and Your purpose. Oh God, we pray right now for our brothers and sisters who are in prison right now for their faith. We pray for our brothers and sisters who boldly have shared the gospel and it has landed them in captivity, in darkness, like physical darkness right now, and physical pain, physical confinement, and physical isolation. Amen.
3. God, they’re separated from family, they’re separated from friends. We pray for their family members, we pray for their friends, their church, and their family. God, we pray that You’d strengthen them. They would not shrink back from trusting in You and proclaiming You as they know the cost in even greater ways right now as their mom or dad or husband or wife or child is in prison because of the gospel. In God, we pray for that brother or sister in prison. God, we pray that You would help them to trust in You. Amen.
4. We thinking of specific people right now. God, we just pray, in different places in the world, where these brothers and sisters are imprisoned, God, that You would help them to trust in You, and God, that You would be providentially working just as You were in Genesis 40, just as You were in Joseph’s life, that You would be with them and You would providentially work in these circumstances to work for their good and Your glory for them. Amen.
5. Lord, we thank You that You are our place of rest. O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Help us to see what that looks like in our lives. Amen.
6. O Lord, God of the great expanse and our Abba Father who adopted us in grace, please help us. Give us the courage to face our doubts. Empower us with the strength to face our struggles. Give us hearts that depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Amen.
7. Thank You Jesus that You want to carry our burdens. We surrender every one of them to You. Thank You for Your peace and rest. Teach us how to take on Your ‘yoke’, to totally surrender all our concerns to You, and to walk in the ways You have set before us. Amen.

d). 1. Two years in prison is a long time, but like God came through for Joseph, He will cause a shaking that will lead to our commemoration. God will remember us for glorious manifestation and increase our greatness on every side. The Holy Spirit,  who holds the key to our open heavens and open doors will grant to us uncommon results every day. Amen.

2. As God brought about a situation that no one else could solve but Himself. Lord, please arise big in our lives to showcase Your glory and make it manifest through us. Amen.
3. Dear Lord, we thank You for You are a faithful God. Please grant us the great grace to trust You more. Help us, Lord, to patiently wait for the set and appointed time for Your promises in our lives. We thank You because they will not tarry but will surely manifest according to Your Words. Amen!
4. Lord God, we pray that You will bring to remembrance all those who have forgotten about us but hold the key to our breakthroughs. You are the Lifter of our heads. As Joseph was lifted from the dungeon to become the second in command in Egypt, Lord, lift us and increase our greatness wherever the soles of our feet touch. Amen.
5. Lord, we acknowledge Your gift in our lives, and we thank You for it. Help us Lord to use it for Your glory. We declare that in the area of our gift, we shall operate in God’s granted wisdom and discernment. We reject every spirit of pride and ego in our office of operations. We shall receive divine help to cultivate and sustain a life of prudently managing the abundance God affords us. Amen.
6. We now pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit at all times! We shall manifest greatly in the power of the Holy Spirit. There shall be a manifestation of the Great power of God upon our lives. God’s Spirit shall single us out for His Glory. Amen.
7. We now pray that God will bring us to the place of forgetfulness of our toils and sufferings. God will cause us to be fruitful in the land where we dwell. Amen.
8. This year, there shall be a great testimony of uncommon results, we will remember God’s promises and word to us. God shall bring us fulfilment. Our vision of greatness shall unfold before us, and we will weep for joy. Amen.
9. We shall be great Ambassadors of Christ Jesus on this earth. As God has placed us in positions of influence, we will represent God exceptionally. Instead of retaliation, we will operate in the fear of God. Amen.
10. God, we thank You that in Your grace You lifted us and took us up out of the miry clay when we were that broken reed and smoking flax, and You set our feet on the Rock of our salvation. Hallelujah!
11. Lord Jesus, fill us with Your Holy Spirit and transform us into the Christ-like holiness You desire. Teach us to be humble as You are humble and to love others generously with selfless service and kindness. Amen.

e). 1. Heavenly Father, we pray that You would teach us to trust You. That You would, by the power of Your Spirit, give us faith in God Almighty. We would entrust ourselves to You as we look in faith to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour through faith. Amen.

2. We now pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine our minds and help us to believe the Gospel we hear. So help us to take captive every thought, every moment in this way, to obey You, to honour and glorify You, in every detail of our lives. And God, as different details unfold in our lives, we will trust that in all of it, You are doing what we’ve prayed over and over again as we’ve walked through Genesis, that You were working together for our good and You are working for others’ good, and You’re working for the spread of Your grace and Your Gospel, and You are working for Your glory in our lives every day. Amen.
3. God, thank You for the meaning You infuse into every moment. So help us to live with that mentality. We pray, help us not to waste any moment that You entrust to us. Amen.
4. We pray for those walking through difficult circumstances. God, we pray for that over people today who are walking through difficult circumstances. Especially circumstances in which maybe they have been wronged, or sinned against. Amen.
5. Dear Lord, thank You for You are a faithful God. Please grant us the grace to trust You more. Help us Lord to patiently wait for the set and appointed time for Your promises in our lives. Thank You because they will not tarry but will surely manifest according to Your word. Amen.
6. Jesus, we freshly glorify Your name today. We worship Your Name anew today, for You are the Saviour and Lord of our lives. You are the Saviour and Lord of the nations. We praise You for substituting Yourself as a sacrifice for our sins. Amen.
7. O Father, the Lord God Almighty, we desire to be Your holy servant. Please rid us of evil and teach us to live in Your righteous ways. However, dear Father, please protect us from self-righteousness and legalism and correct us if we fall into them. Most of all, today, dear Father, please cleanse us and fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that our hearts and houses are filled with Your grace and holiness. Amen

f). 1. Let us pray for a spirit of obedience and faithfulness, like that of Jacob, as he followed God’s leading to move his family to Egypt. Amen.

2. We pray for a deep trust in God’s provision, just as Jacob was comforted by God’s promise of being with him and his family in Egypt. Amen.
3. Let us pray for a heart of gratitude and worship, similar to Jacob’s response when he encountered God’s presence and blessing in Egypt. Amen.
4. We pray for a spirit of humility and repentance, as we acknowledge our own shortcomings and failures in light of Jacob’s confession of his past wrongs. Amen.
5. Let us intercede for a spirit of unity and reconciliation within families, inspired by the restoration of relationships between Jacob and his sons in Genesis 47-48. Amen.
6. We pray for a heart of generosity and compassion, as exemplified by Jacob’s blessings and provision for his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh. Amen.
7. Let us ask for a spirit of unwavering faith and dependence on God’s promises, just as Jacob blessed his sons with prophetic declarations of God’s future plans and blessings for their descendants. Amen.
8. We pray for a posture of surrender and submission to God’s will, as seen in Jacob’s final days and his trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfil his promises to the Israelite nation. Amen.
9. Let us pray for hearts receptive to the Word of God, like the good soil in the parable of the sower, that we may receive and bear fruit abundantly. Amen.
10. We pray for a spirit of discernment and understanding, that we may comprehend the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, just as Jesus explained parables to his disciples. Amen.
11. Let us intercede for a hunger for God’s truth and righteousness, as depicted by the longing of those who seek to understand the meaning of the parables. Amen.
12. We pray for a spirit of perseverance and endurance in the face of challenges and trials, as symbolized by the seeds that fell on rocky and thorny ground. Amen.
13. Let us ask for a heart of humility and teachability, that we may be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and correction, as illustrated by the disciples seeking deeper understanding from Jesus. Amen.
14. We pray for a spirit of boldness and courage to share the gospel, as shown in the parable of the wheat and tares where the owner of the field allows both to grow until the harvest. Amen.
15. Let us intercede for a spirit of unity and love among believers, as exemplified by the wheat growing together in the field, despite the presence of the tares. Amen.
16. We pray for a spirit of faithfulness and diligence in sowing the seeds of the gospel, that we may labour wholeheartedly in God’s kingdom, knowing that He will bring forth the harvest in His perfect timing. Amen.

g). 1. Anointing and Empowerment:

– Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s anointing and empowerment upon the lives of believers, enabling them to fulfil their God-given callings and live victoriously.

2. Spiritual Growth and Maturity:

– Pray for spiritual growth, transformation, and maturity within the church community, asking for a deepening of faith and a greater alignment with God’s will.

3. Divine Guidance and Provision:

– Seek God’s guidance and provision for the church and its members, just as Jacob and Joseph exemplified unwavering trust in God’s leading and provision.

4. Unity and Blessing:

– Pray for unity, reconciliation, and blessing within the church family, asking for God’s favor and harmony to permeate relationships and interactions.

5. Commitment to God’s Will:

– Pray for a steadfast commitment among believers to walk in obedience to God’s purposes, even in the face of challenges, following Joseph’s example of faithfulness.

6. Healing and Restoration:

– Seek healing and restoration in areas of brokenness or division within the church, lifting up prayers for spiritual and emotional wholeness.

7. Proclamation of God’s Promises:

– Pray for boldness and clarity in the proclamation of God’s promises and the gospel, both within the church and to the surrounding community.

Certainly! Here are some sample prayers based on Matthew 13:31-58:

1. Gracious God, we thank You for the parables shared by our Lord Jesus Christ, especially the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. We pray that just as the mustard seed grows into a large tree, may our faith and Your kingdom expand and impact the world around us. Let our small acts of kindness and love grow into significant blessings for others, just like the yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. Empower us to be agents of transformation in our communities.
2. Heavenly Father, we lift up our desire to understand and internalise the message behind the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value. Help us to recognize the immeasurable worth of Your kingdom and grant us the wisdom to prioritise it above all earthly treasures. May we be willing to give up everything for the sake of gaining Christ.
3. God of wisdom, we come to You seeking discernment as we reflect on the parable of the net. Grant us the insight to discern between the righteous and the wicked, and help us to live as faithful disciples, knowing that there will come a day when the net will be pulled ashore, and every person will be sorted according to their deeds.
4. Merciful Lord, we pray that we may not be like the unbelieving people in the city of Nazareth, who rejected Jesus due to their lack of faith. Instead, may we have open hearts and minds to receive and follow the teachings of Christ. Help us to be receptive to Your Word, that it may take root in our lives and bear fruit for Your glory.
5. Gracious Saviour, we seek to be faithful bearers of Your message, even in the face of rejection and opposition. Grant us courage and perseverance as we share the good news, knowing that even if some reject it, there will be those who receive it with joy and faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, WE RECEIVE ANSWERS TO ALL OUR PRAYERS. AMEN.

PRAISE GOD. HALLELUJAH!

PRAISE GOD. AMEN!!

PRAISE GOD. HALLELUJAH!!!

JESUS IS LORD.