We studied each testament to the individual sons and then asked one question of application. Here are the eleven questions we asked based upon the individual testaments to Jacob’s sons. We prayed through each of these questions in turn.

1. Reuben: how are you handling the responsibility that comes with your privilege?
2. Simeon and Levi: are you letting your anger take control?
3. Judah: is there something you need to confess to God, in order that you might move from sin and put yourself in a position to be used by God?
4. Zebulun: are you a safe place for others to share their hurts?
5. Issachar: do you attempt great things for God?
6. Dan: do you trust God, regardless of the circumstances?
7. Gad: have you discovered how God has gifted you and are you using that gift to serve others?
8. Asher: are you using your resources for God?
9. Naphtali: what message are you communicating through your words and actions?
10. Joseph: how has God protected you and provided for you?
11. Benjamin: are you trusting in your own strength, or God’s strength?

Once the testimony is finished, Jacob instructs Joseph to bury him in the burial place of his ancestors purchased by Abraham (Genesis 49:28–32). Then, in a tender and tearful moment, the text tells us:When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people (Genesis 49:33).

The last family gathering was over. Jacob was home with his people. Jacob did not begin well: for most of his life we was either deceiving others or being deceived. But surrounded by a strong family of love, and completing his journey by speaking truth to his sons, Jacob finished well.

Joseph and his family wept over their father and Joseph had Jacob’s body embalmed to preserve it for the trip back to Canaan (Genesis 50:1–3). Joseph requests permission from Pharaoh to bury his father as instructed, Pharaoh grants the permission, and a large company returns to Canaan to bury their father with his ancestors (Genesis 50:4–14).

When we began our study of Joseph we called him three things: (1) a man of dreams, (2) a man of forgiveness, and (3) a man of integrity. Joseph knew their future land was Canaan (where Jacob was buried), but Joseph returns back to Egypt once the burial was accomplished. Once again, Joseph demonstrated integrity in fulfilling the wishes of his father, and returning back to Egypt.

Discussion questions

• Which of these questions from the testament of Jacob resonates the deepest in your heart?
• Which of these questions is the hardest for you to pray? What makes it difficult?
• Do you, like Joseph, demonstrate integrity in all you?
• Why is it difficult to have integrity? What can you do to change this?

It’s no surprise that a story that began as “these are the generations of Jacob” (Genesis 37:2) would end with telling about Jacob’s last request. And our passage today, Genesis 47:27—48:22, does just this by repeating some of the key themes we’ve seen throughout Genesis. (If you feel like these messages are a bit “repetitive,” you’re on the right track!) Genesis reminds us over and over again: the Lord was faithful to be with his people and God fulfills his promises.

Before turning directly to Genesis, we need to start in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews chapter 11 presents the “hall of faith,” the record of how many of God’s people demonstrated their faith. It’s also no surprise that Jacob shows up in Hebrews 11. What is a little surprising is that Jacob is noted for his faith by what he does in today’s passage, Genesis 47:27—48:22. Hebrews 11:21 reads, “By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons demonstrated his faith. When we read Jacob’s blessing in Genesis, we see that Jacob had faith for the future of his people. The first readers of Genesis needed to hear this message. They needed to know that their ancestor demonstrated faith in the future because they were being called to have faith. We need to learn the same lesson: have faith!

Have faith: God will fulfill his promises…

Jacob is confident his people will return back to the land promised to their family. This confidence leads him to do two things. First, Jacob makes his son Joseph swear an oath that Joseph will bury Jacob back in their land of Canaan (Genesis 37:27–31). Joseph agrees (and will make good on this promise in Genesis 50). Second, Jacob foretells that the Israelites will return back to their land (Genesis 48:21–22). In another affirmation that “the Lord was with” his people (v. 21), Jacob says God “will bring you again to the land of your fathers.” This will take a long time, but it will happen.

Have faith: God will fulfill his promises, but maybe not in the way you expect

God keeps his promises, but sometimes the manner in which he does so takes us by surprise. We see this in two ways.

Unexpected fulfillment: the events

God has been working in the life of Joseph from the very beginning, but how strange a story it has been! Joseph was sold into slavery, had success, and then was thrown in prison. Joseph finally rose to power (just in time for a worldwide famine) and was in position to rescue his family from certain starvation. Who would’ve guess that God would use the sin of Joseph’s brothers and a famine to save God’s people? (Side note: seems like God used a lot of sin for good when it came to the death and resurrection of Jesus!)

So here’s the question: are there events in your life you need to reevaluate in light of this truth? Have you written off difficult, trying, or hard-to-understand circumstances as “outside” of God’s control or care? Might God be using the events in your life in unexpected ways?

Unexpected fulfillment: the people

Jacob elevated Joseph’s younger son, Ephraim, over Joseph’s older son, Manasseh. In this ancient culture, and still today in the Middle East, the right hand is the hand of honor. Although Joseph doesn’t see it coming, Jacob intentionally crosses his arms and places his right hand on Ephraim’s head for the blessing.

This is not the first time in Genesis the younger son has been elevated over the older (think of Abel, Isaac, Jacob, and Perez). But it is again significant because it reminds us that God often chooses to use the ones we least expect. God is not looking for the strongest, smartest, or most talented student to use for his glory. In fact, many of the characters in the Bible had major issues that might’ve “excluded” them from being used by God.

So here’s the question: do you need to reevaluate yourself in light of this truth? Do you consider yourself the “less-likely” to be used? If you do, you need to place your faith in God who often uses people just like yourself. Do you consider yourself the “more-likely” to be used? If you do, you also need to place your faith in God—not yourself—as the one working in the world.

We are all in one of these two categories: the “less-likely” or the “more-likely.” Jacob had faith for the future of his people based on the past promises of God. Where is your faith?

Discussion questions

• How did Jacob demonstrate faith in his blessing?
• Is there something happening in your life right now (like a family, school, or friend issue) that you need to reevaluate in light of how God sometimes works?
• Do you consider yourself “less-likely” or “more-likely” to be used by God? Why?
• Have you been demonstrating faith in God, regardless of which category in which you would place yourself? How can you do this?

Most of us feel that we should be honest, but why? Why should we live our lives with honesty and integrity? Yes it’s true: we should be honest because “the Bible tells me so,” but I believe there’s something more. I believe there is a bigger reason to be honest, and we find it in Genesis 47:13–26.

Last week in Being the Blessing Part 1 we saw how Jacob blessed Pharaoh twice. This phrase was more than just a polite statement following a sneeze, it was a prayer for God’s success. Genesis 47:13–26 details exactly how Jacob’s family was a blessing to Pharaoh: Joseph literally saved Egypt from the famine. But it also demonstrates how Joseph was in a position to be a blessing.

Jacob’s old legacy

As we started the story of Joseph in Genesis 37, we learned it was really the story of “when Jacob was head of the family,” when the text reads “these are the generations of Jacob” in Genesis 37:2. From the beginning of Jacob’s life, he acted out the meaning of his name as a deceiver and cheater. He capitalized on his older brother Esau’s weakness and “bought” Esau’s birthright (Genesis 25). Next, he outright deceived his father Isaac into receiving Esau’s blessing by dressing up like Esau and fooling his father (Genesis 27). After fleeing for his life, Jacob goes to live with his uncle Laban. There, he meets and falls in love with Rachel, but after working seven years to marry her, Jacob himself is tricked into marrying her old sister Leah (Genesis 29). Later, Jacob gets back at Laban and deceives him regarding leaving with his flocks (Genesis 31). And finally, Jacob himself is again deceived by his eleven sons regarding the fate of Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph (Genesis 37).

Jacob’s new legacy

But this family history all changes. When Jacob and his family arrive in Egypt, Joseph is clear that his family will, from now on, conduct their affairs with honesty and integrity. We saw this first last week as Joseph instructed his brothers to be honest with Pharaoh regarding their profession, shepherds, even though “every shepherd are an abomination to the Egyptians” (Genesis 46:34). Their honesty paid off as the family was given prime grazing location for their flocks and given the job to oversee Pharaoh’s herds.

In this week’s passage, we see that during the hardest times of the famine, Joseph executed his role as overseeing the famine relief effort with honesty and integrity and accomplished saving Egypt from the distress. First, the Egyptians “scraped up” every dollar they had to buy food, which Joseph sold to them (Genesis 47:13–14). Second, the Egyptians sold their livestock for food (47:15–17). Finally, the Egyptians proposed to trade their land and liberty for food and seed (47:18–25). Although we might be tempted to assume Joseph took advantage of the people by “seizing” their land and making them servants, this is not how it happened. The Egyptians requested the chance to trade their freedom for food. Joseph took action to save their lives, and then declared a statute that was beneficial to Pharaoh and the people. Finally, the Egyptians responded with joyous praise that Joseph had saved their lives. Joseph dealt with the people fairly and honestly and saved Egypt from destruction.

Lessons learned and points of application

Joseph was able to be a blessing to others because he operated with honesty and integrity. Through this, he demonstrated that we should operate with this basis as well. Can we apply this principle to different areas of our lives?

On the job

Being honesty at our jobs involves doing quality work without wasting time. This is especially important (and difficult) for those of us with smart phones, where hours of distraction are eagerly awaiting our attention in the palm of our hands. But we honor God when we work hard when on-the-clock. This is especially important for high school students who can be “taken advantage of” by employers. I believe that if a student works hard when scheduled to work, they can have the freedom not to work when they are not scheduled. When the boss calls and says “I know you’re not scheduled, but can you come in this afternoon?” the hard-working student has the freedom to respectfully say “no,” especially if they have other commitments already. When we work hard when we’re scheduled, we have the freedom to enjoy our time off when we’re not scheduled.

At school

We all know we shouldn’t cheat, but I bet we all have at least once in school. (I know I did.) I recognize that many students feel pressure to cheat just to stay on pace with “everyone” else who is cheating. Two points here: first, “everyone” is never doing anything. There may be a lot of people having sex with their boyfriends and girlfriends, but everyone is not having sex. There may be a lot of people cheating, but everyone is not cheating. Second, when you feel the pressure to cheat to stay on track, ask yourself “how can I trust God to provide for me in this time?” We can trust him to be with us (to provide blessing) in the midst of correct decisions, even when it’s tough.

To your legacy

Jacob’s family was a group of scoundrels, liars, and cheats. But Joseph changed all that. In the same way, you can change your legacy. You’re more than the mistakes you’ve made; your past does not define you. There is forgiveness in Jesus Christ and he loves to show mercy. The Holy Spirit is given to believers to help change their lives. With the grace of God, you can set a new course!

Why should we be honest?

This is where we started. We should be honest because our honesty allows us to be a small fulfillment of the promise of blessing to others. God can use scoundrels, cheats, and liars to bless others, but I believe he more often uses those who stand against the tide of culture and prove themselves honest. Joseph provides us a great example to follow. When we conduct ourselves with honesty, the world takes note, and this can give us the chance to bless others by telling them about Jesus, his work for us, and the new life we can have through faith in him.

Discussion questions

• Which lies are the easiest to tell? Why do you think this is the case?
• What enabled Joseph to instruct his family to be honest, even knowing the possible repercussions of this decision?
• Who do you know who exemplifies a life of honesty and integrity?
• What will help you trust God in times when you are tempted to be lie?

On race day, we stretched, formed up, and when given the signal, we ran. With less than half a mile left, I lost my confidence. Thankfully, a good friend gave me a strong shove in the back, and that gave me the last amount of energy to finish the race with the unit. I’ll never forget finishing that race, bear-hugging my friend, and celebrating three months of hard work.

We won the competition that year with a time of 19:04. It was one of the proudest days of my life. That day, I had succeeded.

But does that kind of success last?

I believe most of us want to be successful. We want to count. We want to matter. We want to be known as a person who did something significant. But how do we succeed at things that really matter? What gives us the power to succeed in matters of eternal significance?

Two meetings (Genesis 47:1–10)

After Joseph is reunited with his brothers and his father, Joseph prepares his family for their meeting with Pharaoh (Genesis 46:31–34). In this short scene before Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1–10), we see two meetings and learn how we can have the power truly to succeed. Jacob’s family, through honesty and integrity, becomes a blessing to the Egyptians.

The first meeting: Joseph’s brothers and Pharaoh (Genesis 47:1–6)

After Joseph instructs his brothers to be honest with Pharaoh, Joseph presents five of his brothers to the Egyptian ruler. True to their instruction, the brothers are honest when asked their occupation, shepherds, which was an “abomination to the Egyptians” (Genesis 46:34). Nevertheless, Pharaoh receives Joseph’s brothers joyfully, gives them land in Goshen, and even promotes the brothers to care for Pharaoh’s own personal livestock. (There’s more to be said regarding the honesty displayed here, but we will see that next week in “Being a Blessing Part 2.”)

The second meeting: Jacob and Pharaoh (Genesis 47:7–10)

Next, Jacob stands before Pharaoh and in this exchange, Jacob blesses Pharaoh twice (vv. 7, 10). Let’s spend some time thinking about what it means to give a “blessing.”

The meaning of blessings

Today, when we speak of “blessing,” we probably mean “wishing you well.” Or perhaps it’s just a phrase we say when someone sneezes. But this was not the way “blessing” was used in the Bible. Although the individual context of “blessing” makes a difference, in general we can think of a blessing as an act that gave the power to succeed. Blessings were powerful, meaningful, and effective. They literally had the power to change circumstances or events. They were strong requests to bestow fertility, authority, and even peace and rest. When God gave his blessings, it was God saying “I will be with you for your success.” When individuals blessed each other, it was one person saying “on behalf of God, I wish you God’s success.”

The reason for blessing

Jacob was an old, tired, and broken man as he stood before Pharaoh. His life began with difficulty (when we first met Jacob he was fighting with his twin Esau in his mother’s womb, see Genesis 25:22–23), and Jacob’s life was nothing short of “evil” as he says in Genesis 47:9. But now, after years of struggling, Jacob knew his family would be provided for by Pharaoh. Jacob asked God’s power to succeed (blessings) for Pharaoh because Jacob himself had been blessed by Pharaoh.

The power to succeed?

So what gives us the power to succeed? As Jacob stood before Pharaoh and asked God to bless Pharaoh, God was beginning to fulfill his promises through Jacob to “all the nations of the earth.” God had promised Abraham (Genesis 12:3), Isaac (Genesis 26:4), and Jacob (Genesis 28:14) that through them God would bless all the earth. Here, Jacob is able to bless one nation, Egypt. (We will see this dramatically come true next week.) The final fulfillment of how all the nations of the world would be blessed came through Jesus Christ.

In Acts 3:25–26, Peter preaches the blessing promised to Abraham came through God’s servant, Jesus Christ. In Galatians 3:13–14, Paul says the Gentiles received the blessing of Abraham, redemption, through Christ. Jesus was the one to extend the blessings promised to God’s people to everyone. We receive this blessing, Paul tells us in Galatians 3:5–9, just as Abraham did, through faith.

We find the power to succeed, we find blessings, through faith in Jesus Christ. This is the only way we can do things that truly matter.

In the book of Philippians, Paul has a lot to say about what this life of true success looks like. It knows that God will bring all things to completion (1:6), it will be a life finished as pure and blameless (1:10), and knows that God can use even the bad things of life to advance his gospel (1:12). This life of blessing knows Christ is honored in life or death (1:20ff), and in fact, everything in this world should be counted as a loss when compared to knowing Christ (3:8). Paul knew he was blessed through finding true righteousness that comes only from God (3:9), that he could do all things because of this (4:13) and that God would supply every need (4:19). Surely this is a life of success!

Discussion questions

• Where do you find success? Do you find it through your own efforts? Is this success that will last?
• What makes lasting success so hard to achieve?
• Did Jacob have reason to ask for blessings on others? How can someone who experienced such a hard life be able to ask God’s blessings on others, even strangers?
• Have you ever experienced the blessings of God? How can you experience these blessings?

We must understand this point because otherwise we find ourselves (at best) feeling like the Bible doesn’t “apply” to us and (at worst) suggesting the Bible cannot change our lives. This point is demonstrated in the text of Genesis 45:16—46:30. At first, we might be tempted to dismiss the passage (at best) as just a quick and emotional reunion between Joseph and his father Jacob, or (at worst) an uneventful series of dialogues, dreams, and boring genealogies. Neither of these are true.

To understand this story, we must place ourselves into the “shoes” of the one to whom Genesis was written: the nation of Israel as they wandered in the desert preparing to enter the promised land. As Israel looked back, they remembered the hardships of slavery in Egypt. They remembered the burden of the task-masters pushing them to make bricks and serve their Egyptian captors. But even that life of difficulty proved “pleasant” in their current situation. Thinking about their present, they were wandering through the desert, had been living in tents for almost forty years, and had eaten basically nothing but manna! I like to camp and I like to eat, but to camp for forty straight years and eat the same meal… that would be tough! It got worse, for as they looked forward, they stood on the edge of the promised land, that although it was promised as “theirs,” was currently inhabited by some very mean and very large people! It is this context and this group of people to whom the story of Genesis is written. And I have no doubt they asked (as you might at times now), did God make a mistake? Did God goof up when we brought us down to Egypt to be enslaved? Did he misstep in delivering us out of Egypt to wander in the desert? Did he forget about the current occupants of the promised land? Did God make a mistake?

The focal point of Genesis 45:16—46:30 is a “night vision” Jacob receives while in route to Egypt. We draw our attention to this short dream in order to find out first, what this passage taught the nation of Israel about God, and second, what this passage teaches us about God.

What this passage taught Israel about God

And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:2–4)

God taught Israel: he has a plan

God told Jacob “do not be afraid.” God promised Jacob’s family inheritance of Canaan, but now Jacob had decided to move his entire family and everything they owned out of the land of inheritance south to Egypt. You think that brought about some fear? Definitely. As the later nation of Israel looked back on God’s vision to Jacob, they remembered the slavery of Egypt, but this was all part of God’s plan to preserve his people. As they looked forward, they could be confident that God’s plan was still being enacted as they entered the promised land.

God taught Israel: he is with them, always

God told Jacob “I myself will go down with you to Egypt.” Israel thought back to their time living in the pagan culture of the Egyptians and the difficulties they faced. Even in the midst of slavery, God was there in their midst. And again as they stood ready for the promised land, God’s presence would continue to be with them.

God taught Israel: he fulfills his promises

God told Jacob, “I will make you a great nation… I will also bring you up again.” Israel remembered God’s promises to the patriarchs that included becoming a great nation and inhabiting a land. God had grown their nation from a child-less couple (Abram and Sarai) to a great people group of millions of people. As they looked forward to what was about to happen, they moved confident that the God who kept his promise of his children being a great nation would keep his promise of delivering them out of Egypt and into Canaan.

What this passage teaches us about God

The Bible was written for the believer, and thus this ancient text instructs us in meaningful and life-changing ways. These lessons for Israel are repeated throughout the entire Scriptures and give us instruction for today.

God teaches us: he has a plan

God wasn’t surprised when sin entered the world, and he wasn’t surprised when he sent Jesus to be our sacrifice. Jesus understood his mission: to give an abundant and meaningful life (John 10:10). Jesus offers us life the way it was designed to be lived: in relationship with God. As we look forward, we can experience a growing, vibrant, and meaningful life through Jesus.

God teaches us: he is with us, always

The psalmist bodily proclaimed he could go nowhere to avoid God (Psalm 139:7–10). As the Creator of the universe, we cannot escape his presence, even if we wanted! (Think about Jonah.) As we look back, even our darkest times were filled with the presence of God. Many times, this truth is hard to see in the midst of troubles, but once past, our perspective changes to see God’s help. As we look forward today, we know we’re not promised an easy life (in fact, we might be promised the opposite). But even when trials come, God will be right by our side.

God teaches us: he fulfills his promises

Yesterday would’ve been my grandfather’s 82nd birthday. However, he went to be with the Lord back in October of last year. Last night I spoke with my father on the phone about his dad, my grandfather, and my dad spoke candidly about wanting to call my grandfather on the phone, but not having a “phone line” long enough. Thinking about the glorious reunion we will all have with each other and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18), I simply said “one day.” My dad replied, “Yes, one day I won’t need to dial long distance.” Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we know God will work to fulfill his promise of a great reunion of all the saints and a reunion with Jesus.

Conclusion: does God make mistakes?

Jacob no doubt had some questions, and I’m sure you do too. But a God who has a plan, is always with us, and fulfills his promises is not a God who makes mistakes. Jacob moved forward in confidence, the nation of Israel could move forward in confidence, and we can move forward in confidence.

Discussion questions

• What do you think was the most difficult part of Jacob moving his family to Egypt? Have you ever made such a bold move of faith?
• How would this passage have encouraged the nation of Israel? How does it encourage you?
• Which of these three statements is harder for you to believe: (1) God has a plan, (2) God is with us always, or (3) God fulfills his promises? Why?
• Are you experiencing the “abundant life” offered by Jesus? If not, would you like to know how you can experience this reality today?

It looked great, perfect, beautiful.

And I’ve spent every week since then pulling weeds out of that flower bed.  No matter how hard I try, they keep coming back.  We are paying the price for the previous owner’s neglect.

Life is like that sometimes: when we make poor choices or neglect what’s important, we tend to pay the consequences well into the future.  Jacob, the son of Isaac, is a great example.  As the story of Joseph opens in Genesis 37:1–11, we are first met with the reality that Jacob’s past created a detrimental family situation in the present.

Introduction: The Generations of Jacob (Genesis 37:1–2a)
The final “section” of Genesis opens with the “generations of Jacob,” a way of saying “now here is the story when Jacob was the head of the family, the one making all the decisions.”  Genesis 37 through 50 will be dominated by the story of Joseph, but the narrator reminds us that we must first understand Jacob if we are to understand the story that comes when he was the head of the family.

Jacob was born to Isaac and Rebekah after they were originally unable to have children.  Jacob was the younger of twin brothers, but a prophecy predicted that his older brother, Esau, would serve him (Genesis 25:23).  The name “Jacob” means “deceiver,” and in the very next scene this is exactly what Jacob does.  He takes advantage of Esau in a weak moment and deceives Esau out of his birthright, a double portion of the inheritance (Genesis 25:29–34).  In the next scene, Jacob (with the help of his mother Rebekah), deceives his ailing father Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing for Esau.

Esau is upset and tries to kill Jacob, causing him to flee to his uncle Laban.  On the way, Jacob dreams about a “ladder” and in the dream God promises to protect Jacob (Genesis 28:10–15).  When Jacob arrives, he meets Laban’s daughter Rachel and falls in “love at first sight.”  Jacob agrees with Laban to work seven years in exchange to marry Rachel, but when the time comes, the Deceiver is deceived by Laban who tricks Jacob into marrying Rachel’s older sister Leah (Genesis 29:25–30)!  Jacob is forced to work another seven years to marry Rachel.  After six more years, Jacob “manipulates” Laban’s flock, again deceiving Laban before leaving.  During the journey back to Canaan (now twenty years after he left), Jacob is forced to meet Esau in a surprisingly joyous reunion.  Before that, Jacob wrestles with God all night and is given the name “Israel” which means “striven with God” (Genesis 32:24–28).  Once back in the land, Jacob is again blessed by God and guaranteed an inheritance in the land and a nation through whom all the world will be blessed (Genesis 35:9–12).  In the meantime, Jacob manages to have twelve sons!

Jacob’s Favoritism Leads to Hatred (Genesis 37:2b–4)
Not all is well with Jacob’s booming family, for Jacob is showing favoritism and extra love to his dearest son, Joseph.  Joseph’s brothers take notice and their hatred swells up to the point where they cannot say a peaceful word about him.  It doesn’t help that Jacob makes Joseph a “coat of many colors” to designate him as the favorite and as a son who doesn’t have to work.

Joseph’s Dreams Lead to Trouble (Genesis 37:5–10)
Joseph himself doesn’t help matters any, for he cannot keep from telling his brother and father about two related dreams.  In both dreams, Joseph symbolically sees his brothers, father, and mother bowing before him.  Joseph is rebuked by both his father and brothers, who seem to view this as Joseph’s arrogance speaking.  Joseph’s brothers hate Joseph even more for his boisterous claims.

Conclusion: A House on Fire (Genesis 37:11)
The brothers swell with jealousy that will eventually boil over into violence.  Meanwhile, Jacob only considers these dreams and the actions of his sons.  Jacob, ever present but never active, does nothing.  His house, his family, is burning down around him and he fails to act.

Application: Where Do We Go From Here?
Three main points come from this story.  First, jealousy destroys relationships, so choose contentment. God had revealed special wisdom to Jacob through dreams, and no doubt Jacob had told his sons about these dreams.  But when Joseph has dreams—that spoke about God’s coming provision—the jealousy of the brothers clouds their vision and their hatred grows.  They lose sight that this might be God’s way of assuring them that he will provide (which in fact it is).  The call for our lives is to model our lives on the Apostle Paul, who had determined that in all circumstances, he would stay content (Philippians 4:10–13).

Second, passivity paralyzes families, so act prayerfully. Jacob took a passive approach to his family, letting the anger grow within his sons.  Jacob chose not to act, and it cost him his family.  Passivity is the enemy!  Choose instead to be prayerfully active, seeking wisdom, and addressing issues that arise.

Finally, the past can dominate your future, so plan proactively. Jacob’s whole life had been built around favoritism and hatred.  His parents had favorites (Genesis 25:28), he had a favorite wife (Gen 29:30–31) and hatred filled his family because of this.  Jacob was unable to identify flaws within his own life and find ways to grow spiritually.  It’s easy for us to say “I want to be different,” but to achieve this change sometimes requires intentional and proactive planning on our part.  If we want to control our anger, lose the selfishness, or become patient, we occasionally need a plan beyond “I won’t be like that.”

Jacob was unable to break the cycle, but Joseph was.  Joseph was a man who charted a new course for himself and his family, and he gives us hope that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can too.

Discussion Questions

• How was Jacob’s past affecting his future?
• How did Jacob single out Joseph?  How would this make you feel?
• What is more difficult to overcome: jealousy or passivity?
• What needs to happen in your life to overcome the past?