Today we are finishing our reading of the book of Genesis. We have successfully completed our first book of the Bible together :). As we end out this book we will see the prophecy and blessing of the tribes of Israel in Genesis 49.
Write out Hebrews 11:22.
In Genesis 47:1-11 we find Joseph getting his family settled. What was Pharaohs response to Jospeh’s family?
In the rest of Genesis 47 what strategies do you see Joseph using? How did that benefit Pharaoh and the land?
Genesis 48-49 we find Jacob interacting with his sons in his last days? What do you see? What stands out to you? What feelings are arising in the people in the text? What is arising in you? Do any of the blessings stand out to you in Genesis 49?
Genesis 49:29-50:14 looks at the death and burial of Jacob. What happened in the days of mourning? What did Pharaoh have Joseph do? What things stand out to you in this text?
In Genesis 50:15-21 what is happening? Who is hurt? How does this help you understand God and people?
Genesis 50:22-26 ends our story of Joseph. What does Joseph say that is important?
As we close out Genesis we see in this book the supreme object of God in providing for us a family through which the promised Redeemer was to come.
Write out Galatians 3:14.
What did you learn about God today? What is it that stands out to you in this text about how God is, how He works, or how He loves? What can you do to apply that lesson to your life today?
Connect With the Word 
What I noticed about God and Joseph in this text was how God gave wisdom to Joseph that allowed him to have favor in the eyes of Pharaoh. Even though Joseph had all this control he was still a slave. But his position as a slave didn’t change how Joseph was used. He was able to be a blessing to the people of the nation, giving them the food they needed, all the while taking care of Pharaoh and what pleased him. And in it, Joseph didn’t stray from putting God first in his life. He was a man of integrity for his whole life and that brought on blessing upon blessing for him.
I need to trust more that God is has my best in mind, I know He does but I don’t always act like it. Often it is easy to do things on my own, to get ahead of God and make decisions that end up not being the best choice. If I could make sure I was putting God first above all else, allowing Him to work, He would give me the daily wisdom I need to handle each situation I come across. I want to have this faith, to be so in awe of God I can fully trust each step without trying to do things on my own.
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Hebrews 11: 22 “It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.”
Genesis 50: 24-25 24 ““Soon I will die,” Joseph told his brothers, “but God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. He will bring you back to the land he solemnly promised to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear an oath, and he said, “When God comes to help you and lead you back, you must take my bones with you.”
My thoughts: Until this time around, I thought Joseph caring about where his bones ended up was odd, and then of all things that could be said-it’s the one thing Hebrews mentions about Joseph.??
It seems Joseph was encouraging and reminding his people that God always keeps his promises. The Israelites lives in Egypt were pretty good then. But that would change.
When they were slaves, remembering their promise to Joseph encouraged and reminded them about who God is. And that God would deliver them to his promised land.
Genesis 50: 19-21 19 “But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”
My thoughts: A good reminder that God causes all things to work together for good. Romans 8:28. Whatever God allows in our lives he ultimately has a good plan and purpose for us and others in it. Lord Dad, please help us please you by trusting you and your promises for us. Thank you!
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