vaYeshev (And 'Jacob' Settled)

9) Genesis 37:1-40:23

While the world is getting crazier…God’s purposes will be fulfilled. Furthermore, it will all be for the good of those who say “YES” to Him — continually.

In an earlier post, I challenged you to look for God in your story. Additionally, I challenged you to look for where YOU are in God’s story. What I call a “Parashah Approach to Scripture” (and the Parashah Project) is an invitation deeper into God’s story which is designed to help you see and follow God in your own life.

In this week’s portion, it is interesting that in Genesis 37:2 it says:

This is the account (tol’dot) of Jacob. Joseph…”

The father’s story is told through the life of his son.

Let that sink in. Jacob’s life story is written in the life journey of his son, Joseph.

Isaac’s tol’dot, or the account of Isaac’s life started back in Genesis 25:19 (preceded by Ishmael’s tol’dot in Gen. 25:12). The story of the father’s life is told through his children. Try reading God’s storyline as it unfolds in Genesis with a sightline on Father God living out His story through the life of His Son and furthermore, living it out through YOU as His child!

Also, As you read the amazing story of Joseph’s journey and how God’s purposes were fulfilled, for Joseph’s good, the good of his family, and the good of the surrounding nations—keep your eyes on God’s good work even amidst the crazy circumstances of Joseph’s abandonment, Egypt’s famine, and Jacob’s heartache!

Also, pay special attention to family dynamics. Specifically, keep your eyes on two of Joseph’s brothers—Reuben and Judah. Genesis 35:23-26 offers a quick summery of Jacob’s children if you need to go back to keep track of which child was born to which mother. Reuben and Judah were both from Leah.

The unfolding drama of family dynamics will include Reuben’s intercession on behalf of his brother (Gen. 37:21-22, 29) that will also show up next week in 42:37. The unfolding drama of God’s story will also show up in Judah’s intercession. In fact, in two weeks, Judah’s act of self-sacrifice will prefigure and profile Yeshua’s own life-giving sacrifice in vaYigash when Judah “draws near” to give his life for his brother out of a love for his father. The life of a father is lived out in the life of the son.

Keep your eyes this week on the son. Joseph, the son of Israel (Jacob).

Keep your eyes also on the Son of God, Yeshua, the King of Israel! As the Good Shepherd, He wants to lead you through all your life’s craziness, and the growing craziness in the world, for purposes which are indescribably good!

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Readings for the Week:

Torah: GENESIS 37:1–40:23
Prophets: AMOS 2:6–3:8
Apostolic Writings: ACTS 7:9–16

Click HERE for the online Parashah commentary.

Shalom,

Thomas