RPG Adults
BROTHERS IN CONTRAST
LORD’S DAY, FEBRUARY 23
Genesis 38-39
Psalm 21
“…be ye doers of the word…”
BROTHERS IN CONTRAST
The story of Judah and Joseph is a study of contrast. One was a free man, enjoying the comforts and freedom of Canaan. The other a bond man, serving a foreign master far from family and home. How should they fare in their separate situations? Should not the free man do better?
Judah’s record leaves much to be desired.
1. As a late teenager, he left home, associated with a stranger and married a Canaanite wife Shuah.
2. Raised three sons, two of whom the Lord slew.
3. Committed incest with his daughter-in-law Tamar. That, in a nutshell, is Judah’s life.
Joseph, on the other hand, distinguished himself in all that he did, in spite of his being in bondage and separated from father and brothers.
1. Joseph found grace in the sight of his master, Potiphar. He prospered in all that he did.
2. Because of Joseph, God blessed the Egyptian’s house.
3. He was put in great trust by Potiphar.
4. Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph. Joseph rejected her sinful advances, day after day.
5. Finally, she tried to force him to lie with her without success. For this, she falsely accused Joseph and “turned the tables on him.”
Result: Joseph was cast into prison.
What a contrast between the two lives. Why the difference, you may ask? The record states clearly and repeatedly: The Lord was with Joseph. Even in prison, the Lord was with him. Joseph’s freedom was taken from him, but no one could take from him God’s grace and wisdom. He was forcibly sold into slavery, separated from his beloved father, but nothing could separate him from the love of the Heavenly Father.
On the other hand, the free man Judah abused his freedom.
THOUGHT: Who or what shall separate us from the love of Christ?
PRAYER: May submission and obedience to Thee, Father, be a hallmark of my life.