Part 1 – Flexibility Training – Reading
In this portion of Genesis, it seems that Joseph turns out to be a vengeful man after all. He treats his brothers roughly, even throws them in prison for three days before letting all but Simeon go. Why keep Simeon? If Joseph really is vindictive, Simeon might have been the one to suggest that they kill Joseph and this is a little payback. But what about all that humility Joseph showed in the previous chapters? What happened to all that wisdom?
Read Genesis 42
That wisdom was still there. Joseph must have known that his brothers would eventually show up in Egypt. Perhaps that’s why he established himself as the one people had to come to for a withdrawal from the graineries. Being the excellent administrator he was, he must have already thought through how he would react, what he would do when they showed up.
When confronted with his brothers, even knowing his plan, it must have been difficult for him. His emotions ran over and he had to step back for a moment. In this moment we have a godly example of how to confront those who have abused us in the past. While he had forgiven them, he didn’t trust them; so, he tested them to see what sort of men they had become in the last twenty years. But in his tests, he continued to look to God.
PART 2 – Strength Training – Memory & Thinking
Today’s verse is a short one. This is good to remember when times get tough or when important decisions loom. Keep reviewing the other verses you’ve learned over the last three weeks!
Psalms 50:15 …call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.
Psalms 66:17-20 I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!
2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB) Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
James 2:8-9 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
Psalm 34:17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Part 3 – Cardio Training – Prayer
As you pray today, ask God to give you wisdom in dealing with those who have wronged you in the past, or perhaps have even abused you. If you have trouble forgiving them, ask God to help you with that as well.
Dear Father, as I think through the story of Joseph, I am reminded of people who have wronged me as Joseph’s brothers did him. At times there is still a lot of anger that I feel towards them. And there are those I find it difficult to forgive. Father, help me put justice in Your hands. Help me forgive those who treated me so badly. And give me wisdom with those I still face on a regular basis. Help me forgive, but help me be wise.
Part 4 – Endurance Training
Joseph endured for years before he was finally able to see his brothers face to face, and get some answers. Whether you are enduring hard times, hard people, or life is great, keep moving forward in your faith and trust by studying God’s Word.
An Extra Lap
Do you know much about Jesus? After reading the story of Joseph, you should. There are many foreshadows of Jesus and Heaven found in the stories of the Bible. We call that a “type”. Below are just a few of the ways that we can see Jesus in the life of Joseph. Look up the verses and see how similar their histories are.
Both were beloved sons of their Fathers. Genesis 37:3 & Matthew 3:17
Both were hated by their brothers. Genesis 37:4-5 & John 14:24Both were betrayed for silver. Genesis 37:28 & Matthew 26:15
Both were tempted and did not sin (although only Jesus was perfectly sinless). Genesis 39:9 & Hebrews 4:15
Both were elevated as rulers. Genesis 41:42-44 & Hebrews 12:2
The brothers of both repent. Genesis 42:7 & Zechariah 12:10
Faith Gym 