“But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place “But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (Genesis 50:19–21, NASB95)

Everybody Has a History It is chronicled by highlights and life-altering events that both affect and shape who we become. One thing is for certain: our plans don’t always turn out the way we want. “The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Every Person’s History Is Within Biblical History The fact is that the Bible chronicles God’s desire for mankind. Gen. 1:1; Jn. 1:1ff; Rev. 22:20 Either we see history through our limited lives OR we can view our lives from God’s eternal perspective for our lives.

Joseph’s History

These brothers planned to do evil to Joseph But God meant Joseph good Joseph’s Dream (Gen. 37) Jacob loved Joseph. v. 2-4 The Dream: ruling over his family. v. 5-11 Nearly killed; sold as a slave/brought to Egypt. v. 18-28 These brothers planned to do evil to Joseph But God meant Joseph good Note the sub-theme of Joseph’s garments throughout his life: they serve as a double-edged sword!

Potipher’s Slave (Gen. 39) Joseph: Potipher’s personal servant. v. 1-6 Potipher’s wife desired Joseph. v. 7, 10 Joseph loved God. v. 8-9 She meant to do evil to Joseph. v. 10-20 But God meant Joseph good. v. 21-23

Imprisoned/More Dreams (Gen. 40) Cupbearer and Baker – Most trusted men of Pharaoh: Imprisoned; Joseph over them. v. 1-4 Both dream; no one able to interpret; Joseph reveals God’s ability to interpret. v. 5-8 Interpretation accurate: cupbearer restored; baker executed. v. 9-22 The cupbearer did not remember Joseph. v. 14, 23 3 points

Pharaoh’s Dream (Ch. 41) But God remembered Joseph Two years later Pharaoh dreamed: v. 1-7 7 healthy cows eaten up by 7 gaunt cows. 7 plump ears of grain on a stalk swallowed up by 7 thin and scorched ears of grain. Joseph used to interpret dream. v. 14-37 Joseph made ruler over Egypt. v. 38-45 6 points

Joseph Rules Over All (Gen. 42-50) Joseph was 17 years old when he dreamt of being a ruler over all, now at age 30 he was! Because of the predicted famine by Pharaoh’s dream; his brothers come to Egypt for food. Joseph’s family moves to Egypt (Goshen). Israel (Jacob) dies. 4 points

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place “But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:19–20)

Your History?

All Things Work for Good… God loves you and want you to believe upon His Son, Jesus Christ. Jn. 3:16-21 He means to do you good; not evil. Jas. 1:17-18 The question is: do you love Him (like Joseph)? cp. Rom. 8:28-30 God’s love will result in a robe of 1 color: white! 4 Points