Genesis 40 // God's Strange Providence

 

Chapter 40 begins with Joseph imprisoned. He becomes the servant of two royal workers who are imprisoned for offending Pharaoh. With God’s help, Joseph interprets their dreams, predicting that one of them will be reinstated but the other put to death. This event seems like it may be an opportunity for Joseph to get out of prison, but he is forgotten by the man who promised to remember him. Yet in all of this, God’s providence is at work- in strange places, through strange people, and in seemingly strange timing- to bring about God’s plan.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.

  • John Piper defines God’s providence as purposeful sovereignty.  Not only is God in total control of all things (sovereignty), he is also working them together for his good purposes in his children and in the world. Where do you see glimpses of God’s providence in this chapter and in the previous chapters of Joseph’s story?

  • What is the significance of dreams in the story of Joseph? See chapters 37 & 41 for reference.

  • In recounting all he’s unjustly suffered in verses 14-15, does Joseph think God to be unfair? Give the reasons for your answer.

HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD

  • What marks of Joseph’s integrity and ongoing trust in God are evident even while he is in prison, as narrated in Genesis 40?

  • 41:1 tells us that Joseph was forgotten for 12 years. Can you think of other passages of scripture where God’s people are waiting for extended periods of time? What may God be trying to teach us in these moments?

  • Think about the cross of Jesus Christ. How is the cross the supreme example of this three-fold providence (God working in strange places, through strange people, on a seemingly strange timeline)?

HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)

  • Consider together severe trials you have faced. How have you seen God’s providence at work?

  • Have such trials strengthened your faith? If so, how?

  • Have such trials prepared you to serve others? If so, how?

 

clint@sevenmileroad.org