Joseph And His Brothers

In our devotional last week we learned that Jacob's name was changed to Israel. Israel is about to meet his brother who he has not seen for over fourteen years. Last time Israel saw Esau, Esau wanted to kill him.   Then Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two maids. He put the maids and their children in front, and Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. He lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, "Who are these with you?" So he said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."*   In last week's story sin separated Jacob (Israel) from Esau. Now through the blessings and working of God they are together again. God loves to bring families together again. This week's story will be about one of Israel's sons. His name is Joseph. Joseph's mother is Rachel and he is a very young boy during this family reunion. Even as a young boy he is probably touched when he sees his father in tears as he finally gets reunited with his twin brother Esau. Joseph has no idea but someday he will shed tears also after years of separation from his family. But you are probably wondering, how could this happen.? Joseph is Israel's favorite son. Yet sin raises its ugly head again in the family of Israel and separation happens. Even when we are a part of the family of God and ARE blessed by Him, sin can raise its ugly head and cause separation in our families. Strive to love God and remember He is in control even when things seem to get ugly. The good news is God is powerful and always strives to bring us together again in love. Genesis 33:1-5 (NASB)

Lesson Questions for the Full Story: