Judah was able to convince their father Jacob to send Benjamin (the youngest son (second son of Rachael)) to Egypt
Judah said he would watch over Benjamin and would pretty much give his life for him.
When Joseph's brothers arrive to Egypt, Joseph sets a dinner for them (they still don't know who Joseph is; they still think it's just the man second in command to the pharaoh).
Benjamin gets the biggest portion (this may be pointed out in the scriptures to possibly see what feelings this may bring about from the other brothers).
Joseph sends them off after the dinner but sends someone after them stating that one of the stole an item.
They all deny having taken anything. After being searched the item was found in Benjamin's sack.
Judah speaks to Joseph to allow him to be taken in place of Benjamin. He explains that his father Jacob would probably die if Benjamin does not return.
Joseph sees the change of heart of his brothers and reveals himself to them.
He forgave them and explained that it was the Lord's plan. Because he was sold he was not able to save them.
I am amazed by this story. There are two huge lessons here we can apply to our lives.
Have you ever felt offended and hurt by someone? Have you felt so upset with someone you are unwilling to look past their offense?
What can you learn from Joseph?
Have you ever felt so frustrated with your trials and wondered why you are being tested? Have you ever felt like life is not fair?
How can Joseph'a trials help us confront ours?
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Joseph Brothers go to Egypt
Today we covered Genesis 42 to 43.
There was famine all over the land. Jacob sent his sons (except Benjamin) to Egypt to buy food.
Joseph recognizes them. They do not recognize him. He accuses them of being spies and puts them in prison. He frees everyone except Simeon and keeps him as collateral. He tells them they must bring their younger sibling when they return to Egypt.
While in jail Joseph's brothers spoke amongst each other and said they were put in jail as a punishment from God for having sold Joseph.
They were still feeling guilty even after twenty years. What does this tell us about sin?
It may possibly make us think twice about our actions. I know I don't want to think about what I do today in twenty years.
There was famine all over the land. Jacob sent his sons (except Benjamin) to Egypt to buy food.
Joseph recognizes them. They do not recognize him. He accuses them of being spies and puts them in prison. He frees everyone except Simeon and keeps him as collateral. He tells them they must bring their younger sibling when they return to Egypt.
While in jail Joseph's brothers spoke amongst each other and said they were put in jail as a punishment from God for having sold Joseph.
They were still feeling guilty even after twenty years. What does this tell us about sin?
It may possibly make us think twice about our actions. I know I don't want to think about what I do today in twenty years.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
The story of Joseph Genesis 34-41
On Tuesday we discussed the life of Joseph particularly his trials.
Joseph is Jacob's 11th son. He is probably the last person who his brothers think would get the birthright.
Rueben the first born who is entitled to the birthright gives it up b/c he lays with Bilhah (his father's wife).
Joseph is Rachel's first born. As a result he receives the birthright (the firstborn of Zilpah and Bilhah would not be considered b/c these wives are the handmaids of Leah and Rachel and their children would be considered children of Leah and Rachel).
For this reason Joseph is envied by his brothers.
They plot to kill him but then decide to sell him.
Joseph becomes an indentured servant.
The Pharaoh's guard, Potiphar, purchases Joseph. He sees Joseph is a man of faith and good tidings and puts Joseph in charge of his home.
Unfortunately Potiphar's wife comes on to Joseph. Joseph refuses to lay with her. Because of this she makes it seem as though Joseph took advantage of her.
Potiphar puts him in jail. In jail Joseph meets a baker and a butler. Both of which have dreams. They share their dreams with Joseph. Joseph is willing to interpret their dreams and in turn requests that they tell the Pharaoh good tidings of him.
He tells the Baker that his dream means the following: he would be released from jail in three days but he would be hung. He tells the butler that his dream means the following: he would be released from jail in three days and would be put back into his position.
The events unfold exactly the way Joseph states. The baker is hanged and the Butler goes back into his position but he forgets to tell the Pharaoh; that is until the pharaoh has a dream.
The Pharaoh calls on all the wise men and magicians to interpret his dream. None of them can. This is when the Butler tells the Pharaoh about Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams.
The pharaoh requests to see Joseph. Joseph is able to interpret his dream. He tells the pharaoh that there would be seven years of abundance and seven years of drought. Additionally he suggests a storage plan.
The Pharaoh likes Joseph and trusts him. The Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge. He tells Joseph he would be the only person higher in command to him.
How was Joseph able to maintain his positive attitude despite all the trails he had??
What can we learn from Joseph?
How can we maintain a positive attitude even when things do not seem to be going well?
Joseph is Jacob's 11th son. He is probably the last person who his brothers think would get the birthright.
Rueben the first born who is entitled to the birthright gives it up b/c he lays with Bilhah (his father's wife).
Joseph is Rachel's first born. As a result he receives the birthright (the firstborn of Zilpah and Bilhah would not be considered b/c these wives are the handmaids of Leah and Rachel and their children would be considered children of Leah and Rachel).
For this reason Joseph is envied by his brothers.
They plot to kill him but then decide to sell him.
Joseph becomes an indentured servant.
The Pharaoh's guard, Potiphar, purchases Joseph. He sees Joseph is a man of faith and good tidings and puts Joseph in charge of his home.
Unfortunately Potiphar's wife comes on to Joseph. Joseph refuses to lay with her. Because of this she makes it seem as though Joseph took advantage of her.
Potiphar puts him in jail. In jail Joseph meets a baker and a butler. Both of which have dreams. They share their dreams with Joseph. Joseph is willing to interpret their dreams and in turn requests that they tell the Pharaoh good tidings of him.
He tells the Baker that his dream means the following: he would be released from jail in three days but he would be hung. He tells the butler that his dream means the following: he would be released from jail in three days and would be put back into his position.
The events unfold exactly the way Joseph states. The baker is hanged and the Butler goes back into his position but he forgets to tell the Pharaoh; that is until the pharaoh has a dream.
The Pharaoh calls on all the wise men and magicians to interpret his dream. None of them can. This is when the Butler tells the Pharaoh about Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams.
The pharaoh requests to see Joseph. Joseph is able to interpret his dream. He tells the pharaoh that there would be seven years of abundance and seven years of drought. Additionally he suggests a storage plan.
The Pharaoh likes Joseph and trusts him. The Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge. He tells Joseph he would be the only person higher in command to him.
How was Joseph able to maintain his positive attitude despite all the trails he had??
What can we learn from Joseph?
How can we maintain a positive attitude even when things do not seem to be going well?
Friday, 21 October 2011
The Children of Jacob
Jacob works for Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachael.
Laban deceives Jacob and has him marry Leah.
Jacob is willing to work another seven years to marry Rachael. He marries her shortly after he marries Leah.
Rachael is barren but Leah has several children.
Rachael's handmaid and Leah's handmaid also have children.
Eventually Rachael has a child, Joseph.
These children are known as the twelve tribes of Israel.
Laban deceives Jacob and has him marry Leah.
Jacob is willing to work another seven years to marry Rachael. He marries her shortly after he marries Leah.
Rachael is barren but Leah has several children.
Rachael's handmaid and Leah's handmaid also have children.
Eventually Rachael has a child, Joseph.
These children are known as the twelve tribes of Israel.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Genesis 25-28
Today we learned of Isaac's sons, Esau and Jacob.
Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah favored Jacob.
Esau gives up birthright for food to Jacob.
How easily are we willing to give up spiritual blessings to fulfill a temporal desire???
Isaac asks Esau to make him venison. Rebekah hears this request and tells Jacob to bring the venison to his father in place of Esau his brother.
Jacob was reluctant at first because he did not want his father to curse him for having tried to deceive him. But decides to listen to his mother.
Jacob brings the venison to his father in place of Esau. His father is blind so he cannot see but he feels Jacob's hand to confirm that he is Esau. Because Jacob's hands are hairy like his brother's hands Isaac assume it is Esau.
Isaac gives Jacob the blessings that he "meant" to give to Esau. When Isaac finds out that he blessed Jacob he could have taken the blessing backhoe did not. This confirms to us that Isaac knew he was the rightful heir to the blessings. Birthright does not necessary guarantee the keys to the priesthood. The person needs to be righteous.
Once Esau finds out what happened he threatens to kill Jacob.
Isaac sent Jacob out of town to find a wife who was part of the covenant (Rebekah's niece).
Isaac also sent him away to protect him.
Do your parents intend the best for you even when they make you upset?
Jacob has a dream with a ladder. The steps on the ladder represent the covenants we make. The top of the ladder is heaven.
What do you have to do to get there?
Isaac favored Esau and Rebekah favored Jacob.
Esau gives up birthright for food to Jacob.
How easily are we willing to give up spiritual blessings to fulfill a temporal desire???
Isaac asks Esau to make him venison. Rebekah hears this request and tells Jacob to bring the venison to his father in place of Esau his brother.
Jacob was reluctant at first because he did not want his father to curse him for having tried to deceive him. But decides to listen to his mother.
Jacob brings the venison to his father in place of Esau. His father is blind so he cannot see but he feels Jacob's hand to confirm that he is Esau. Because Jacob's hands are hairy like his brother's hands Isaac assume it is Esau.
Isaac gives Jacob the blessings that he "meant" to give to Esau. When Isaac finds out that he blessed Jacob he could have taken the blessing backhoe did not. This confirms to us that Isaac knew he was the rightful heir to the blessings. Birthright does not necessary guarantee the keys to the priesthood. The person needs to be righteous.
Once Esau finds out what happened he threatens to kill Jacob.
Isaac sent Jacob out of town to find a wife who was part of the covenant (Rebekah's niece).
Isaac also sent him away to protect him.
Do your parents intend the best for you even when they make you upset?
Jacob has a dream with a ladder. The steps on the ladder represent the covenants we make. The top of the ladder is heaven.
What do you have to do to get there?
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
A wife for Isaac-Genesis 24
Today we discussed who Isaac married.
Abraham sent his servant to the land of his ancestors to find a wife for Isaac. He wanted Isaac to marry someone who was part of the covenant.
Why was this important?
Is it important? How does this relate to our lives?
Abraham understood the importance of having Isaac marry someone within the covenant. Isaac understood this as well which is the reason he did not oppose it.
Isaac was willing to marry Rebekah.
Getting married in the temple should be your goal. There are so many blessings that you can gain from getting married in the temple and having the gospel in your household.
Abraham sent his servant to the land of his ancestors to find a wife for Isaac. He wanted Isaac to marry someone who was part of the covenant.
Why was this important?
Is it important? How does this relate to our lives?
Abraham understood the importance of having Isaac marry someone within the covenant. Isaac understood this as well which is the reason he did not oppose it.
Isaac was willing to marry Rebekah.
Getting married in the temple should be your goal. There are so many blessings that you can gain from getting married in the temple and having the gospel in your household.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Scripture Mastery
Students you have four scriptures to start memorizing. Make sure to visit this website:
http://seminary.lds.org/mastery/
This website has several exercises that will help you remember these scriptures.
Moses 1:39
Moses 7:18
Abraham 3:22-23
Genesis 1:26-27
http://seminary.lds.org/mastery/
This website has several exercises that will help you remember these scriptures.
Moses 1:39
Moses 7:18
Abraham 3:22-23
Genesis 1:26-27
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