Devotional

1. Laban lacked trust in Jacob throughout their relationship as father-in-law and son-in-law and he desired to have control over all that was Jacob’s. What are some things you desire to have control over in the same way Laban did?

2. Jacob’s sons avenged their sister Dinah after she was raped. What was wrong with the way they avenged her? How could they have responded better?

1. Joseph’s brothers thought about killing Joseph because of his dreams from God. How do you react to people who share what God has revealed to them?

2. The cupbearer, the chief baker, and even Pharaoh trusted in Joseph’s ability to communicate with God on their behalf. Joseph was an abandoned brother, a slave, and then a prisoner, none of which we would consider an authoritative position by the world’s standard. What do you think enabled Joseph to communicate with God? What gave him authority to speak on His behalf?

1. Joseph managed the land of Egypt so that they had grain enough for seven years of famine. The Egyptians themselves seemed poorly prepared as they eventually had to sell themselves as slaves to Pharaoh in order to get grain. How do you handle your resources?

2. Israel (Jacob) had the authority to bless or curse his sons. Do you believed he used this right well when he spoke to his sons on his deathbed?

1. Pharaoh afflicted the Israelites because he feared they would betray Egypt. There was no sign that such an event would happen, yet this fear haunted him. Is there something that you are afraid of without reason?

2. Moses feared approaching the new Pharaoh of Egypt even though God was with him and so God sent Aaron along with him. Are you trusting God fully to do His will through your life?