As we celebrate All Saints’ and All Souls our scripture invites us to consider how our story is important; the story of God’s grace and presence and how God’s presence brings hope. Interestingly, we are invited to remember that God is intimately connected to us and all creation, so much so that God came among us, dealt with the emotions we have, sits with us in our fears to give us hope, and reminds us that God’s kingdom will be found where we are for all eternity. God’s promise is eternal life; God’s hope is found in God’s presence in the midst of the junk of life; and God reminds us that our story of past, present, and future is what helps make God real here, and now.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44

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Background: In the latter part of Genesis we read the stories of the foundation of the patriarchs of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, and later Jacob. After being sold into slavery the Joseph cycle has continued to develop Joseph’s character in chapters 37-50. Joseph has gained prowess in Pharaoh’s household and has shown piety, virtue, and wisdom in his dealings with the world.

Theme: Joseph has been in slavery in Egypt at the hands of his brothers. He has been slave and has become a leader in Egypt and wields the power of life and death through the control of Pharaoh’s food stores. Joseph now has interaction with his brothers although they do not know or recognize him.

Questions to Ponder:
* Please read Genesis 45:1-15. In addition, glance at chapters 37-45 for context and character development.
* Place this reading in context; where does it take place, who are the characters, what is the relationship between the characters, etc.?
* How did “we” get to this point in the story (i.e., what has brought Joseph to his position of power and his brothers to their position of need)? How much time has transpired from Joseph being sold into slavery and when he reveals himself to his brothers?
* Why might Joseph send the Egyptians away before revealing himself to his brothers?
* Why might Joseph’s brothers be dismayed once Joseph reveals himself?
* Do you think that Joseph’s brothers would be angry with themselves given that Joseph was alive and in power?
* Why might Joseph have to continually reassure his brothers that he is who he says he is? Do you think his assurance was comforting?
* Joseph claims his brothers sold him into slavery yet they were unaware of his presence in Egypt. Why would Joseph attribute his slavery to the actions of his brothers?
* While it may be that God “sent” Joseph to preserve a remnant on earth how much do you think it was God’s design to have Joseph enslaved? Do you think “everything is okay” because God turned bad into something good? Why or why not?
* What difficulties are found in Joseph’s claim that God sent him into slavery? What difficulties are found in Joseph trying to find meaning and consolation in the midst of pain, suffering, and dissolution?
* Do you think Joseph was the “good guy” many people think he is? Do you think Joseph is a “bad guy”? Or possibly, do you think Joseph is simply human?
* How might Joseph’s position of power be a role reversal from last week’s reading in Genesis 37?
* What might change your perspective about Joseph, either from one where he is good or bad or some mix of the two?
* How does this lesson apply to the world we live in today? How does the famine and revelation of God’s providence as portrayed in this lesson become real in today’s situation?
* What is the challenge God gives you in this passage?
* What is the good news present in this story?