SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 11th/12th April 2012
Genesis - - Life of Joseph

Chapter 47:1-26 Joseph Rules

As you read through and study this passage, note how Joseph plans and executes each part. Look back to Genesis 15:12-16 to see where God promises this beforehand. The land of Goshen was formerly called ‘the district of Rameses’. Remember too that this also points us forward to the New Testament –to Jesus, our Saviour and Lord Who rules and cares for His people, and works to keep them separate from worldly ways, finally to bring them to the Promised Land.

Separate from the Egyptians   v 1 - 6  (note also Ch 46v31-34)
Joseph had learned something of Egyptian ways. Therefore watch as he skilfully handles the negotiations with Pharaoh as to where his family should live. He chose the best place for them see v6. However, note – he wanted to keep them from integrating with the Egyptians 
(Chapter 46v34). Why do you think this was? What does it teach us, now?
This would have future implications too – as if they had adopted Egyptian lifestyle they may have been reluctant to leave. They might have been too much ‘at home’. We look forward to the day when the Lord will call us to the heavenly Promised Land. Read Philippians 3v17-21
Does that prospect thrill us? Or are we getting too much ‘at home’ here? 
Abraham had a similar focus –see Hebrews 11 v13-16

Special blessing from Jacob  v 7 - 12
Care –NIV v7 ‘after’ - -should be ‘and’ Jacob blessed him.  This is amazing –protocol was reversed, and accepted. Probably Jacob’s age (see v8) allowed him to do that. See also Hebrews 7 v6-7 where Abraham had a similar experience.
v8	His years were ‘few’. Obviously not like Abraham and Isaac. His time also had been difficult. Yet he is the third of the great patriarch’s –and as such he blesses Pharaoh (v10)
We must not always expect an easy ride, even though we follow the Lord. Jacob’s life was not easy, yet he was the one who inherited such a blessing. What does this teach us about God’s ways?
v11-12	End of v 12 would suggest that rationing was in force, yet Joseph provided for them. (see also Ch 50v21)  What do these verses teach us about the Lord’s provision for us?

Severe famine managed by Joseph  v 13 – 26
What does Joseph take from the Egyptians in return for the ‘gift of life’? (v14,16 &20-21)
This system seemed to bring great prosperity to Pharaoh – only the priests are provided for directly by Pharaoh see v22. Remember –the others who prospered in that situation was the family of Jacob (Israel) – God’s people.
Do you think Joseph was unduly harsh in his treatment of the Egyptians? 
v26	Would seem to be the beginning of income tax –interesting the percentage.
All this does not adversely affect Joseph’s approval rating –v25 - -why?

Despite the wealth and blessing they enjoyed in Goshen, Jacob’s heart was still very much focussed on the Promised Land, and he knew that was where his ultimate blessing lay. What dominates your thinking, today? Is it immediate prosperity or is it future blessing?
Let’s remember that prosperity is fleeting; however heaven is eternal. 1 Peter 1 v 3-5.
												D.J.
PRAYER POINTS:
Momentum, Active8, Surrey Smarties and Surrey Sketchers –especially the contacts we have with those who are not yet believers.
Ourselves in our journey to the ‘Promised Land’.
April 17th	General Church Meeting at 7.45 pm