Read Genesis 44:1-34. Why did Joseph put the divination cup in Benjamin’s sack and not in another brother’s sack?

This story parallels the preceding one. As before, Joseph gives specific instructions; and, once again, he fills the men’s sacks with food. This time, however, Joseph adds the strange command to put his precious cup in Benjamin’s sack.

Image © Kim Justinen at Goodsalt.com

The events, therefore, take a different course. While in the preceding trip, the brothers returned to Canaan to take Benjamin with them, now they have to return to Egypt to face Joseph. Whereas in the preceding situation all the brothers found the same thing in their sacks, now Benjamin is singled out as the one who has Joseph’s cup. Unexpectedly, Benjamin, who as the guest of honor had access to Joseph’s cup, is now suspect and charged with the accusation of having stolen that precious article. He will go to prison.

That Joseph was using a divination cup did not mean that he believed in its power. Joseph “had never claimed the power of divination, but was willing to have them believe that he could read the secrets of their lives.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 229.

The magic cup was for Joseph a pretext to evoke the supernatural domain, and thus awaken in his brothers’ hearts their sense of guilt toward God. This is how Judah interprets Joseph’s implied message, because he refers to the iniquity that God has found in them (Genesis 44:16). Also, the stealing of that precious cup would justify a severe punishment and thus test the other brothers’ thinking.

The intensity of the brothers’ emotion and their reaction is significant. They are all united in the same pain, fearing for Benjamin, who will be lost as was Joseph, and like him become a slave in Egypt although he was, like him, innocent. This is why Judah proposes that he be taken as a slave “instead” of Benjamin (Genesis 44:33), just as the ram has been sacrificed “instead” of the innocent Isaac (compare with Genesis 22:13). Judah presents himself as a sacrifice, a substitution, whose purpose is precisely to cope with that “evil” that would devastate his father (Genesis 44:34).

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

Amen!(0)

The post Wednesday: The Divination Cup appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/wednesday-divination-cup/

Six years ago today my mother died, and a few days later I wrote an article called, When Prayer Doesn’t Move Mountains. The comment section was filled with notes of sympathy and condolences which I greatly appreciated. I was amazed I could write an article right after my mother died. I always thought that when my mother died I would just roll up into a little ball and lie there till Jesus comes. But I didn’t. I did not become dysfunctional – or at least not any more dysfunctional than I already was. I was amazed that I could not only  exist and survive but I could actually be productive and thriving. Sure, there were a lot of tears and heartache. I remember wanting to tell my mother that my mother died. After all, whenever something bad happened, I would always share it with her. But I couldn’t share this with her. But I also remember driving between Bible studies soon after she died, and feeling almost euphoric when I realized that my mother died and I was going to survive. Just days after returning from the funeral, I went out for pizza with some friends. I found myself laughing and enjoying myself. Then, as I walked to my car, a feeling came over me. Am I allowed to be having this much fun yet? 

My mother Sara, and myself.

You may or may not be able to identify with my thoughts and feelings. I have found that we all grieve differently. While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, at least within reason, I feel I need to share my experience, because I do not grieve the way so many other people say that we grieve. In recent conversations I have found I am not alone. I am not aiming to be judgmental or invalidate anyone’s grieving process. I just want to share my experience and why I have so much hope. Here are some ways I and many others do not grieve the way the popular society seems to think we all grieve. 

“My mother enjoyed her life before I was born, and I can enjoy my life after she is gone.”

When I read memes on Facebook about how that person would give anything to talk to their dead loved one, I cannot relate with that. Sure, right after my mother died I wanted to tell my mom that my mom died, but that emotion did not stay with me. Why? I remember talking to a friend whose mother died several years before mine. Back then I asked my friend how she found the strength to go on. While she loved her mother she said something I had never thought of before. She said, “My mother enjoyed her life before I was born, and I can enjoy my life after she is gone.” At first it sounded kind of cold, but it makes a lot of sense. My mother enjoyed her life before I was born because she had Jesus in her life. I soon realized after I lost my mother that, as much as I loved my mother, I live for Jesus. My mother taught me to live for Jesus. While I loved my mother dearly and can’t wait to see her in the resurrection, I can continue living a happy, fruitful and productive life because I live for Jesus. Hence, I don’t wish I could talk to my mother right now. I need to talk to Jesus, and I can! 

During a Bible study last week I was talking to a much younger friend who already lost her mother a few years ago. I shared with her that I don’t constantly think, much less talk about my mother being gone all the time, even though many Facebook memes seem to imply we all do. She agreed with me that she does not think about her mother every day either. I don’t mourn her loss on Mother’s Day. I am too busy celebrating all the wonderful mothers in the world today. After my mom died, my niece became a mother and she is one of the best mothers I have ever seen. I love her kids like crazy. I am too busy celebrating what I have instead of grieving what I don’t have. 

I am enjoying my life while my mother rests, knowing that while she told me stories about people and things that happened before I was born, when Jesus wakes her up I can tell her stories about people and things that happened while she was sleeping. While we both spent a portion of our time on earth together and without each other, we will have all eternity in heaven to spend together! 

I don’t need to wish my mother a happy heavenly birthday. 

I am alarmed at how many of my friends, even Seventh-day Adventist friends  wish their late mothers a happy heavenly birthday on social media. For some reason many think it sounds nice, but there is not one single passage of Scripture that even hints that our dead loved ones are already in heaven. I find comfort in the truth about what happens when you die. In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Paul tells us to comfort each other with “these words” about the resurrection. Nowhere in Scripture does Paul, Jesus or anyone else tell us that our dead loved ones are in heaven, much less to comfort each other with such words. Again 1 Thessalonians 4:18 tells us to comfort each other with words about the resurrection. It sends chills of joy down my spine when I think about the fact that my mother’s very next thought will be Jesus is coming! My mother is resting and does not know anything. The next thing she knows Jesus will be coming! What a glorious thought! I don’t need to draw comfort from the lies and deceptions of spiritualism when the truth of God’s Word gives me comfort I can depend on. 

Our grief is personal and private. We all grieve differently. Our relationships are unique, and the way we grieve the loss of those relationships is unique. The way we cope and continue to function is unique. While I don’t really mark anniversaries of my mother’s passing, I thought this year it would be a good time to share some hope with others. Regardless what social media memes say, you don’t have to feel sad each and every day. Psalm 23:6 says goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life, and that includes the days after a loved one dies. We can live happy, productive lives while looking forward to the resurrection. Regardless what social media memes say, we don’t need to wish our dead loved ones a happy heavenly birthday. We can let our dead loved ones rest, while we comfort each other with words of hope that are actually in Scripture. The words about the resurrection that Paul with which told us to comfort each other are in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Meanwhile Jesus gives us strength and even joy as we live for Him.  

Amen!(0)

The post Its Been Six Years Since Mom Died and I’m Okay appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/its-been-six-years-since-mom-died-and-im-okay/

Join the Hit the Mark Panel as they examine Joseph’s amazing response to his reunion with his brothers. This week’s keyword makes a difference in our experience. Join us to discover what it is.

Amen!(1)

The post Joseph, Prince of Egypt – Hit the Mark Sabbath School appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/joseph-prince-of-egypt-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/

Jacob could not easily allow the departure of Benjamin, his only son with Rachel who remained with him. He was afraid that he would lose him, as he already had lost Joseph (Genesis 43:6-8). It is only when there was no more food (Genesis 43:2) and when Judah pledged to guarantee the return of Benjamin (Genesis 43:9) that Jacob finally consented for a second visit to Egypt and allowed Benjamin to go with his brothers.

Read Genesis 43:1-34. What effect had Benjamin’s presence on the course of events?

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

Benjamin’s presence dominated the events. When all the brothers stand before Joseph, Benjamin is the only person whom Joseph sees (Genesis 43:16). Benjamin is the only one who is called “brother” (Genesis 43:29, NKJV). While Benjamin is called by name, all the other brothers are not identified; they are simply referred to as “men” (Genesis 43:16).

Joseph calls Benjamin “my son,” as a reassuring expression of special affection (Genesis 43:29; compare with Genesis 22:8). Joseph’s blessing refers to “grace” (Genesis 43:29), reminiscent of his begging for grace, which was not forthcoming (Genesis 42:21). Joseph returns to Benjamin the grace that he did not receive from his other brothers.

While Joseph’s brothers fear that they will be cast in prison because of the money that was returned, Joseph prepares a banquet for them because of Benjamin’s presence. It is as if Benjamin had a redeeming effect on the whole situation. When all the brothers are seated according to their ages and respecting the rules of honor, it is Benjamin, the youngest, who is served five times more than all the other brothers (Genesis 43:33-34). And yet, this favoritism does not bother them, unlike when Joseph was his father’s favorite many years ago, which led to their terrible actions toward both their half brother and their own father (Genesis 37:3-4).

“By this token of favor to Benjamin he hoped to ascertain if the youngest brother was regarded with the envy and hatred that had been manifested toward himself. Still supposing that Joseph did not understand their language, the brothers freely conversed with one another; thus he had a good opportunity to learn their real feelings. Still he desired to test them further, and before their departure he ordered that his own drinking cup of silver should be concealed in the sack of the youngest.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, Pages 228, 229.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

Amen!(0)

The post Tuesday: Joseph and Benjamin appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/tuesday-joseph-and-benjamin/

The book of Genesis offers us so many vast topics from which to choose a theme hymn. As we are starting at the very beginning, I would like to give praise to our Creator of heaven and earth in singing
Hymn 320 – Lord of Creation and 
Hymn 2 – All Creatures of Our God and King. The stories that follow creation will lean back towards our amazing God and what He has done for each of us in creation.

Our story for this quarter continues with Joseph “now leader of Egypt” just as we say daily 
He Leadeth Me – Hymn 537, there is no doubt that Joseph knew of God’s leading. Sabbath afternoon introduces us to the grace for which the brothers were to plead from the leader, just as we do today, and see 
Amazing Grace – Hymn 108 and 
Marvelous Grace – Hymn 109 all because we ask 
Forgive Our Sins As We Forgive – Hymn 299.

We see 
The Spirit of the Lord Revealed – Hymn 261 as Pharoah sees “Joseph, who is qualified as ‘discerning and wise’ (Gen 41:39)”. We may then continue to pray 
Hover O’er Me, Holy Spirit – Hymn 260.

Reuben thought that Joseph’s shed blood was now required of the brothers (Gen 42:22) but we are excited to know there is 
Power in The Blood – Hymn 294 (Monday).

It is noted on Tuesday that “Benjamin has a redeeming effect” just as our Lord Jesus has for us showing 
The Wonders of Redeeming Love – Hymn 179.

As the wonderful story of Joseph continues we find “Joseph then declares: ‘God sent me’ (Gen 45:5)”. He surely was 
Sent Forth By God’s Blessing – Hymn 407 to help in the saving of the whole family. The carts provided by Joseph for his family to be transported back to Egypt was “enough for him (Jacob) to come alive again” to go forth to Egypt and meet Joseph once again. And, today we know for certain that 
Christ is Alive! – Hymn 182.

God’s abundant blessings this quarter as we study through the first book of the Bible which our gracious God has given. May we be faithful and all say “Come, Lord Jesus, come – very soon” so we are able to go to our new home in Heaven, as 
We Have This Hope – Hymn 214.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing, but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(0)

The post 12: Joseph, Prince of Egypt – Singing with Inspiration appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/12-joseph-prince-of-egypt-singing-with-inspiration/