We love stories that end well, don’t we? Something deep within us desperately wants that Hallmark ending- even if they're painfully predictable most of the time.
In this week's session we get to see exactly that- a happy ending because we see Joseph standing before his brothers and comforting them by explaining that what they had intended for evil, God had used for good.
Now, we have to remember that we were never promised a "Joseph moment". We were never promised that our happy ending would come in this life. God has promised us, however, that all we go through—including suffering—has a divine purpose. And that's a parallel we can make to Joseph's story.
Many of us are struggling right now with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear. But in the end, when we come out on the other side, won't this suffering strengthen our faith? I read a meme on Facebook recently where Satan said he's successfully shut down every church. God replies that on the contrary, He has opened one in every home. Won't this suffering give us opportunity to come alongside other christians supporting them and comforting them? Won't it position us to show the world what Christ really looks like? Our suffering isn't meaningless.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20
Joseph’s statement in Genesis 50 is a clear and powerful picture of Jesus. God used Joseph’s suffering to provide rescue for his family. In a greater way, God used Jesus’ suffering to provide rescue for those who trust in Him. Be sure your kids see and understand this amazing message this week.
And now for the Jams-
Here's a quick summary of todays story: CLICK HERE
Connection to the promise: God had a plan for Joseph's life. He allowed Joseph to suffer to rescue a whole nation. In a greater way, God planned for Jesus to suffer so that many- including you and I- would be saved from sin.
If you have a bible at your house, open to Genesis 42-46 and 50 and have a parent read it out loud to you! If you don't have one, that's okay! CLICK HERE.
Questions from Kids:
Activity: Poppin' some... grain?
In our story today, we learned about how Joseph stored up grain during the 7 years of plenty and saved it to be used during the 7 years of famine. We learned about how he forgave his brothers and shared grain with them even after everything that had happened.
In your bags, you'll see a ziplock bag with 1/2 cup of popcorn. (Yes, kernels count as a type of grain because they can be ground up!)
Sometime today, try making this with your family on the stove top! It'll be fun to experience this "old fashion" way of making popcorn. Feel free to kick this up a notch with any special flavors you might have at home!
Jesus Loves Me Craft (#craftivity)
Depending on the age of your child (and supplies!) you probably received one of these 2 cross crafts.
At first glance, this might not seem to go with our lesson- but it does! Our Christ connection talks about how the suffering of Joseph was all part of God's plan to people.
In the same way, God loved us so much that he sent his one and only son to suffer to save us. (John 3:16)
Today's craft serves as a reminder that all things work out for the good of those who love God and that all things- even the things that seem bad to us- will eventually be revealed as part of God's bigger plan.