everybody has a history

“But Joseph said to them,

“Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place?

“As for you, you meant evil against me,

but God meant it for good

in order to bring about this present result,

to preserve many people alive.

(Genesis 50:19–21, NASB95)

Everybody Has a History• It is chronicled by highlights and life-altering events

that both affect and shape who we become.• One thing is for certain: our plans don’t always turn

out the way we want.“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”

(Proverbs 16:9)

Every Person’s History Is Within Biblical History

• The fact is that the Bible chronicles God’s desire for mankind. Gen. 1:1; Jn. 1:1ff; Rev. 22:20

• Either we see history through our limited lives OR we can view our lives from God’s eternal perspective for our lives.

Joseph’s History

Joseph’s Dream (Gen. 37)• Jacob loved Joseph. v. 2-4• The Dream: ruling over his family. v. 5-11• Nearly killed; sold as a slave/brought to Egypt.

v. 18-28These brothers planned to do evil to Joseph

But God meant Joseph good

Potipher’s Slave (Gen. 39)• Joseph: Potipher’s personal servant. v. 1-6• Potipher’s wife desired Joseph. v. 7, 10• Joseph loved God. v. 8-9

She meant to do evil to Joseph. v. 10-20But God meant Joseph good. v. 21-23

Imprisoned/More Dreams (Gen. 40)• Cupbearer and Baker – Most trusted men of

Pharaoh: Imprisoned; Joseph over them. v. 1-4• Both dream; no one able to interpret; Joseph

reveals God’s ability to interpret. v. 5-8• Interpretation accurate: cupbearer restored;

baker executed. v. 9-22The cupbearer did not remember Joseph. v. 14, 23

Pharaoh’s Dream (Ch. 41)• But God remembered Joseph• Two years later Pharaoh dreamed: v. 1-7– 7 healthy cows eaten up by 7 gaunt cows.– 7 plump ears of grain on a stalk swallowed up by 7

thin and scorched ears of grain.• Joseph used to interpret dream. v. 14-37• Joseph made ruler over Egypt. v. 38-45

Joseph Rules Over All (Gen. 42-50)• Joseph was 17 years old when he dreamt of

being a ruler over all, now at age 30 he was!• Because of the predicted famine by Pharaoh’s

dream; his brothers come to Egypt for food.• Joseph’s family moves to Egypt (Goshen).• Israel (Jacob) dies.

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? “As for

you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about

this present result, to preserve many people alive.”

(Genesis 50:19–20)

Your History?

All Things Work for Good…• God loves you and want you to believe upon His

Son, Jesus Christ. Jn. 3:16-21• He means to do you good; not evil. Jas. 1:17-18• The question is: do you love Him (like Joseph)?

cp. Rom. 8:28-30• God’s love will result in a robe of 1 color: white!