“[Some] people think the Bible is a book of heroes, showing you people you should copy. The Bible does have some heroes in it, but...most of the people in the Bible aren’t heroes at all. They make some big mistakes (sometimes on purpose). They get afraid and run away. At times they are downright mean.
“No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne - everything - to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!
“You see, the best thing about this story is - it’s true.
“There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story. The story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.”
Sally Lloyd-Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible

In Genesis 37, we are first introduced to Joseph, who will be our protagonist in our sermon series for the next few months. He’s the favorite son of his father Jacob, the one who slandered his half-brothers to his father, and he’s also the recipient of the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat that was a visible sign of his father’s favoritism. And, as we will see in future weeks, he’s the one who God uses to preserve Israel, save both Israel and Egypt from famine, and bring glory to God in the process.

Even as I type that, I realize it’s the kind of thing that would sound ridiculous if I were hearing it for the first time. Can’t God find anyone better to use as His instrument? Beyond the appalling dynamics in Joseph’s family itself, the longer family line was full of feuds, incest, and dishonesty. Why would God possibly want to build His family, and redeem the whole world, through these guys?

The good news for them, and for all of us, is that God didn’t wait for Joseph’s family to become worthy before He rescued them and worked through them, because that’s not how God works. Jesus Himself says in Mark 2:17, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Praise the Lord that He is redeeming us not because of what we have to offer to Him, but solely because of His unconditional, forever love for us!

~Alyson Noell