This Bible study is all about what it means to have a heart for God’s people.
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The story of Joseph has many twists and turns as Joseph and His family learn to have a heart for God’s People. Joseph was sold into slavery and still chose to follow after God and learn His heart for His people. How can you seek God’s heart today?
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Read about having a heart for God’s people, before reflecting on it below.
Genesis 37-40
Sin begins in the heart
Before Joseph could reach his brothers in the field, they made a plan to kill him. This action shows that sin is really a heart issue. Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own sinful desires. The brothers carefully planned not only how they would kill Joseph, but also how they could cover up their sin.
What are some sins that are starting to creep into your heart? How can you overcome these (James 1:14)?
Related Post: Embrace the Journey | Bible Journaling Through Genesis
Hardened hearts are not from God
Reuben knew that killing Joseph was too great of a sin. So instead, they stripped him of his robe, threw him in a well, and sat down for a snack. During the time that they were eating, they heard Joseph’s cries and pleas to rescue him from the well, but their hearts were hard and they did not care. It is while they are eating that they see a caravan and decided to sell Joseph – perhaps to silence his cries.
Are there times when your heart becomes hardened to the cries of those God calls us to love? How can you turn from a hardend heart to on for God’s People (2 Timothy 3:1-4)?
God uses our brokenness when we have a contrite heart
Judah’s first two sons were so wicked that God put them to death. It is out of fear of loosing his last son that Judah withholds his third son from marrying Tamar. Thus, he is unfaithful to God. As a result, Tamar shows her faith in God’s promise of bringing the Messiah through Abraham’s bloodline by deceiving Judah and carrying on the family line. Both Judah and Tamar are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. God used a broken family to bring about redemption for His people. It was not because of how great Judah and Tamer were, but because of the great grace of God, making ways where there seem to be no way.
Tamar showed her heart for God’s people by being faithful to God’s law, in spite of a broken circumstance. Because of this choice, the Messiah would come through her lineage to save all people from life without God. How has God used brokenness in your life to show His grace and mercy (Psalm 51:17)?
A servant’s heart is one for God’s people
Throughout Joseph’s life, we see so many instances where he choses to cling to God and what is right instead of what is easy. Joseph becomes Potiphar’s salve. Potiphar was an important person who was one of Pharaoh’s officers. Even though Joseph was a slave and could have easily blamed God for terrible circumstances, he chose instead to worship God and have a close relationship with Him. Joseph could have been slaty because he went from a life of privilege to a life of being a servant, but he realized the importance of serving God in a servants role. He served his master as if he were serving God.
What roles has God placed you in right now? How can you serve Him faithfully no matter where you are (Acts 20:35)?
A caring heart for God’s people
While in prison, Joseph noticed that the chief butler and cup-bearer who were placed under him were sad, so he asked them about it. Joseph not only noticed other people, but he genuinely cared about them and how they were doing. He was a living example of God’s heart for his people.
Do you notice how other people are feeling and take time to ask them how they are and how you can be of service to them (Philippians 2:4)?
Reflect on having a heart for God’s people
Joseph continued to give glory to God, even when his circumstances were not favorable. Throughout many difficult seasons, Joseph showed his love for God by having a heart for God’s people. How can you love God by loving others today?
