Craig

Joseph eventually understands God's purpose in what was happening to him. The purpose in Joseph's experience in suffering injustice had nothing to do with him or his family. The whole betrayal thing was the way God got Joseph into Eygpt and into the proper position. It was about what God was doing in the greater scheme of things, like saving/perserving the descentants of Abraham in order to eventually make them into a great nation. Jacob hadn't reached that realiztion. Therefore, Joseph wasn't angry with his brothers, but warm, compassionate, and forgiving. Joseph handled fear by staying faithful to and dependent upon God. Jacob was fearful about losing some of his family instead of turning the matter over to God. We must let God be our God if we are going to have victory in our life and maintain a proper perspective of life.

Joseph eventually understands God's purpose in what was happening to him. The purpose in Joseph's experience in suffering injustice had nothing to do with him or his family. The whole betrayal thing was the way God got Joseph into Eygpt and into the proper position. It was about what God was doing in the greater scheme of things, like saving/perserving the descentants of Abraham in order to eventually make them into a great nation. Jacob hadn't reached that realiztion. Therefore, Joseph wasn't angry with his brothers, but warm, compassionate, and forgiving. Joseph handled fear by staying faithful to and dependent upon God. Jacob was fearful about losing some of his family instead of turning the matter over to God. We must let God be our God if we are going to have victory in our life and maintain a proper perspective of life.

Jesus loved His mother and wanted to make sure that she was taken care of properly in His absence. Despite being God incarnate, Jesus took His human responsibilities seriously. Mary did nuture Him and bring Him up and she deserved being taken care of the right way. Jesus provides another example of personal responsibility and conduct in that we should take care of our family.

All of humanity is most responsible. Even though all the players (Roman leadership and soldiers, members of the Jewish religious council, the rabble, the High priests, etc.), who participated in the process of Jesus' trial, punishment, humiliation, and death on the cross were directly responsible at that moment in space and time, Jesus went to the cross for the salvation of humanity -- our sin put Him there as per God the Father. The basis of our salvation is forgiveness. Jesus was praying for our forgiveness and that forgiveness is realized when we accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior.

The Mizpah Covenant included the following terms in sum: God would guarantee the covenant. The covenant was made between Jacob and Laban before God. Jacob promised not to mistreat or never to displace them from their status as his wives. A non-aggression pact between the two men. An oath before God between the two confirming the covenant and a fellowship/covenant meal together to seal the covenant. The stone pillar was to remind Jacob of the covenant made with Laban at Mizpah. It would stand as a witness.

Jacob realizes that his breeding techniques are not the cause when the animal's color patterns are changing to Laban's inconsistencies. If we don't keep our focus on God, we might get the crazy idea that we are the cause of our good future. LOL We must always remember where all blessings and goodness flow from -- our Father Who Art in Heaven Hallow Be His Name ...

God is developing Jacob's character. God is refining Jacob to be a leader of a large family that will be the foundation of a nation.