Tag Archives: Joseph

Video of the Day: Clip from the show” Everything Happens for a Reason” (Language Warning)

Bible Verse of the Day:

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” ¹⁶ So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ¹⁷ ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.¹⁸ His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. ¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹ So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them, Genesis 50:15-21.

Biblical Connection:

The biblical phrase from Romans 8:28-30 claiming that everything happens for a reason is much more complex and complicated. Meanwhile, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 talks about that there is a time for everything. Therefore, verbalizing this expression following an accident in today’s video clip does more harm than good. Rather, most people need time to reflect upon the trials they endure in life before acknowledging and understanding why bad things happen to good people.

This is the revelation that Joseph receives after being reunited with his brothers in Egypt. Despite being abandoned in a pit and sold into slavery, Joseph needed to mature on his own. Meanwhile, being falsely accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife placed Joseph into a ceil where he met two of Pharoah’s servants. This leads Joseph into Pharoah’s presence where he is able to interpret 2 dreams catapulting him to governor of Egypt. This is the context of Joseph’s words in verse 20.

Closing Song:

Jesus didn’t spoon feed his disciples the answers to life. Rather, Jesus allowed each to figure out the truth on their own. The same concept applies to everything happens for a reason. When someone dies, verbalizing everything happens for a reason is a poor choice of words. Instead, help, listen to and support the hurting so that in God’s timing they will begin to have clarity on why certain trials have occurred, James 1:2-4.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1986 movie “Karate Kid II”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Joseph threw himself on his father and wept over him and kissed him. ² Then Joseph directed the physicians in his service to embalm his father Israel. So the physicians embalmed him, ³ taking a full forty days, for that was the time required for embalming. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days, Genesis 50:1-3.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel grew up with a single mom after the death of his father. When Daniel moved to a new town as a teenager in Karate Kid I, Mr. Miyagi became his karate instructor. Although initially Daniel felt like he was being used to do household chores, Mr. Miyagi incorporated each task with a specific karate move. Over time, Mr. Miyagi became a mentor and second father to Daniel.

Joseph of the Old Testament and son of Jacob, Israel, had an unusual relationship with his siblings. Dreams and visions Joseph had as a child led to envy and jealousy, resulting in being sold into slavery. When Joseph’s brother staged his death to hide his disappearance, Israel believed Joseph was dead. Subsequently, when they were reunited in Egypt, this special bond grow. This explains the emotions displayed by Joseph when his father passed away.

Closing Song:

When my father passed away last spring, my first thought was whether or not my dad was saved. I can speculate, but I don’t know for sure. Today’s song focuses on Christians who know for sure about their eternal destination, 1 John 5:11-13. The next time you find yourself mourning for a loved one or preparing yourself, make the most of the time that you have to ensure you’ll be reunited in heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2009 film “The Mighty Mac”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” ¹⁰ When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” ¹¹ His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind, Genesis 37:9-11.

Biblical Connection:

Part of college is trying to figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life, enter into the degree program that best matches your dream job and put your whole heart into this endeavor. As Coach Cathy Rush is sitting at her desk in today’s scene, one of her graduating seniors shares her plans for life after college. While coach initially listens, she asks a question to make sure that her player doesn’t regret this career decision. This is the call to follow your dreams.

Joseph of the Old Testament has a different type of gift, the ability to see the future like a visionary. However, sharing his dreams with his family wasn’t received with open arms. Despite the hardships that Joseph would encounter, the Lord was with him whenever he went. Subsequently, Joseph helped people who came into his life, never afraid to share his gift with others. When you aren’t afraid to follow your dreams, you may be blessed like Joseph who became governor of Egypt.

Closing Song:

Today’s message speaks to my own heart, still trying to follow my own dream of becoming a professional screen writer. As I search for my place in this world, I’ve found Proverbs 19:21 to be helpful, praying for God’s purpose to prevail. In the meantime, I’m giving the Lord my dreams.

by Jay Mankus