Joseph

This book is a "Deep Dive" into the life of Joseph. I was expecting a book just about Joseph and the Biblical story of his life in Genesis. But what I got was a whole lot more. I was surprised, but not disappointed.

John Lennox gives a great overview of the whole book of Genesis by wrapping it around the theme of the life of Joseph. The reason for the overview is that he wants you to understand the family dynamics of Joseph's family (going all the way back to Abraham). Why? Because his family was a tad bit dysfunctional, but God still used him and his family for His purposes.

Think back to Genesis 12 when God tells Abraham that his family (nation) would bless the entire world. That seemed a bit out of the question at the time. But God had a plan.

Joseph's life plays a large role in showing how God was going to use the Jews to bless the whole world. Even though Joseph's brothers sold him into Slavery and even though Joseph ended up in jail for a time, still God was faithful and so was Joseph.

Because of Joseph's faithfulness to God he was able to get out of prison, rise to fame in Egypt and basically save the known world from a seven year famine. That saving blessed not just the Jews, but the Egyptians and other nations as well.

But what are the lessons for us today? Well, John Lennox pulls together Joseph's life, his dysfunctional family and all of scripture, both Old and New Testament to drive home our needs to see God as caring and Sovereign. How will you respond to life's circumstances when they don't go your way? Learn how Joseph responded and then ask the Lord to help you learn how to respond appropriately to your own life circumstances so that you can be a Godly example to those around you.

Enjoy learning!

Whilst this book is a bit more Christian-centered than most of the books I read, I found the author to have an intriguing writing-style and to have used good sources for his research. His interpretation of the story of Joseph is a fascinating one where he makes a lot of valid points about what the scriptures may be trying to tell the reader.

I found one of the later chapters, on forgiveness particularly interesting, especially the way the author used the story of Joseph to highlight the different ideas as well as components of forgiveness. This book gave me a lot to consider, and although I do not personally agree with every viewpoint expressed in it, I do have great respect for the author for his conviction and clear sense of loyalty to what he believes. I think, religious or not, really anyone could benefit from this book.

Overall, I thought this was a great read and one that will benefit anyone who wants further insight into the story of Joseph. I read it side by side with the account in the Torah, and it helped me to feel like I had a fuller understanding of the story.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I have fallen in love with anything that John Lennox puts out. He is a great bible teacher and I love his insightful view of characters of the Bible. His book on Daniel is excellent. So then, he decides to put out a book on Joseph, who happens to be one of my fav characters of the Bible and I knew I needed this book. It is so good. If you want to know Joseph and the faithfulness of his God even more so, then read this book. You will not regret it. I am thankful for this resource.

We are to see the providence of God behind what befalls Joseph. We must recognize God's providence in our lives as well, because there are times when we may find ourselves so weak and alone, when things aren't going smoothly, that we imagine that the Lord has left us. Yet is not so.

The study of Joseph is a familiar story as many theaters have brought to light Joseph's story in titles such as the "Coat of many Colors. The story shows the jealousy of brothers and the rise of Joseph and in the end reconciliation between the families. This study goes so much deeper in that it shows the suffering of Christ, how we participate in that suffering, and repentance as it brings reconciliation.

What makes this study so different is that it tells the story of what happened in the family line of Joseph. How disobedience brings God's people far from him and how he brings us back to him through repentance. Joseph suffering is great however, his faith and firmness of faith is all God. How very much like the brothers we are and what brought them to true repentance that we can learn as well. This study prepares the heart for repentance and reconciliation. I highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Lennox is an outstanding thinker and an outstanding writer. His determined to believe book was what hooked me on the man.

To see him go into detail on the life of Joseph is both intriguing and fascinating. The way in which he brings the man to life, and shows us the pitfalls of our human condition, and the grace of God through one man's life is a soft pillow for a weary soul.

I would recommend anything that Lennox produces, and this is no different.