We begin our study of Joseph with a survey of his family. His father, Jacob, was a schemer of the highest degree. In the course of his trickery and in the midst of his deceiving ways (Genesis 29) Jacob falls in love. Rachel the boss's daughter and she is beautiful. She catches his eye and steals his heart so that Jacob is willing to work seven years for her hand in marriage. In one of the most entertaining and ironic twists in the Bible Jacob is tricked into marrying Rachel's older (uglier) sister Leah. Unhindered Jacob works another seven years and marries Rachel.
By Genesis chapter 30 the dysfunction of this family hits full tilt. God, being a just God, cannot bear the mistreatment of Leah in this story. Therefore, Rachel is left barren while Leah gives birth to sons. However, God is merciful and answers Rachel's prayers resulting in the birth of Joseph. A favored son born to a favored wife.
Knowing this background is valuable in understanding the rest of Joseph's story. The angst and jealousy that will spill forth against Joseph began brewing in his family even before he was born. The same is true of us. Who we are, and what we experience in childhood is the result of our parent's and even grandparent's decisions. A divorce, alcoholism, church attendance (or lack thereof) and many other decisions have generational impact. The decision to play favorites in a family is especially devastating. However, God works all things out for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This reassuring sentiment will be a theme throughout the story of Joseph and will be repeated often in this study. Whatever dysfunction you were born into... God can redeem it. Whatever mess generations before you made can be transformed by the God of all creation.
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