The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1937-06-03
Sunday, June 6.

Read GeneSlS 81, 81 TO Al.
Study Genesis 4 1874.
Joseph spent seven years in
Mesopotamia where he was born.
The next 10 years he lived at He
bron in Southern Canaan. At II
he was sent by his father who
loved him for his own sake and
Rachel's, on journey of 70 miles
to his brothers who hated him on
account of his dreams of primacy
over them. After journey of 70
miles he found his brothers who
took his robe from him, cast him
into a pit, and later sold him to
some traders who took him to
Egypt where he was purchased by
Potiphar, a high officer of the
court of Pharaoh. In his service
the Hebrew boy spent the years
of his life between II and 81. The
first half of the time was spent as
q common slave. The eXacting
drudgery, the ignoble tasks, the
association with the lowest class
es, the exposure to harsh treat
ment, and the various trials of or
iental servitude were in the ex-
perience of Joseph. Apparently
it was long step downward from
the favorite son to the ordinary
slave. Yet Joseph bore himself
with true fidelity, honest industry
and unflinching integrity. In him,
therefore, Potiphar found the
suitable man to take charge Of his
home and business concerns. In
this position Ioheph wrought with
such wisdom and success that
Potiphar trusted everything inn
plicitly in his hands. To the ca
pacity and industry Of Joseph who
added the blessing of Jehovah up
on the Egyptians house for JOS
eph's sake.
Things went on proSperouSly
for five years when from the high
position gained solely on merit
Joseph was thrown by misrepre-
sentation into the vaults of
Egypt's prison.
However, he was treated with
special favor by the keeper of the
prison. The Interpretation of the
dreams of the chief butler and
baker seemed likely to secure his
release after a years incarccra-
ton. But the fortunate butler
forgot his prison friend for pc
riod of two years. Then the dou-
Bile dream Of Pharaoh, battling all
the wise men Of the court, re-
minded the butler of Joseph who
was now called into the royal
presence. To hi mthe dreams were
related and he thercupon foretold
the seven vars Of plenty to be fol-
lowed by seven years Of famine.
JOSEPH'S SUGGESTION
TO PHARAOH
A conservation program was
suggested to Pharaoh by Joseph
the seer who, interpreting the
kings dream which was doubled
for the sake of intensity and urg-
ency, had just predicted the seven
years of plenty to be followed by
the seven years of famine. He
now counseled the monarch to
prepare in the time of plenty for
the time of want. He advised
that a fifth part of the nations
produce during the plenteous
years be stored up for use during
the lean years to follow. And he
that special commits
sioner be appointed to direct the
work of conservation during the
first period and the distribution
of it during the second period. To
Pharaoh and his servants the pro-
gram seemed timely and sensible
and upon it immediate action was
taken.
JOSEPH'S ELEVATION
BY PHARAOH
A capable premier was found in
Joseph himself whom the king aft
er consultation with his wisestl
advisers, named for the position
which he declared to be second
only to the throne. the insignia
Of royalty were therefore put up
on him: The royal ring; the cloth
ing of finest linen; the gold chain |
about his neck; the proclamation
rs he rode through the streets III
he second chariot of Egypt. He
vas also given suitable surround
ngs according to the Egyptian
dea: The personal grant of power
rom the king; the significant
change of his name; and the Gus
.omary gift of a princess to wife.
Thus after all his trying times,
10Th in Canaan and in Egypt, the
lated and misrepresented Hebrew
TODD at 80 the second man in the
nightiest monarchy of his time.
STEPS TO SERVICE
CD Development. Joseph grew
It Haran, at Hebron, and in
egypt. He developed in body, in
mind, and in heart. Development
S basal in the making of a great
nan.
(2) Aspiration. They called
Joseph a dreamer; and he was.
But how infinitely valuable to
lin were his dreams! They kim
lied him and kept his heart warm.
co Obedience. 1t was long
Journey, and dangerous, as the
sequel showed. But Jacob wanted
Joseph to take it, and the lad
,beyed.
ca Discipline. That was rough
for a boy brought up
The cistern, the sale, !
he servitude. But they were
disciplinary, polish
ng. s-
90 Fidelity. Where did Joseph
,ver prove unfaithful to father,
brother, master, friend, or COM
'ade? He was faithful in few
hines and was made ruler over