Genesis 37, Job 3, Mark and Romans 7

We see pretty quickly in Joseph's story that he might be a kind of annoying guy to have around. He is a tattle-tale. He is arrogant. He is Daddy's favorite. He says the wrong things at the wrong times. I believe that Joseph needed to go through the harsh treatment he received, as a process of shaping and maturation. The next time we see him in the story - after being sold as a slave and living the life of a servant - he is completely changed. Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult things in order to shape us for the future. Do you look at trials through that view? Do you ask God what He is going to do in you through the hard times, or do you just get angry and sulk?

Why does Jesus speak so rudely to the foreign woman who comes to him for help? His response about not giving food for the "children" (The Israelites) to the "dogs" (everyone else), seems pretty offensive to the current-day mind. But I want you to notice the reaction of the woman...did she seem offended? No. She takes his words and puts them right back to him..."Well sir, even dogs are allowed to eat the crumbs that fall off the table." Jesus has a very specific mission, with a very specific timetable. He has come to the people of Israel (A people group God has been working on for thousands of years...for this very moment!) to put into place the events that will lead to salvation for every person who has ever existed (If they choose to accept it). That is kind of a big deal and Jesus is not going to be distracted...he tells the woman so, very bluntly. Everywhere Jesus goes, people are trying to get him to come with them to heal a relative, a child, a spouse, a friend...and he cannot say yes to them all...he has to stay focused. But this non-Israelite woman shows an amazing depth of faith that impresses Jesus. She does not need him to come with her. She does not need a big show...she just wants some scraps from the table...she knows that he has authority over the forces of evil...she fully believes that he can save her daughter...and she acts on that belief. She does not give up...she puts her trust in Jesus...and her daughter is healed.