We come to the end of the story of Joseph. In these chapters, the story of Jacob’s messy family concludes with the deaths of Jacob and his favorite son, Joseph.

These two chapters touch on death and grieving, on appropriate lamenting - topics not often preached in churches. With powerful referencing of stories related to COVID-19, Tim explains the importance of owning grief. Grounding our emotions in owning the reality of loss and grief is the only way to healthy living.

Joseph’s lament over the loss of his father and the support of all of the leaders of Egypt in his grief provide lessons for us. The old world that was so comfortable for most Australians is lost. This powerful message will bring forth tears but will lead us to hope in our God, who knows what it is to grieve and to hold to principles for living that acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives, the God who does the impossible.

Tim Hanna by The Grainery Church

In this final message following the story of Joseph, Sue gives account of what transformed Joseph from a young, insensitive young adult to a man of mature faith and compassionate demeanour. Sorrow, struggle, difficult times, can harden our hearts, resulting in an inward looking selfishness, or send us running towards the love of God resulting in love for others. Sue outlines how love for hurting people can be best expressed and can help you to outwork your purpose in the world.

Becoming like Jesus, we are blessed to be a blessing! In the midst of your own troubles you can actually minister to others and Sue explains the mechanisms that can bring this to pass.

Preaching through Genesis 44, Matt tackles the topic of offence. In the context of the developing story of Joseph and his family, Matt shares some of his own struggles with offences.

The actions of Joseph in this chapter in setting a trap for his brothers are the outworking of offence. The word offence comes from the Hebrew word for “trap”. This trap has Joseph’s desired result - his brothers are repentant. The tearing of their clothes reflects a tearing of their hearts.

What have you been offended by? Are you an advisor or an adversary? Are you trapped in adversarial thinking or freed to be an advisor - a person of influence in all of the spheres of influence in your life?

Asher Morrison - We Can Bring Transformation to the Nation by The Grainery Church

TBN. "How to Explain What You Do, When You're A Pastor" Youtube, 13th Nov 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6TGxKvSqH8

Introduction To Coronavirus with Professor John Attia by The Grainery Church

How did Joseph go from “the pit” to being governor over a nation? When you are in a bad situation and can’t get out, you are in a “pit”. The key to a successful life after the pit Is in your heart response. Do you allow yourself to become mean and bitter, or do you find the grace and trust in God sufficient to push through the pain, push into God and to allow the Holy Spirit to send people around you who will bring His peace and comfort? The power to bless others will be the result of this journey out of the pit when you come out with grace and peace.

Drought. Bushfires. Flood. Coronavirus. Personal crises in marriage or in finance or health or mental well-being. The Bible understands crisis and God empathizes with us in our struggles. The story of Joseph exemplifies the Bible’s potential to comfort and guide us in our own challenges. Using Joseph’s story, Theo explains what a crisis is and why it happens. Fatalism and karma are not realistic explanations. Cynicism and humanism are not ultimately to be our response as Christians.

Crisis can help us to take a long hard look at ourselves and our own mortality, realizing that God is sovereign and in control. Looking carefully at the widely divergent responses of Jacob and his sons to the crisis, Theo shows how God can grow our character through crisis situations - as Joseph exemplifies.

Josh Irwin - Be Better Not Bitter by The Grainery Church