Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Desperate Measures

Read: Genesis 43:1-15

As for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

(v. 14, NRSV)

If Jacob/Israel had written in his diary after the events in this passage, what might he have said? DIARY: Once I had twelve sons; soon I may have none. First I lost Joseph. Now they insist on taking Benjamin with them to Egypt. They left Simeon there the last time—who knows if he’s still alive. Who knows if any of them will come back alive? Judah tried to reassure me before they left. He said he’d stand as “surety” for Benjamin. What good would that do, I ask you, if they all die? It made about as much sense as when Reuben offered to kill his two sons if he didn’t bring Benjamin back. Did he think it losing two of my grandchildren would make up for losing my son? None of us are thinking straight. It’s all one long nightmare.

If Jacob/Israel had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR:  All I could think about when I saw them riding off to Egypt was, “What will become of me if they are lost?” No one could blame me for asking that question. In retrospect, though, I should also have asked:  “What will become of the covenant?” God had promised my father Abraham that we would one day become a great nation.  That promise did not look promising at that point. So much was at risk!

Prayer: Help us to hang on to your promises, O God, especially when we feel like we have nothing to hold on to.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Poetic Justice?

Read: Genesis 42:18-38

What is this that God has done to us?

(v. 28, NRSV)

If Reuben had written in his diary during the events in this passage, what might he have said? DIARY: What a nightmare. That governor is like a dog with a bone. For some reason he’s gotten it into his head that we’re spies. He said he’d only believe we’re innocent if we bring back our youngest brother as proof of our story. It would kill my dad to lose Benjamin after having lost Joseph, too.  But the governor wouldn’t budge, so we left poor Simeon in Egypt as collateral and reluctantly headed for home. Then to our horror, the money we’d paid for the grain reappeared in our bags! Now the governor will assume we’re thieves as well as spies. Part of me feels like it’s poetic justice. We’re not guilty of stealing the money, but we are guilty of stealing our brother Joseph’s life, so….

If Reuben had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR:  As the firstborn, I always felt like I was responsible for the rest of my siblings. So, you can imagine how I felt when everything started to go south. As if “losing” Joseph wasn’t enough! It’s no wonder we didn’t recognize him. We still thought of him as the boy who we’d last seen begging for his life. He put us all through the wringer during that whole “spy” fiasco. But looking back on it, I can’t really blame him.

Prayer: Sometimes family relationships seem hopelessly complicated, O God.  Bring healing, hope, and peace.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Turnabout

Read: Genesis 42:1-17

And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground.

(v. 6, NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary after recognizing his brothers, what might he have said? DIARY: You’ll never believe who showed up to buy grain today! If they hadn’t been so busy bowing they would surely have seen the shock on my face. And if they had recognized me, they would also have recognized the exquisite irony of their bowing down to me—just like the sheaves and the stars of my youthful dreams! But since I was the last person they expected to see as the governor of Egypt, they just kept bowing and begging. Can you blame me for enjoying it? In that moment I made up my mind to make them suffer. So, I accused them of being spies, and I tossed them in jail. Let’s see how they like it!

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: I suppose it was small of me to put them through all that. But it was just too big a temptation. If they hadn’t been so frightened they might have stopped to wonder why I didn’t ask about the twelfth brother. There were ten of them, after all, and they had said there was one more back home. That’s eleven…. It just goes to show that I wasn’t as smart—or as wise—as I thought I was.

Prayer: Interrupt our urge to punish those who have hurt us, gracious God. Help us to leave such matters to you.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Feast and Famine

Read: Genesis 41:46-57

And the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said.

(v. 54, NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary after the years of plenty and famine, what might he have said? DIARY: Sorry I haven’t written in so long. I’ve been frantically busy—first with the feast and now with the famine. Everything God revealed through Pharaoh’s dreams has come true. I’m just grateful I can help. And I’m grateful for my sons. Who could have imagined I would end up raising a family in Egypt? Not to mention the role I’m playing in famine relief. Only God could have imagined such a thing. I wonder if that’s what my youthful dreams were about? There are a lot of people bowing down to me these days….

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: I was so caught up in the press of my responsibilities during that time in my life. Looking back on it, I think I may have used the hectic pace to blot out the memory of my former life. Look at the name I gave to my firstborn. “Manasseh” means “making to forget.” In retrospect, that was mostly wishful thinking. I couldn’t forget. I had no idea at that point how God was using my present to redeem my past. Now, every time I look at Manasseh I remember. There was so much more going on than I could understand at the time!

Prayer: Take our memories, O God, and weave them into a future full of blessing that only you can see.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Deliverance

Read: Genesis 41:1-45

Since God has shown you all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.

(v. 39, NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary after he had interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, what might he have said? DIARY: Imagine my elation when my jailers hurried me out of my dungeon and told me Pharaoh had sent for me! (Not to mention how good it felt to have a shave and some clean clothes!) It seems the cupbearer finally remembered to mention me as a reliable interpreter of dreams. But what dreams! When I told Pharaoh what they meant, I half expected him to send me back to prison—or worse. But the next thing I knew I was sporting Pharaoh’s signet ring and running Egypt’s Famine Preparedness Bureau. What a difference a day makes!

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: “In for a penny, in for a pound.” That’s what I thought when I finished interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams. He hadn’t asked me to give him advice, but the situation was urgent, and the words just came tumbling out. In retrospect I can see that my advice was as much a gift from God as the dream interpretation was. And I can also see that it wasn’t just about me. God was working through me to save countless lives. I’m just grateful to have been a part of it. It was the beginning of something big….

Prayer: Thanks you for all the ways you deliver us, O Lord. Help us to join you in that saving  work.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

In Your Dreams

Read: Genesis 40

Do not interpretations belong to God?

(v. 8 NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary after he had interpreted the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker, what might he have said? DIARY:  When I encouraged them to tell me their dreams, I was hoping God would have good news for both of them. They were so upset and clearly didn’t have a clue. When I gave the cupbearer the news that he’d soon be back in Pharaoh’s good graces, it got everyone’s hopes up. But then it was the baker’s turn. There was no way to spin that dream so that it would come out well. Three days later the dreams came true. When, I wonder, will MY dreams come true?

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR:  Looking back on it, I’m not sure if it was faith, arrogance, or desperation that prompted me to offer to interpret their dreams. I was never short of confidence in those days, but I’d been through enough by that time to know that God works in mysterious ways. So I offered, God gave me the interpretations, and you know the rest. But then the cupbearer forgot about me! Two years I sat in that prison—waiting, hoping, and praying. It gave me a lot of time to think, especially about my own dreams as a boy. How could I know then that God was about to make them come true?

Prayer: Send us faithful friends, God, who will speak your truth into our lives. Give us patience as we wait for clarity.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Once More, With Feeling

Read: Genesis 39:19-23

And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison….

(v. 20a, NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary while he was in prison, what might he have said? DIARY:  Is it me, or do I always seem to get thrown into pits? Truthfully, the accommodations here in the king’s jail are a considerable step up from the pit my brothers threw me into. But a pit is a pit, after all. At first I just sat in my cell and obsessed the injustice of it all. But then I remembered how God had rescued me from the last pit I was in. So, I just made up my mind to be the most helpful prisoner in history. And sure enough, the jailer has taken a shine to me. He’s given me all sorts of responsibilities. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s lazy, or if it’s a sign that God has plans to break me out of this joint.

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: Looking back on it, I can’t help but wonder why Potiphar chose to put me in the king’s prison. It wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it was better than a chain gang—or a gallows, for that matter. I wonder if he had doubts about his wife’s story. Oh well, I guess I’ll never know. What I do know is that God was with me. How else can you explain the fact that I wasn’t left there to rot?

Prayer: Be with all those who are held captive in any way.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Lying Lips

Read: Genesis 39:6b-18

After a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” (v. 7, NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary after Mrs. Potiphar’s accusation, what might he have said? DIARY: Just when I thought my life was getting better, Potiphar’s wife accuses me of attacking her! I knew she wanted me—she’d made that pretty clear. But I’d told her in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t interested. I tried to make her understand that such a thing would be a sin against God. I was proud of that argument, first because it was true, and second because it rejected her without insulting her. But now she’s accusing me of attempted rape. I can only hope that when Potiphar hears her story he’ll consider the source. Surely he knows I’m neither stupid enough nor disloyal enough to try something like that!

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: I remember that incident like it was yesterday. For years I tried to imagine what I might have done differently. But I’ve learned to let it go. What I DO hang on to—as tightly as Potiphar’s wife hung onto my garment—is the fact that God used her false accusation to set me on a true path. If she hadn’t accused me, I might still be Potiphar’s right hand man. If I were, things would have turned out very differently for both me and my people.

Prayer: Help us to forgive those who tell lies about us, and fill us with compassion, truthfulness, and trust.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

Son to Slave

Read: Genesis 39:1-6a

The LORD was with Joseph…. (v. 2, NRSV)

If Joseph had written in his diary during that part of his service in Potiphar’s house, what might he have said? DIARY: When I first got here it was hard not to be depressed. I just couldn’t believe I was in this situation. One day I was Jacob’s favorite son, and suddenly I was Potiphar’s new slave. I missed my dad. Sometimes I even missed my stupid brothers. Most of all I missed feeling like I was someone with a bright future. And yet, things are looking up. I can’t seem to help doing my best, and Potiphar has come to rely on me completely. It’s a far cry from the life I had, but it’s enough to make me wonder if God still has plans for me.

If Joseph had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: I won’t sugar-coat it: that early time in Potiphar’s house was hard. The only thing I’d brought with me from my previous life was my faith. And yet, that faith was not unfounded. God kept nudging me to do my best—to work hard. I remembered how my dad, Jacob, had gone through so much as a young man, but with God’s help had always seemed to land on his feet. Maybe it would work out well for me, too. In retrospect, I can see that even when I felt abandoned, God was with me every step of the way.

Prayer: Help us to trust that you are with us, God, even when we feel uncertain and alone.

Introduction:

This series takes a creative approach to the Joseph stories. Each day’s reflection imagines what one of the characters might have written in both their diary and their memoirs about the events in that day’s Scripture passage. While this approach sometimes requires us to “fill in the blanks” a bit with regard to what the characters are thinking and feeling, every effort has been made to stay as close to the Bible’s details as possible. The diary/memoir approach underscores how we often perceive—or don’t perceive—God’s hand in our lives.

A Brother’s Regrets

Read: Genesis 37:29-36

The boy is gone; and I, where can I turn?

(v. 30 NRSV)

If Reuben had written in his diary that night, what might he have said? DIARY:  I never intended for it to go this far. I had planned to go back and pull Joseph up from the pit. Frankly, I was hoping his time underground would take him down a notch—no pun intended. I’ll never forget how I felt when I looked over the edge and saw that the pit was empty. I suppose it’s some comfort that Joseph is still alive, but I’ll never see him again. What I will see until the day I die is the image of our Dad wailing over Joseph’s blood-stained robe….

If Reuben had written in his memoirs years after this experience, what might he have said? MEMOIR: That was easily the worst day of my life. In retrospect, the thing I’m most ashamed of is not “coming clean” with Dad. I can’t figure out why I went along with the deception. We let the robe do our lying for us, knowing that Dad would conclude that Joseph was dead when he saw all that blood. We lived with that lie for decades, and it ate at us like acid. Whoever said, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive,” must have been thinking about our story.

Prayer: Forgive us, merciful God, when we hurt those we love. Protect us when we are tempted to deceive others or ourselves. Help us to turn to you when we don’t know where to go with our guilt.