Genesis 37:2b-8 REFLECTION - "What kind of dream is this?" Kids Ministry Coffee Break 88: We can learn a great deal from Joseph; in this particular passage, it's to be more tactful with people.
Oh, Joseph… The last stories of Genesis feature Joseph and the process by which Israel ended up in Egypt to prepare the main scene and the main story of the Hebrew Scriptures—the Exodus In the story of Joseph we have a slew of events with a myriad of emotions and decisions that we can uplift as an example of both great and terrible decisions. Today’s is not a great decision. Joseph has a dream — now…the first dream makes it clear that Joseph thinks more highly of himself. If we just jump into this story for what it features and presents without questioning it or comparing it to our own theology…then we take dreams as a way God communicates and reveals things to us. God’s dream for Joseph is him standing over his brothers. This doesn’t sit well with the brothers—go figure! So then Joseph has another dream which is only going to aggravate his brothers further…and HE TELLS THEM! It’s no wonder they hated Joseph. It’s no wonder their anger was stoked to the point where they did some terrible things to him Yes! And God gives us vision about what the ministry can do or become. God might even give you a grand vision of the fruit…whether it’s more students participating or their faith discovering a new level of understanding or commitment…or maybe that the people of your church will start to take the ministry you do and the students for whom you do it more seriously. Good dreams, for sure. God gives us grand visions. The Holy Spirit stirs our hearts to be passionate and take wonderful risks for our faith and programming. Jesus leads us through the Spirit as well as our Scripture and Word. Sometimes…many times, if we’re honest, we come to learn things that others around us may not understand. I mean, if you are investing so much time and energy into learning and growing in your faith…or in getting an education about ministry, the church, and the Bible…then you are going to know some stuff. You’ll also realize that other people—adults, leaders, colleagues, etc.—don’t know some stuff that maybe they really should know, right? It happens. There are times that we realize what we’re seeing or hearing is just not right. So…the temptation is to just blurt it out and let people know where they’re getting it wrong. Does this ever go well? If you present a vision for the ministry that you KNOW is the right step, but people don’t quite get what you’re trying to do or say…or they get it but don’t agree for whatever reason…we have a choice. We can just assert ourselves and speak the truth with no tact… or we can exercise tact and speak the truth gently in ways people can start to buy-in and understand. Or maybe we present our idea very invitational-ly rather than, “This is how it needs to be done” kind of way. What if Joseph had been a bit wiser and more mature with his presentation of his dreams? What if his goal was to involve his brothers in God’s plan in a way that didn’t make him look like an arrogant jerk? This is a great story with some great lessons. When we have a dream for the Kingdom which involves our ministry, ask yourself from the perspective of others, “What kind of dream is this?” Is it a dream that is an invitation? Is it a dream that is a demand? Is it YOUR dream…or will you find a way to make it OUR dream? God gave us brains for a reason. Jesus instructed us to be shrewd and innocent all at once. Let’s learn from Joseph about how NOT to do it… and let’s continue to reflect and pray for the days ahead and all of the beautiful dreams that God is going to bring to fruition in and through your work as a minister for Jesus Christ. Message brought to you by Rev. Joseph Sanford of Sanford Curriculum (Student ministry resources available on The Sunday School Store. https://youthgroupministry.com/youth-group-lessons/