Joseph's Strength

Joesph is often known as a dreamer, and for his major success story.  However, what many people don't look at is the extent of Joseph's bravery.  Joseph faced many trials throughout his life including family conflicts, and false accusations.  In spite of these, Joseph remained loyal to the God of his father and was brought out of these trials by God himself.  The full account of Joseph's tale is told in Genesis chapters 37, and 39-50. 


Genesis 37:3-4 tells how Joseph's father (Jacob/Israel)  clearly loved Joseph more than his other sons.  This was mostly because Joseph was born to Israel in his old age by his favorite wife, Rachel.  Joseph's older brothers hated him because he was the favorite.  His dreams only made matters worse.  Genesis 37:5, "Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more."  And yet, despite their obvious hatred, Joesph still told them his second dream of greatness in verse 9. 

His brothers hatred towards him led them to plot his death.  They didn't carry out this plan only under the direction of the eldest, Rueben.  However, when Rueben left the scene, they sold Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites (vs 25).  Joesph then faced unmentioned trials on his way to Potiphar, a official of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.  For example, it was common for these slave traders to drag their slaves behind their camels for miles through rough desert to where ever they were heading.  The slaves were also tied with rough rope that cut into the wrists as they were pulled violently along.  Through it all it's evident Joseph didn't lose faith.  



Genesis 39:2 says, "The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master." However, when Potiphar's wife lied and said that Joseph had slept with her, Potiphar threw him in jail. When in jail he met a cup bearer and a baker who both had dreams. After Joseph had interpreted both dreams accurately, he was called to the Pharaoh's court to interpret the reoccurring dreams of the Pharaoh.


Joseph gave all of his achievements to God (Genesis 41:16).  After the Pharaoh learns of an upcoming famine from Joseph's interpretation, he appoints Joseph as his second in command.  Even after his brothers come to him for help (fulfilling his dreams) he lets go of his anger and encourages them to do the same in Genesis 45:5.  Joseph never lost the faith, and God was always with him each step of the way.  Even though we can't see the end of the tunnel, always have hope that God will pull through in amazing ways like in Joseph's life.

Noah's Ginormous Ark

Noah was considered a lunatic of his times.  For one thing he was building a huge boat on land for something he called a "flood".  Until this age of the world, the earth had experienced minimal natural disasters.  However, some natural disasters did in fact occur.  For example, Genesis 3:17 says "Cursed is the ground because of you."  Despite the view of others, Noah constructed this massive ark that held around 32,000 animals.

Genesis 6:15-16, "This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feel long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high.  Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18inches of the top.  Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle, and upper decks." (NIV)  Everyone seems to know that the ark is huge, but just how huge?  Well for starters, the ark had a volume of about 1,518,000 cubic feet.  This is about the same as a train with five and a half miles of stock cars behind it.

Above is a 1/75 scaling of Noah's ark on http://www.biblestudy.org/biblepic/how-big-was-the-ark-of-noah-scale-model.html compared to a railroad stock car (also 1/75 scale)

Now I could tell you millions of comparisons to show just how big this ark built by a 600 year old man really is, but that might get a bit repetitive and boring.  So, instead, I'll tell you one comparison that sticks with me.  Brace yourself...Noah's ark is about the same length as... one and a half football fields! It may not sound like much, but picture a boat even the size of one football field.  Imagine the Colts beating the Vikings in a boat with enough room to fit stands and the field itself.  Not only could it fit the bleachers and the field, but it would also have enough room to house a few vendors and food stands. 

Above is a picture of Noah and one of his three sons building the ark. (http://www.coloring-pages-book-for-kids-boys.com/images/01_noah_bible_at_coloring-pages-book-for-kids-boys.gif)

Genesis 7:6 says "Noah was six hundred years old when the flood waters came on the earth".  Six hundred years old?!  And people complain at 40 years old about back pains.  Noah built his ark at a little under six hundred years old.  He did have three younger sons and their families that also helped in construction, but in spite of that Noah was a very faithful man who was willing to risk his life to save his family from the coming catastrophe. 

Not only was Noah's drive inspiring, his faithfulness to God is incomprehensible.  Genesis 6:22 says, "Noah did everything just as God commanded him."  It was his faith that saved him and his family from a world-wide flood, not anything he did.  This theme continues all throughout the Bible.  If you have any questions I highly recommend reading the book of John, or post any other questions you may have.