Sunday School Podcast Episode 1 - Understanding Adversity as God's Tool

An in-depth discussion on Adult Teacher Book 24 Lesson 1 - Adversity: God's Tool
INTRODUCTION
Joseph's story reveals how Jacob's descendants came to live in Egypt. This section of Genesis sets the stage for the account of Israel's exodus (i.e., mass departure) out of Egypt. It also highlights Joseph's loyalty to God and the many ways God protected and directed his life for the good of others. Joseph's story emphasizes that although righteous people suffer in an evil and unjust world, God's purpose for them ultimately will prevail (Fire Bible). This week's lesson text takes us to a time very shortly after Jacob came to Hebron. Joseph was about six years old when Jacob left Haran, and about sixteen when Jacob went back to Bethel. Joseph, now seventeen, was helping to shepherd the flock. The sons of Leah treated him as a lad or servant, though his mother, Rachel, was equal in standing to Leah, they put him with the sons of Jacob's secondary wives or concubines. As such, Joseph had to wait on the sons of Leah.