Primary 62 - Zaphnath-Paaneah

Brothers and sisters, 

Zaphnath-Paaneah, who is this? This was Joseph's Egyptian name. It means Savior of the World. Joseph was put through highs and lows that molded his character. He was betrayed or forgotten by his family, his employer, and friends in prison. He could have been a dangerous man but he modeled his life after his Master, the Savior, El Shaddai (God Almighty). And though his life is a shadow of the Savior (you can read more here), we want to focus on Joseph's ability to forgive and more importantly our responsibility to forgive.

The scriptures say "all these things will give thee experience" (D&C 122:3). You and we will be asked to go through rough times that even Jacob or Israel thought were rough. Jacob, his father, didn't see the end from the beginning. It wasn't until he learned that Joseph was alive, that Simeon was well, and that all his experiences were for his good that he was well with life.

At the end of the story of the famine, Joseph saved the world, kept and honored his priesthood, saw his father and brothers, was given a wife and sons in Egypt, he had wealth and the world at his fingertips but he took no credit. He had given that to the Lord of the Sabbath (Rest or Peace) also known as the Lord of the Saboath (Hosts or the Gathering) (Israel loves to play with their words and their sounds). The Savior wishes to gather us and bring us rest and dwell in His peace. 

Joseph, a visionary man, wanted that for his brothers and his father, peace and rest but what needs to take place is forgiveness. Joseph freely forgave all and it showed and though, while trying his brothers and seeing the change, he already forgave them and witnessed how God had made them honorable spiritual men. It was in his tests that he saw new men where the deceitful boys once stood, men who cared for others. 

We may be tried with real trials that could hurt us but if we seek forgiveness, mercy, and repentance over vengeance and justice we will heal faster like a victim of a viper's bite would seeking help over seeking to kill a snake.

We may be slaves or prisoners to circumstances but if we hold to the iron rod and stay on the covenant path, we will recognize the Lord's blessing and showered wealth that is given freely. The Lord tells us to worry about things of the Spirit and He will worry about the temporal things (Matt 6:28). He will preserve us as He did of Joseph piece of his coat (Alma 46:23-24). God is in charge. Have a great week. 

 Brother Keller and Brother Bingham

Challenges 
1) Read Genesis 42-50
2) Ask your family to share experiences where they faced trials and how they were blessed. Record your feelings about what was shared.

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