"Joseph of Egypt," by Michael T. Malm After reading last week about the adversity that Joseph endured, this week we get to experience the joy of his reunion with his family. We can all imagine his joy in seeing his brothers again and learning that they had changed, that they were no longer the men... Continue Reading →

"Pharaoh's Dream," by Owen Jones 1. "A Goodly Person" Young Joseph was naive to a fault: sharing dreams with his brothers which were bound to infuriate them and even drawing his father's rebuke on one occasion. He seems to have been singularly focused on doing what was right and baffled that others didn't share his... Continue Reading →

"Jacob’s Dream at Bethel," by J. Ken Spencer Jacob was ambitious. His name means "heel-catcher," which is a metaphor for a supplanter, a person who takes a position or a set of privileges belonging to someone else. His (older) twin brother Esau, whose heel Jacob was holding as they were born, constantly felt that Jacob was claiming rights... Continue Reading →

"Rebecca Meets Isaac by the Way" (detail), by James Jacques Joseph Tissot, Jewish Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Marriage (Rebekah) How many times had Rebekah filled that pitcher with water from the well? It must have been part of her normal daily routine. And assisting a thirsty stranger must have been in character for... Continue Reading →

"Pondering God's Promise" (detail) by Courtney Vander Veur Matz Faith looks upward and forward. Like Sarah, we may need to trust in promises which seem not only unlikely but impossible (Genesis 18:1-15). Like Lot and his family, we may need to let things go and step into the unknown (Genesis 19:1-29). Like Hagar, we may... Continue Reading →

"Melchizedek Blesses Abraham" (detail), by Walter Rane God rewards those who diligently seek Him. (See Hebrews 11:6.) Abraham lived in an idolatrous society, but he somehow came into possession of sacred records kept by his ancestors, and he wanted the same blessings they had received: greater knowledge, greater righteousness, and the Priesthood. (See Abraham 1:1-4.)... Continue Reading →

"Noahs Dankgebet" by Domenico Morelli Noah (Rest) The Hebrew word noach (נֹחַ) means "rest." In a time of wickedness and turmoil, a child was born, and his parents named him noach, or Noah, because they believed he would bring peace and comfort to a troubled world. (See Genesis 5:28-29, Moses 8:8-9.) Noah preserved his family... Continue Reading →

Detail from "Love One Another," by Emma Donaldson Taylor Enoch saw the God of heaven weeping and wondered how it was possible. Could the Creator of the Universe feel so much pain for His children on earth? But God testified that it was so: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and... Continue Reading →

Enoch, as represented in the painting"City of Zion Translated," by Del Parson Six generations after Adam, there was a remarkable seer named Enoch. He lived in a time when many people had turned their hearts away from God (Moses 6:27-30). He felt unqualified to teach (Moses 6:31). But the Bible tells us that he "walked... Continue Reading →

"Leaving Eden," by Annie Henrie Nader Why would God give conflicting commandments to our first parents? Immediately after creating Adam and Eve in His image, He gave them the same commandment He had given to the animals: "Be fruitful, and multiply" (Genesis 1:28, Moses 2:28; see also Genesis 1:22, Moses 2:22). Yet Lehi tells us... Continue Reading →