The Sequel

There is always the question in our minds: "Can the sequel ever be as good as the original?"

Genesis 50:1-26

Reference:  v.24  Then Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die.  But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." (NIV Bible)

Explore:  'The sequel' is creating a very formidable industry in the movie business.  It seems that if any movie does well there is automatic talk about a sequel coming quickly behind it.  The 'Police Academy' movies took this to the extreme.  Whilst most of the sequels of this comedy were made in the eighties there were seven done in all.  But there have been many movies since who have dared to take a second, third or sometimes even fourth attempt at making a blockbuster from the same themes.  There is always the question in our minds: "Can the sequel ever be as good as the original?"  However, as there is more and more sequels becoming blockbusters, they are certainly starting to hold their own. 

Application:  Our passage today is the final chapter in the first book of the Bible.  I guess if there was no sequel to this book then our faith would certainly look different! And if you are to go on and read Exodus you would find that the progression from one book to the other is quite seamless.  Now, I'm not about to throw up the question of whether the sequel is better than the original, because these Biblical books do well to hold their own.  However, it is important for us to continue reading, even though we have finished a mighty book in Genesis.  There are many more great stories, insightful words of wisdom and majestic images of God that we can glean from the many books in the Bible.  We don't have to digest them all at once but be willing to commit regularly to opening ourselves to the stories within. 

Prayer:  Lord, Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  May we show our diligence and faithfulness in exploring it more and more each day.  Amen.

What are some of the first Bible stories you ever heard?  How has your Bible knowledge changed since then?

 

Genesis