In order to launch the Exodus story, we are going to start with the story behind the story. The people of Israel did not start in Egypt and were not always slaves needing deliverance. We are going to look at the end of Genesis to see how the family of Jacob ended up in Egypt and what God was doing in the dysfunctional family of Joseph. After the passing of Jacob (Israel), Joseph's brothers fear a response of retaliation and retribution from their brother that they wronged so many years before. However, Joseph extends forgiveness and grace because he understands his place in the story. He (1) avoids God's seat, (2) accepts God's storyline, and (3) acts out God's love. This is key for anyone wanting to move closer into God's rescue and redemption.