Joseph

Deliverance

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Genesis 41:17-42:17; Psalm 18:1-15; Matthew 13:24-46

 

After Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream he is placed in charge over the whole land of Egypt. Joseph oversees the provision for the country anticipating the seven years of famine. He is second in command. God delivers Israel (Jacob’s family) and Egypt through the wisdom of Joseph.

Joseph parallels a type of Christ operating under the power of only one with authority over him- Pharaoh. Jesus is equal to the Father yet obediently submits under His authority. Jesus delivers His people, the Church, on the grand stage of redemption. On a smaller scale yet still providential, Joseph saves his people from famine. Israel is preserved, even Gentile Egyptians, from certain death if Joseph were not placed in charge to provide food for those in need. The people were starving and went to Joseph to be fed.

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Humanity starves for spiritual food only Christ can give. God made a way for us to come to Him by sending His Son to the cross. Our Father most assuredly does not lose any He has chosen to save. He has fought for you and will keep you as the apple of His eye. We need only look to Jesus for our deliverance.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Joseph’s heart

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Genesis 39:1-41:16; Psalm 17; Proverbs 3:33-35; Matthew 12:46-13:23

 

When Potiphar’s wife repeatedly seeks Joseph out to sleep with him, the Bible records how he avoided her, then finally runs away from her presence. He explains why he won’t commit adultery, out of respect for Potiphar, his master who honored him by placing Joseph in charge over his entire estate. Joseph also adds that he will not sin against God this way.

Instead of being rewarded for his integrity, Joseph is falsely accused and put in prison. Even this injustice does not cause him to turn away from God (Remember how his brothers faked his murder and sold him as a slave?). The Scriptures show how the Lord God was with him still. He never left Joseph alone in his trials.

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Joseph chooses reliance on God through all the ways he is mistreated by others. Psalm 17 written by King David hundreds of years later, could have been echoed by Joseph too in his situation. Wherever he served, the Lord blessed Joseph by setting him apart so that his authorities took notice.

Joseph demonstrates wisdom in interpreting dreams from the cupbearer, baker, and Pharaoh. He plainly tells these men that God is the interpreter of dreams, not him. Joseph is humble. He sees himself as a vessel to be used by God however the Lord sees fit. This is a heart God honors. This is what grace overflowing looks like. Joseph’s life is an example of growing deeper into the good soil as a faithful servant.

One who trusts God even when the circumstances are bleak.

One who relies on God’s perfect justice, in His infinite wisdom, according to His Divine Plan.

This is a heart that reflects Christ.

 

Grace upon grace,

April