Thursday, January 21

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2016

Genesis 42:18–43:34

Matthew 13:47–14:12

Psalm 18:16–36

Proverbs 4:7–10

 

 

Today’s reading continues the account of Joseph’s reunion with his brothers during the great famine that Pharaoh’s dream had anticipated.  Through the brothers’ renewed interactions, we may draw out three beautiful themes that will persist throughout the Scriptures.

 

The chief themes of Joseph's biblical account appear to be God's sovereignty and Joseph's consistency in his stewardship.  The irony is that the brothers' mistreatment of Joseph would ultimately lead to the blessing of Jacob (Israel)'s entire family -- and to the Egyptian people as well.  Joseph is gifted with abilities for administration, and he rises to take a prominent role in running three different franchises:  Potiphar's house (as a slave); the Egyptian jail (as a prisoner); and all of Egypt (as Pharaoh's second-in-command).  In each case, Joseph takes no credit for himself but instead points to God's sovereignty and his ultimate servanthood to God, not men.

 

Furthermore, in the person of Joseph, we see many Christological symbols:

 

1.       He was called to Egypt, as Jesus was during Herod's reign of terror on the young boys of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

2.       Jesus too was rejected by his brothers (Mark 6:4).

3.       He spoke to the cupbearer and the baker, promising restoration for the cupbearer.  In the same manner, Jesus proclaimed forgiveness for the thief who asked Jesus to remember him when Christ's kingdom had come (Luke 23:43).

4.       Both Joseph and Jesus gave glory to God for His work (Genesis 41:16; John 8:28).

5.       The Holy Spirit worked powerfully through both to reveal truth to needy people (Genesis 41:38,39; John 14:16,17; John 16:13-15)

 

 

Sometimes, we may doubt whether our individual faithfulness to God’s purposes for our lives makes any difference.  We may reason that, given our fallen nature, we are destined to continue falling short.  Our “humility” might lead us to have a low opinion of our role, thinking that pastors and other Christian leaders’ faithfulness holds far greater importance.

 

Rather, God desires our individual faithfulness as a key to unlocking deeper intimacy with Him and to unveiling His promises to His people.  Joseph’s tireless service in adverse conditions stands as a great testimony to this principle.  In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the master rewards his servants based on their faithfulness to their calling, not based on their initial potential.  In preparing a Bible study this week, I noticed the key role of Abraham’s obedience as part of God’s promise in Genesis 22:15–18:  “The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.  Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

 

Like us, Joseph may have struggled to understand the purpose of his brothers’ betrayal.  The time in Potiphar’s household or the Egyptian prison may have seemed pointless.  Yet, in those arenas and later as Pharaoh’s second-in-command, Joseph served honorably as a steward, not just of the Egyptians’ resources but ultimately of God’s resources.  Joseph’s faithfulness had prepared the way for this opportunity to rescue his family and, in turn, to provide fertile ground for building a sizable nation.

 

In the endeavor of blessing the nations, God has raised up His children to partner with Him, granting them talents, time, and energy to serve faithfully and to consequently bring glory to the great Provider of all.  Joseph’s path from Potiphar’s slave to jailed “criminal” to warden’s helper to dream interpreter to Pharaoh’s second-in-command comes directly from the heart of God.  Certainly, God willed Joseph through this path, but Joseph joined with God, applying those abilities God had provided and giving honor to Him through pointing to their source.

 

 

Lord Jesus, grant us the same faithfulness that Joseph showed in serving the nations and trusting You to bring reconciliation.  Heal our human families so that each member may love You and experience love from one another.  Help us to be agents of reconciliation and ones to forgive and make peace.  In Your Name, amen.

 

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