Forgiven And Forgiving – Genesis 49-50

“And Jacob called his sons and said, ‘Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: ‘Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father.’” Genesis 49:1-2

In John 18:37, Jesus said to Pilate, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears My voice.” God speaks truth. Thus, every parent or individual who wants to be godly should aim to leave words of truth with those they love before they leave this world.

I read a poster that said if we don’t teach our children to believe in Jesus, the world will teach them not to.”

Due to his personal relationship with God, Jacob was able to speak prophetic words over his sons before his soul left this world.

Hebrews 11:21 says, “By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.”

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it—He went up to my couch.” Genesis 49:3-4

My firstborn, my might, my strength, dignified and powerful! Reuben had so much going for him but made a very bad decision when he laid with one of his brother’s mother. “No judge, prophet, nor ruler sprang from his tribe.” [JFBC] Jacob did not tell Reuben what he wanted to hear. He told him the truth. This way Reuben and his descendants knew what to expect.

Herein is a good lesson, I might assume that my sin is personal. It only impacts me. Not true! Bad choices have ripple effects. I heard Adrian Rogers say, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”

1 Timothy 6:6 says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” The world tells us we need to be somebody. Well, everyone is somebody. God knows you by your name. That’s pretty amazing!

The world tells us we need great possessions to be significant. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Things are temporary. God is forever.

Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Have you learned this lesson? Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” The key phrase is “through God.” When God fills circumstances with His presence, all is well.

Reuben’s descendants did not excel. They experienced instability. But they were still a part of God’s family. In God’s family, there’s always enough. I read a poster that said, “With an attitude of gratitude, there’s always enough.”

“Simeon and Levi are brothers. Instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place. Let not my soul enter their council. Let not my honor be united to their assembly. For in their anger, they slew a man, and in their self-will they hamstrung an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7

It is important to note that Jacob cursed Simeon’s and Levi’s anger and not them. Jacob was discussing marriage arrangements for his daughter Dinah with Shechem’s father Hamor when Simeon and Levi took over the negotiations and conspired to massacre them and the men in their village. They did this without their father’s approval. They only thought about exacting revenge because Shechem raped their sister. They left behind a bloody mess of dead men’s bodies. Their anger could have yielded death to their parents, brothers, sisters and children. They dishonored their father in this act. God promised to keep them apart in the future.

“Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise. Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies. Your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp. From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. Binding his donkey to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine. He washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.” Genesis 49:8-12

Matthew Henry Commentary says of Judah, “God was praised for him, praised by him, and praised in him, and therefore his brethren shall praise him.” The tribe of Judah was victorious in battle via David. Judah’s father's children bowed down to him since he was the king and the law enforcer. Jacob compared Judah with a resting lion rather than a ferocious one. He enjoyed the satisfaction of his power and success, without creating vexation to others. Shiloh is a reference to Messiah. Jesus identified Himself as the Vine. He rode the colt of a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. He made wine symbolic of His atoning blood that washes sins away and leaves behind a clean garment of righteousness. He provides the milk of God’s Word for babes in God, and the wine of God’s love made tangible for all who believe in Him. He is the ruler of his father's children, and the conqueror of all his father's enemies.

“Zebulun shall dwell by the haven of the sea. He shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall adjoin Sidon.” Genesis 49:13

Zebulun’s territory was in Galilee, situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. They were a maritime-focused tribe with trading ports.

“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens. He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant. He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden and became a band of slaves.” Genesis 49:14-15

Issachar settled between Mounts Tabor and Gilboa, serving as a “buffer zone” or borderland. The descendants of Issachar were mostly peaceful farmers. To maintain their comfortable land, they paid tribute to stronger nations like Egypt and Assyria. 1 Chronicles 12:32 says, “Issachar had men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.” Farmers know how to make land serve them.

“Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, which bites the horse’s heels so that its rider shall fall backward. I have waited for your salvation, O Lord!” Genesis 49:16-18

One of Israel’s future judges, Samson, was a Danite. Samson was difficult for horse and rider to defeat. He killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. Who would have imagined such a thing possible! When they stood him by two pillars to mock him, Samson pushed the pillars down and the temple of Dagon collapsed and killed more people in this one deed than throughout his entire life. God used Samson to save Israel out of the hands of the Philistines.

“Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him, but he shall triumph at last.” Genesis 49:19

Gad means troop. His descendants were a warlike tribe. 1 Chronicles 12:8 says, “The Gadites were men of war fit for the battle.”

“Bread from Asher shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties.” Genesis 49:20

The tribe of Asher settled in a fertile, coastal region of northern Canaan that produced an abundance of olive oil, crops, and rich food. They supplied both local needs and foreign, royal, or wealthy markets. Their tribe grew significantly in population. They were well-fed.

“Naphtali is a deer let loose. He uses beautiful words.” Genesis 49:21

Naphtali settled in northern Galilee. Deer are quick and agile which aligned with their role in Barak’s army in the Book of Judges. Their “beautiful words” are a prophetic nod to Jesus speaking His beautiful words throughout their region in Galilee.

“Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well. His branches run over the wall. The archers have bitterly grieved him, shot at him, and hated him. But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), by the God of your father who will help you, and by the Almighty who will bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies beneath, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. The blessings of your father have excelled the blessings of my ancestors, up to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers.” Genesis 49:22-26

The descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s sons, inherited rich land. Joshua who led the Israelites into the Promised Land was from the tribe of Ephraim and Gideon was from the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua helped Israel to inherit the land. Gideon helped them to retain the land. These two tribes became strong and prosperous.

“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” Genesis 49:27

Jacob was “guided by a spirit of prophecy, and not by natural affection, or else he would have spoken with more tenderness of his beloved son Benjamin. Ehud the second judge, and Saul the first king, were of this tribe; and so also in the last times Esther and Mordecai, by whom the enemies of the Jews were destroyed. Paul was of this tribe. He did devour the prey as a persecutor, but, in the evening, divided the spoil as a preacher.” [JFBC]

“All these are the 12 tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. Then he charged them and said to them: ‘I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.’ And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.” Genesis 49:28-33

Rachel, Jacob’s first love, was buried near Bethlehem. She died there while giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob requested to be buried near his father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. He also buried Leah there. Leah bore to Jacob six sons and his daughter Dinah. Throughout her life she competed with her sister Rachel for Jacob’s affections. The future Messiah would come from her family line. In death, Jacob wanted to be buried near to her.

“Then Joseph fell on his father’s face, wept over him, and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So, the physicians embalmed Israel. 40 days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him 70 days.” Genesis 50:1-3

Though Joseph was rich, mighty and famous, the Lord kept his heart in a good place. He was grateful and loving towards his father. His father’s soul had left his body, but Joseph still showed his remains the utmost respect. His body got the best of care. Memories of him were honored with 70 days (over two months) of tears.

“Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, ‘If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, ‘My father made me swear, saying, Behold, I am dying; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me. Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come back.’ And Pharaoh said, ‘Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.’ So, Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering.” Genesis 50:4-9

Seldom is recorded a word of special request from Joseph to the king. How would he spend the goodwill that he had earned with the king? He spent it on asking for permission to temporarily leave his post in Egypt to bury his father. The Pharoah granted his request and sent his servants and his elders as well as a very great gathering of chariots and horsemen to support Joseph.

“Then they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed 7 days of mourning for his father. And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, ‘This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.’ Therefore, its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he, and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father.” Genesis 50:10-14

Jacob’s funeral was like a head of a state’s funeral. The nation of Egypt was impacted by it.

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, ‘Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.’ So, they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, ‘Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: ‘I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.’ And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’ Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:15-21

Joseph’s brothers did not need to tell him a lie to protect themselves from him. They did not need to fall down on their faces and beg him to spare their lives. Had he wanted vengeance, he could have executed them already. Joseph’s eyes grew wet with tears that they should think he wanted to kill them. He provided for them and for their children. He repeated to them the same truth that he told them previously, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” He would continue to provide for them and be kind to them.

So, Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s household. And Joseph lived 110 years. Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said to his brethren, ‘I am dying; but God will surely visit you and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.’ Then, Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, ‘God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.’ So, Joseph died, being 110 years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:22-26

Joseph prophesied that God would return the children of Israel to the land of their forefathers. His one request from them before he died was to have his remains transferred with them back to that land. Thus, Joseph ended his life with a statement of faith in God to keep his covenant to his people and bring them up out of Egypt.

Joseph believed in the resurrection of the dead. That’s why his remains remained important. Hebrews 11:22 says, “By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.”

Exodus 13:19 confirms that Moses took the bones of Joseph with them when Israel departed from Egypt. Joshua 24:32 says that the bones of Joseph were buried in the property that Jacob purchased from Shechem for 100 pieces of silver. His tomb is there today.

In Genesis 50:18, Joseph’s brothers fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” A readiness to bow our knee and serve should be our attitude toward Jesus Christ. Our sins brought about lashes upon His back. Our sins brought about a crown of thorns on His brow. Our sins brought about nails driven through His hands and His feet. Our sins brought about His utter humiliation. Our sins slew Him. He was cast into a grave but raised from that place by the power of God. His triumph was manifested to many eyewitnesses. Like the brothers of Joseph, we should ask Jesus to forgive our sins against Him. Like Paul on the road to Damascus, we should fall down before Jesus, and ask, “Lord, what shall I do?”

God ordained Joseph to go through trials to rescue his brothers, and to provide for the needs of their families. He was a type of the coming Messiah. In John 20:21-22, after His resurrection, Jesus said to His disciples who had doubted Him, “‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Then, He breathed on them the comfort and kindness of the Holy Spirit.

Later, in Acts 10:43, we hear the Apostle Peter tell people about Jesus, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His Name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

The most important truth I aim to leave with my descendants is that God’s forgiveness of their sins is absolutely necessary for salvation. In fact, I told one of my grandson’s yesterday that if anything happened to me, to please remember me for this one truth: “Your sins must be forgiven by God to enter eternity with Him. God forgives us when we believe in His Son Jesus Christ.”

Blessed be the Lord our God who forgives our sins because He wants an everlasting relationship with us! Forgiveness of sin is vital for keeping relationships vibrant.

Here’s a prayer that each of us can pray to God: “Heavenly Father, thank You for freely forgiving all my sins with which I have ever offended You. I, hereby, in the light of Your great mercy toward me, cheerfully forgive all who have sinned against me in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”

All Powerful But Gracious – Genesis 47-48

“Then Joseph went and told Pharaoh, and said, ‘My father and my brothers, their flocks and their herds and all that they possess, have come from the land of Canaan; and indeed, they are in the land of Goshen.’ And he took five men from among his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. Then, Pharaoh said to his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.’” Genesis 47:1-4

1 John 2:1-2 says, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

Joseph’s brothers sinned against him. They sold him to human traffickers. Those traffickers in turn sold him to an Egyptian. That Egyptian’s wife got him thrown in a dungeon. If it were not for the Lord, Joseph would have rotted until death in that prison, but the Lord, in a sense, resurrected Joseph from that tomb, and placed him on high. Now, he stands by the side of the mightiest earthly king, and advocates for the “brothers” who once betrayed and nearly destroyed him. He had advised his brothers how to present themselves to Pharoah in the previous chapter. He told them not to say that they were shepherds because the Egyptians despised shepherds. What did they do? They told the Pharoah that they were needy shepherds. It was good that Joseph was not ashamed to call them brothers.

Praise God that we have an Advocate with the Father in Jesus Christ. The word “propitiation” in the original Greek text is the same word that is translated in other verses as “Mercy Seat.” The Mercy Seat was located between the two angels on the Ark of the Covenant’s lid. It was the place where the blood of atonement for sin was poured. Underneath that lid, inside the Ark, was the Ten Commandments. The Mercy Seat being above the commandments illustrates what James 2:13 says, namely, mercy triumphs over judgment. That Mercy Seat represents Christ. He is the One who brought forth God’s mercy to sinners. Hebrews 2:11 says, “Both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers.” Christ became one with us so we could become one with God.

“Then, Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, ‘Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.’ Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How old are you?’ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The days of the years of my pilgrimage are 130 years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.’ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from before Pharaoh. And Joseph situated his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Then, Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families.” Genesis 47:5-12

How wonderful, how marvelous that Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families! Jacob’s clan was 70 people strong when they arrived in Egypt. That was a lot of people to feed three times per day. But imagine this! God keeps every soul in heaven well-nourished for all eternity.

Jesus Christ assures food forevermore for those who believe in Him. In Luke 22:30, Jesus assured His disciples that someday they would “eat and drink at My table in My kingdom.” In Luke 13:29, Jesus said, “People will come … and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Revelation 2:7 and 22:2 speak of eating from the Tree of Life and Revelation 19:9 speaks of the “marriage supper of the Lamb.” So, there is eating in heaven. Revelation 7:16-17 says, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Since God shall us feed for all eternity, we should trust and thank Him now for our daily bread while we live in this world. God kept His servant Elijah alive during a famine by commanding birds to bring him food. And he didn’t eat like a bird. They brought him man-food. I have many testimonies from my family’s time in China. He provided for us in miraculous ways at times.

“Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. So, when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, ‘Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.’ Then Joseph said, ‘Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone.’ So, they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus, he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year.” Genesis 47:13-17

He who controlled the world’s food supply emptied the pockets of people and made them dependent on him. This was fine as long as he managed resources fairly and ensured that no one was neglected. But what would happen if a “beast” controlled the world’s food supply?

Revelation 13 speaks of an end-times antichrist who coerces people to receive a “666” mark on their right hand and on their forehead for the purpose of buying and selling. He will require the recipient of his mark to blaspheme God. Thus, loyalists to Christ must trust in His mighty power to supply all their needs according to His riches and glory in those days.

“When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, ‘We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate.’ Then, Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So, the land became Pharaoh’s. And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other end. Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore, they did not sell their lands.” Genesis 47:18-22

Once, the people lacked possessions that they could sell for food, they sold themselves. Joseph brought them into the city. Thus, the politicians and the clergy owned them and determined their work schedules and living situations. This arrangement worked for the time being, but what would happen to them after Joseph was gone?

“Then Joseph said to the people, ‘Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give 1/5 to Pharaoh. 4/5’s shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones.’ So, they said, ‘You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.’ And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have 1/5, except for the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh’s.” Genesis 47:23-26

Thankfully, Joseph allowed the farmers to keep 80% of their profits. Their administration fee for maintaining the nation’s military, international relations, internal security, courts, prisons, roads, religious institutions and national managers was 20% of their profits.

“So Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen; and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years. So, the length of Jacob’s life was 147 years. When the time drew near that Israel must die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, ‘Now if I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please do not bury me in Egypt but let me lie with my fathers; you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burial place.’ And he said, ‘I will do as you have said.’ Then, he said, ‘Swear to me.’ And he swore to him. So, Israel bowed himself on the head of the bed.” Genesis 47:27-31

Jacob was 147 years old. He survived the conflict between his brother and himself. He survived living far from family for 20 years. He survived the maltreatment from his father-in-law Laban. He survived a household with four women in it by which he had children from each of them. He survived his sons Simeon and Levi massacring the men of Shechem. He survived the sorrow of losing Rachel and afterwards Joseph. He survived a famine. He survived a late-in-life move from his country to a foreign land. He saw the birth of many descendants. He had one request of Joseph, “bury me with my fathers.”

“Now it came to pass after these things that Joseph was told, ‘Indeed your father is sick;’ and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh, and Ephraim. And Jacob was told, ‘Look, your son Joseph is coming to you;’ and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed. Then, Jacob said to Joseph: ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people and give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance. But as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was but a little distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).’” Genesis 48:1-7

Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, became heirs in the Promised Land along with Joseph’s eleven brothers. The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim came to be known as the half tribes of Israel but were sometimes referred to as the “house of Joseph.” Each descendant of Joseph inherited a half-allotment of land. They were counted as one tribe. Later, in the Old Testament, the ten northern tribes are sometimes referred to as Ephraim. This was because Samaria, the capital of the northern tribes, was located in Ephraim’s territory.

“Then Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, ‘Who are these?’ Joseph said to his father, ‘They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.’ And he said, ‘Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.’ Now, the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. And Israel said to Joseph, ‘I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!’ So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right hand and brought them near him. Then, Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. And he blessed Joseph, and said: ‘God, before whom my fathers, Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day, the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.’” Genesis 48:8-16

Joseph saw his sons as gifts from God. That’s how every father should view his children. Jacob loved his grandsons. He hugged and kissed them. Loving affection is good. 2 Timothy 3:3 lists the lack of natural affection as one of the signs of perilous times. Jacob gave God the glory for this moment. Jacob blessed his grandsons with a blessing to become many people. His right hand was on Ephraim, the younger of the two. Ephraim did become the dominant and most influential tribe in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

“Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so, he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. And Joseph said to his father, ‘Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.’ But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.’ So he blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’’ And thus, he set Ephraim before Manasseh.” Genesis 48:17-20

I see the blessing on the second son of Joseph as a prophecy about Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:45 says, “The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” The first Adam refers to the first created man of the human race. The last Adam refers to Christ. Christ is the God-man. He is the second Adam that never sinned. The blessing of God is on the second Adam because in Him there is redemption for all who believe in Him. He is the One who makes many descendants for God.

“Then Israel said to Joseph, ‘Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers. Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and my bow.’” Genesis 48:21-22

Jacob knew his time on earth was short. He assured Joseph that God was with him. God brought Joseph back to the land of his fathers even though it was posthumously. When the children of Isreal left Egypt, they carried Joseph’s bones with them. So, the remains of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph are buried in Israel today. Their descendants continue to live there despite many attempts to remove and eliminate them from the land. God watches over His promises to assure that they are kept. Praise the Lord!

Enjoying God’s Favor – Genesis 45-46

“Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, ‘Make everyone go out from me!’ So, no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph; does my father still live?’ But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So, they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.’” Genesis 45:1-8

Speechless! The reactions of Judah and his brothers to Joseph reminds me of the man in the parable of Matthew 22:1-13. That man came to the wedding feast of the King’s Son but did not put on a wedding garment. When the king confronted him about it, he was speechless. The king had him bound hand and foot and thrown into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. He had been given a garment but refused to put it on. That garment was the robe of righteousness mentioned in Isaiah 61:10-11. Without it, no person is fit to be there.

Just before Joseph had revealed his identity to his brothers, he had told them that he must imprison Benjamin. They were free to return to their father. Judah pleaded with Joseph to let him be imprisoned instead of his brother because their father would die of sorrow without Benjamin. Lives are at stake. The situation is emotionally charged.

Joseph suddenly began wailing so loudly that the sounds of his cries were heard in the Pharoah’s house, presumably next door to his house.

Joseph testified for God. God sent him to Egypt. God wanted to preserve their lives. God took Joseph from being a shepherd like them and made him second in command to Pharoah.

It’s something how those with a mighty anointing from God reflect the Father and Son relationship in the Holy Trinity. Joseph was a type of Christ. David was a type of Christ. Both began as humble servants, but later became as kings. When Jesus came to earth, He spoke and acted as His Father expected Him to do. Then, God exalted Him above all others.

Philippians 2:5-11 says, “Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

“Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks, and your herds, and all that you have. There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.’ And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here. Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him.” Genesis 45:9-15

Joseph expressed no bitterness toward his brothers. No desire for payback! He sends his brothers to his father. He is lord of all Egypt. He told them, “You shall be near me.” He invited them to bring themselves and their families. He promised them lands. He kisses them, sheds tears over them and talks with them some more before farewelling them.

I praise God that our Lord Jesus Christ is greater than Joseph and that He holds no bitterness against our race for crucifying Him. God sent Him to be crucified to save our lives, and to bring us into the Heavenly Father’s kingdom where He will give us lands. He will treat us way beyond what we can ask or imagine. Why? Because He loves us!

“Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, ‘Joseph’s brothers have come.’ So, it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. Bring your father and your households and come to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. Now you are commanded—do this: take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’” Genesis 45:16-20

The Pharoah of Egypt was happy to hear about Joseph’s brothers. If they were anything like Joseph, his nation would be very blessed to have them. Pharoah promised Joseph’s brothers the best land and best food. He blessed them with carts [we would say moving trucks] to transport their belongings to Egypt. He richly supplied all their needs. He helped them to enjoy a smooth transition and to adjust to their new life.

“Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey. He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave 300 pieces of silver and five changes of garments. And he sent to his father these things: 10 donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and 10 female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey. So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, ‘See that you do not become troubled along the way.’” Genesis 45:21-24

Joseph gave them new clothes. He sent 20 donkeys with them to help transport goods and food. The 300 pieces of silver that Joseph gave to Benjamin were worth $1,200-$6,000 in today’s USD. Benjimin was his only brother from the same mother, but no one lacked for anything,

“Then they went up out of Egypt and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. And they told him, saying, ‘Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.’ And Jacob’s heart stood still because he did not believe them. But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. Then Israel said, ‘It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.’” Genesis 45:25-28

Now, Jacob is speechless. He can hardly believe what his ears have heard. Joseph who was dead is alive. What’s more he is reigning like a king. Jacob has one goal now. He wants to see Joseph.

“So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’” Genesis 46:1-4

Jacob made offerings to the Lord. He was grateful to God. God assured Jacob that he was doing the right thing to move his family to Egypt. Joseph would be at his side when he died. Joseph would bring his remains back to the land where his father and grandfather died.

“Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.” Genesis 46:5-7

So, they packed up their belongings and headed to Egypt. Genesis 46:8-25 lists the names of Jacob’s descendants via his sons.

“All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, were 66 persons in all. And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were 70.” Genesis 46:26-27

Jacob enjoyed a large family and many grandchildren. Their extended family gatherings involved 70 people if everyone showed up. They were foreigners in a foreign land but enjoyed their own little community of care and friendship in that land.

“Then he sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out before him the way to Goshen. And they came to the land of Goshen. So Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel; and he presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while. And Israel said to Joseph, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.’” Genesis 46:28-30

Judah led the way. Judah’s name means “Praise.” Psalm 149:6, says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth.” Psalm 105:43-45 says, “He [the Lord] brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with gladness. He gave them the lands of the Gentiles, and they inherited the labor of the nations, that they might observe His statutes and keep His laws. Praise the Lord!”

Answers come to me as I praise the Lord. Turning to the Lord is facing the light. Psalm 36:9 says, “For with You is the fountain of life. In Your light we see light.” As we praise and thank God, His Spirit helps us to discern the best way to go. When praising God, we are much less apt to go to places that we should not go.

Joseph hugged his father’s neck and wept tears of joy with him. Jacob felt that his life was complete. He was ready to meet God now.

“Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, ‘I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. And the men are shepherds, for their occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.’ So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” Genesis 46:31-34

Joseph instructed his brothers what to say before they met Pharoah. Just like the Lord, he wanted them to enjoy the same favor that he enjoyed with the king.

I am so glad that the Spirit of Christ who dwells in us, is preparing us to meet the Heavenly Father, so we will enjoy a smooth transition when we arrive in heaven, as well as God’s favor. Praise the Lord!

Forgiveness of Sin – Genesis 43-44

“Now the famine was severe in the land. And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought from Egypt, that their father said to them, ‘Go back, buy us a little food.’ But Judah spoke to him, saying, ‘The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ If you send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. But if you will not send him, we will not go down; for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’” Genesis 43:1-5

Have you ever experienced hunger pains to the point that it was difficult to focus on a task? I remember asking myself before we moved into China in the 1980’s, “Will we have enough food to eat?” Thankfully, we never lacked.

In fact, the farmers brought their fresh vegetables and fruits to the gate of the university and sold them there. I enjoyed the dòufu (豆腐 – tofu English) and “miànjīn” (面筋) which is a Chinese wheat gluten, a chewy, high-protein food made by washing starch from wheat dough, used widely as a meat substitute. The Mandarin oranges and finger-sized bananas were also delicious. Praise be to God for daily bread – and for a variety of daily breads!

Jacob saw that his family’s grain supply was gone, so he urged his sons to return to Egypt to buy more. Judah reminded Jacob that they must bring Benjamin with them to purchase grain.

“And Israel said, ‘Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?’ But they said, ‘The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’ Then Judah said to Israel his father, ‘Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.’” Genesis 43:6-10

Judah offered to be the scapegoat if anything happened to Benjamin. In the future, One from Judah’s family line will bear the blame for all sin that has ever been committed by people. In Matthew 1:21, an angel told New Testament Joseph, “She [Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” People only need to believe in Jesus and profess Him to be saved from their sins.

“And their father Israel said to them, ‘If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts, and almonds. Take double money in your hand and take back in your hand the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother also, and arise, go back to the man. And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!’” Genesis 43:11-14

They did have food. Honey, pistachios and almonds are delicious and nutritious. Matthew Henry Commentary says, “We may live well enough upon plain food without dainties; but we cannot live upon dainties without plain food. Let us thank God that that which is most needful and useful is generally most cheap and common.”

Jacob must give his son Benjamin into the hands of his brothers. Perhaps, He suspected them of murdering Joseph. He said, “If I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” Benjamin is Jacob’s only surviving son from his marriage to Rachel. He gives up this beloved son so others may live.

“So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, ‘Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.’ Then the man did as Joseph ordered, and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house. Now the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, ‘It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us as slaves with our donkeys.’” Genesis 43:15-18

Though invited to dine with Joseph in his magnificent house, the brothers of Joseph are not feeling good about their situation. Previously, he accused them of being spies. After they paid him for grain during their last visit, they found their money back in their sacks. They are afraid. Is he just toying with them before he executes them?

“When they drew near to the steward of Joseph’s house, they talked with him at the door of the house, and said, ‘O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food; but it happened, when we came to the encampment, that we opened our sacks, and there, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight; so, we have brought it back in our hand. And we have brought down other money in our hands to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.’ But he said, ‘Peace be with you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money.’ Then he brought Simeon out to them.” Genesis 43:19-23

“Peace?” “Don’t be afraid?” “The God of our fathers gave us the treasure in our sacks?” What is the man talking about? They were very unsettled. At least Simeon, who was imprisoned when they left Egypt is still alive and well.

“So the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys feed. Then they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they would eat bread there. And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house and bowed down before him to the earth. Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, ‘Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?’ And they answered, ‘Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.’ And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, ‘Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?’ And he said, ‘God be gracious to you, my son.’ Now his heart yearned for his brother; so, Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, ‘Serve the bread.’” Genesis 43:34-31

Joseph’s brothers were treated with honor. Servants washed their feet and fed their donkeys.

When Joseph arrives, they present to him the spices, myrrh, balm, honey, pistachios and almonds that they brought from their homeland. They bow to the floor before him.

Joseph was overwhelmed with emotion when he saw his brother Benjamin. He blessed him. He left the room to weep. Then, he returned to initiate the banquet.

“So they set him a place by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves; because the Egyptians could not eat food with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked in astonishment at one another. Then he took servings to them from before him, but Benjamin’s serving was five times as much as any of theirs. So, they drank and were merry with him.” Genesis 43:32-34

Joseph seated his brothers around the banqueting table according to their ages. He removed the Egyptians from the room lest they treat his brothers disrespectfully. He gave Benjamin the most generous portion of food. The brothers are finally happy to be there.

“And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, ‘Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the mouth of his sack. Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest, and his grain money.’ So, he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. As soon as the morning dawned, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, ‘Get up, follow the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Is not this the one from which my lord drinks, and with which he indeed practices divination? You have done evil in so doing.’” Genesis 44:1-5

Joseph set a trap for his brothers. Their downfall must be unsuspected and devastating so that they reap what they had sown, and hopefully repent of what they did to him.

“So he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words. And they said to him, ‘Why does my lord say these words? Far be it from us that your servants should do such a thing. Look, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan the money which we found in the mouth of our sacks. How then could we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.’ And he said, ‘Now also let it be according to your words; he with whom it is found shall be my slave, and you shall be blameless.’ Then each man speedily let down his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city.” Genesis 44:6-13

Joseph’s brothers were so upset that they tore their clothes to demonstrate how their hearts felt. They had thought all was well, but now, they are on their way back to Egypt.

“So Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there; and they fell before him on the ground. And Joseph said to them, ‘What deed is this you have done? Did you not know that such a man as I can certainly practice divination?’ Then Judah said, ‘What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants; here we are, my lord’s slaves, both we and he also with whom the cup was found.’ But he said, ‘Far be it from me that I should do so; the man in whose hand the cup was found, he shall be my slave. And as for you, go up in peace to your father.’” Genesis 44:14-17

Numbers 32:23 says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Ecclesiastes 12:14 says, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” In Luke 12:2-3, Jesus said, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the rooftops.”

Joseph’s brothers fell before him, thus, fulfilling the dream that the Lord had given to him. Judah spoke on behalf of his brothers. God had exposed their iniquity. Iniquity refers to unequal treatment of others. He believed Joseph would enslave them all. But no, the better punishment for them is to keep Benjamin and send them back to their father without him. This will destroy their father before their eyes.

“Then Judah came near to him and said: ‘O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ And we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’” Genesis 44:18-23

Judah advocated for his father, not for himself.

“So it was, when we went up to your servant my father, that we told him the words of my lord. And our father said, ‘Go back and buy us a little food.’ But we said, ‘We cannot go down; if our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down; for we may not see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ Then your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; and the one went out from me, and I said, ‘Surely he is torn to pieces;’ and I have not seen him since. But if you take this one also from me, and calamity befalls him, you shall bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.’” Genesis 44:24-29

Judah does not want to see his father die in sorrow.

“Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the lad is not with us, since his life is bound up in the lad’s life, it will happen, when he sees that the lad is not with us, that he will die. So, your servants will bring down the gray hair of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. For your servant became surety for the lad to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I shall bear the blame before my father forever.’ Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?’” Genesis 44:30-34

Judah was now willing to suffer on behalf of another.

Praise God that a descendant of Judah, Jesus Christ, bore the blame for our sins on the cross. He atoned for sin that we could not expunge from our records. He saved us from bearing the guilt and penalty for our sins.

Judah was the same man who suggested Joseph be sold to the Ishmaelites for silver. He was the same father who raised two sons that were so wicked God slew them. He was the same man who went into his daughter-in-law when she was veiled and posed as a harlot to gain a heir by him. He was the same man who said, “Let her be burned” before he knew that she was righting a wrong that he had done to her. Judah, like us all, had committed many sins throughout his life. He did not deserve the least of all God’s mercies but God was gracious to him. Gracious to bring him to repentance! He no longer wanted to be the same man as he was in the past. He was going to place the well-being of another, his father, before himself. Praise the Lord!

In Romans 2:4, the Lord asks us, “Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”

Joseph followed God’s leading in dealing with his brothers, especially with Judah. Rather than destroy Judah and his brothers, the Lord helped him to convict them of their sins. God helped Judah and his brothers to see that forgiveness of sin was their only hope for salvation.

Walking in the Light of Christ – Genesis 41-42

“Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream; and behold, he stood by the river. Suddenly there came up out of the river seven cows, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ugly and gaunt, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the river. And the ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven fine looking and fat cows. So, Pharaoh awoke. He slept and dreamed a second time; and suddenly seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven thin heads, blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the seven thin heads devoured the seven plump and full heads. So, Pharaoh awoke, and indeed, it was a dream. Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them for Pharaoh.” Genesis 41:1-8

“People born blind don’t ‘see’ darkness or black. They experience nothingness, an absence of visual sensation, similar to what you might perceive with your elbow, relying instead on rich sensory details like touch, sound, smell, and spatial awareness to understand the world. They describe objects by their tactile properties (shape, texture, weight, temperature) and auditory cues, forming mental ‘pictures’ based on non-visual information.” [1]

Vision is a wonderful gift from God. Pharoah was gifted by God to see while awake and while asleep. While sleeping, the Lord took him to a riverside and showed him 14 cows. While he watched, seven skinny cows ate seven fat cows. Imagine that! That had to be disturbing. He woke up, realized it was a dream, and went back to sleep. The Lord showed him seven sickly stalks of grain eating seven healthy ones. He woke up again. The imagery of sickly things consuming healthy things unsettled him. He asked his magicians and wise men for an interpretation. They had nothing to offer him.

“Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: ‘I remember my faults this day. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief baker, we each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now there was a young Hebrew man with us there, a servant of the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted our dreams for us; to each man he interpreted according to his own dream. And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.” Genesis 41:9-13

Pharoah’s previously incarcerated butler was able to give Pharoah a lead. The Lord brought Joseph to his mind. Joseph had accurately interpreted two dreams before.

“Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.’ So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’” Genesis 41:14-16

The Lord summoned Joseph from his prison to a kingly court via the Pharoah. I’m so glad that one day, the Lord will summon me and all who believe in him from this sinful dark world into His glorious kingdom of light and love. Joseph was cleaned up and had a new garment to put on. When Joseph stood before the most powerful earthly king of that day, he testified for God, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharoah an answer of peace.” By God’s grace, Joseph was saved. Joseph believed that God would give him the interpretation of the dream before he even heard it because he was trusting in God’s power not his own.

“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph: ‘Behold, in my dream I stood on the bank of the river. Suddenly seven cows came up out of the river, fine looking and fat; and they fed in the meadow. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such ugliness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt. And the gaunt and ugly cows ate up the first seven, the fat cows. When they had eaten them up, no one would have known that they had eaten them, for they were just as ugly as at the beginning. So, I awoke. Also I saw in my dream, and suddenly seven heads came up on one stalk, full and good. Then behold, seven heads, withered, thin, and blighted by the east wind, sprang up after them. And the thin heads devoured the seven good heads. So, I told this to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me.”

“Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do: The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years. The dreams are one. And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.’” Genesis 41:17-32

“God will shortly bring it to pass.” Jesus spoke a similar word to the world through his servant John. Revelation 1:1 says, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must soon take place.” Revelation 22:6 says, “And He said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.” As sure as Pharoah’s dreams came to pass, so shall the visions revealed by Jesus in the Book of Revelation come to pass.

“’Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect 1/5 of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.’ So the advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, ‘Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?’ Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.’ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’” Genesis 41:33-41

Joseph did not stop speaking after he finished interpreting the dream. The Lord revealed to Joseph the interpretation of the dream and the plan to rescue the world from starvation all in a moment. He got a spiritual download from God. The Pharoah knew it. The Pharoah told his servants that the Spirit of God was in Joseph. He told Joseph, “God has shown you all this.” The Pharoah placed a former overseer of his dungeon in-charge of his palace and of his people.

“Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, ‘Bow the knee!’ So, he set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh also said to Joseph, ‘I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.’ And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So, Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:42-45

The signet ring was the ring with which Pharoah stamped documents and decrees as approved by him. He clothed Joseph in royal garments and decorated him with gold. His chariot followed Pharoah’s chariot during public processions. The Egyptians bowed their knees to him. Joseph had absolute authority over all activities in Egypt. Pharoah gave Joseph an Egyptian name and wife to indicate to all his citizens that this man was one of them and approved by him.

What a beautiful picture of salvation! At one moment, a soul is in a dark dungeon. Bound by sin! No way out! Then, a great king calls the soul out from the darkness into his marvelous light. He gives the soul a new garment and enriches his supplies. He tells everyone that this soul is now one of His. God gave Joseph the power and opportunity to give the right answer, and then, rewarded him for it. God is good!

1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

“Joseph was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt and laid up the food in the cities. He laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. Joseph gathered very much grain as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.” Genesis 41:46-49

Joseph was 30 years old when his worldwide ministry began. Luke 3:23 says that Jesus was 30 years old when He began His earthly ministry. God anointed Joseph to feed hungry people. Jesus was anointed of the Holy Spirit to feed thousands of people at a time. Jesus provided bread and fish for their stomachs and the bread of life and living water for their souls.

“And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: ‘For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.’ And the name of the second he called Ephraim: ‘For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.’

Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.’ The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.” Genesis 41:50-57

Joseph experienced God’s favor, so much so that he gave his sons names to reflect his gratitude towards God. His own brothers betrayed him and made him suffer greatly. But God turned what was meant for evil into a blessing for Joseph. God’s blessings during the latter days of Joseph’s life far outweighed the pain his brothers afflicted on him earlier in his life.

When people cried to Pharoah for bread, he told them to go to Joseph and to do whatever Joseph told them to do. This is the kind of witnesses we should be for Jesus. When people cry out for help, say to them, “Go to Jesus Christ. Whatever He says to you, do it!”

“When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, ‘Why do you look at one another?’ And he said, ‘Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.’ So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, ‘Lest some calamity befall him.’ And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.” Genesis 42:1-5

Jacob had 10 sons looking at each other for someone to be the first one to do something about their ever diminishing food supplies. Jacob tells them that the food is in Egypt. Go to the store. Get some groceries. He withheld Benjamin from going with them. Benjamin was Rachel’s son.

“Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth. Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said to them, ‘Where do you come from?’ And they said, ‘From the land of Canaan to buy food.’ So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him.” Genesis 42:6-8

Now, Joseph had the opportunity to destroy his evil brothers. What would Joseph do?

“Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, ‘You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!’ And they said to him, ‘No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.’ But he said to them, ‘No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.’ And they said, ‘Your servants are 12 brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.’ But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!’ So he put them all together in prison three days.” Genesis 42:9-17

The Lord reminded Joseph of his previous prophetic dreams about his brothers bowing to him. Now, he would follow the Lord’s directions to see that prophetic dream through to the end.

Joseph’s brothers were ranchers on the verge of starvation. His dress and living space was that of a king. What’s more, he had the authority of a king to charge them with suspected crimes, imprison and execute them. Their trip to the grocery store turned into a nightmare.

“Then Joseph said to them the third day, ‘Do this and live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses. And bring your youngest brother to me; so, your words will be verified, and you shall not die.’ And they did so. Then they said to one another, ‘We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore, this distress has come upon us.’ And Reuben answered them, saying, ‘Did I not speak to you, saying, do not sin against the boy; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.’ But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.” Genesis 42:18-24

There’s an allusion to the three days of Jesus in the tomb and of the resurrection in the fact that Joseph imprisoned his brothers for three days and then, said to them on “the third day, ‘Do this and live.’”

Joseph witnessed to his brothers saying, “I fear God.” His goal was to help them to do the same.

Joseph was led by God’s Spirit to convict his brothers of their sins and to lead them to repentance. This is the work that Jesus (the Word of God) and the Holy Spirit do in the lives of sinners to save them from sin, and from the consequences of sin. Reuben was convicted of sin and confessed that conviction to his brothers. Joseph did not delight in their sorrow, but he did want them to repent of their sins, as he did, and experience God as he did.

“Then Joseph gave a command to fill their sacks with grain, to restore every man’s money to his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. Thus, he did for them. So they loaded their donkeys with the grain and departed from there. But as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed at the encampment, he saw his money; and there it was, in the mouth of his sack. So he said to his brothers, ‘My money has been restored, and there it is, in my sack!’ Then their hearts failed them and they were afraid, saying to one another, ‘What is this that God has done to us?’” Genesis 42:25-28

In 2 Corinthians 12:14, Paul told his readers, “For I do not seek yours, but you.” Joseph was not interested in what his brothers could do for him. He wanted to do something for them. He had their money placed back in their sacks. How does this impact them? Their hearts feel like they are about to stop beating they are so afraid. They asked, “What has God done to us?”

“Then they went to Jacob their father in the land of Canaan and told him all that had happened to them, saying: ‘The man who is lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies. We are 12 brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is with our father this day in the land of Canaan.’ Then the man, the lord of the country, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, take food for the famine of your households, and be gone. And bring your youngest brother to me; so, I shall know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. I will grant your brother to you, and you may trade in the land.’ Then it happened as they emptied their sacks, that surprisingly each man’s bundle of money was in his sack; and when they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. And Jacob their father said to them, ‘You have bereaved me: Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin. All these things are against me.’ Then Reuben spoke to his father, saying, ‘Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.’ But he said, ‘My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If any calamity should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.’” Genesis 42:29-38

Reuben offered the lives of his two sons in an exchange for the lives of Joseph and Benjamin, that is, if anything happened to Benjamin during their trip to Egypt. This act relates to one’s debt of sin being paid off by the sacrifice of another who doesn’t deserve to die.

In a sense, Joseph died, resurrected and became lord over his brothers. He is a type of Christ because God chose to anoint him to be such a person. God called Joseph into His marvelous light and in God’s light Joseph’s spiritually blind eyes could see God’s purposes.

1 John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light, as He [God] is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” Amen!

Anointed to do Good Works in Christ – Genesis 39-40

“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So, Joseph found favor in his sight and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.” Genesis 39:1-6

Have you ever been taken somewhere against your will? Was it to a place that you had never been before? Joseph’s life was in the hands of foreigners. He went where they took him. He ate the food they gave him. He learned the language they spoke. His days were ordered according to their needs.

Amidst all the injustices that Joseph experienced, the Lord was with him. The Lord helped Joseph to adapt to a life that he never wanted to live and still succeed.

Joseph was only 17 years old when his freedom was taken from him, yet he was quickly promoted to the position of overseer of his master’s estate. The Scripture says that the Lord made everything that was entrusted to him to prosper. The Lord blessed everything the Egyptian had for Joseph’s sake, and the Egyptian recognized it. He let Joseph run everything.

God anointed Joseph to be a type of Christ to his generation. Joseph was anointed by God to do good works. In Mark 7:37, people said of Jesus, “He has done all things well.” Potipher’s wealth increased under Joseph’s supervision. The Heavenly Father’s kingdom grew under Jesus’ care.

One difference between Joseph and Jesus was their outer appearance. Joseph was handsome. Genesis 29:17 says, “Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.” Joseph inherited his mother’s good looks. Isaiah 53:2 says of Jesus, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.” God chose to give His Son a non-astounding appearance. The beauty of Christ on earth was His inner being. Inwardly speaking, Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is the express image of God’s person.

“And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?’” Genesis 39:7-9

Good looks can be a blessing and a curse. If you live among sexual predators, good looks may draw the kind of gazes that you don’t want.

When a sexual predator attempted to lure Joseph into her trap, he made it clear to her that she was tempting him to do great wickedness and sin against God. He refused her. Joseph was not greedy for something more. He was grateful for the kindness, generosity and trust that her husband had shown him. Thus, Joseph did not succumb to temptation.

In Matthew 4:1-11, the devil tempted Jesus to sin. Jesus used the Word of God which is also called the sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6:17 to defeat the devil’s lies. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus rebuked the devil, saying, “Away with you Satan.” Matthew 4:11 says that angels ministered to Jesus after this encounter.

Remember! “All that shines is not gold!” Proverbs 5-7 warn against adultery. Proverbs 7:21-23 compares the person who yields to adulterous temptations to an animal taking a hunter’s bait and being destroyed by the trap.

In Matthew 5:28, Jesus declared lust an act of adultery in one’s heart. James 1:14-15 describes the process, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” Lust and adultery begin with a thought, progress to a desire, and then become a sin when acted on, and conclude with death.

In John 15:4 Jesus said, “Abide in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” The key to victory over temptation is to abide in Christ. Keep your soul well-fed with Scripture, prayer and obedience to God’s will. Don’t go to places where temptation exists. Beware of TV shows, movies and commercials! Like the devil, many want to reach out to you as though a friend, but in reality, their goal is to deceive, rob and enslave you. 1 John 2:17 says, “The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

When temptations come my way, I tell myself, “Abide in Christ. Abide in Christ.” 1 John 3:6 says, “Whoever abides in Him does not sin.” The King of kings keeps my heart from the heartbreaker.

In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” If our mindset is to serve our sinful flesh, there are endless opportunities to do that. But then, what will we have? Shame! We can make choices but we cannot choose the consequences. Jesus urged us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Live by the law of love! Love for God and love for neighbor. It is hard to limp between two positions. In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah said to all the people, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.”

“So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, that she caught him by his garment, saying, ‘Lie with me.’ But he left his garment in her hand and fled and ran outside. And so it was, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and fled outside, that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, ‘See, he has brought in to us a Hebrew to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried out with a loud voice. And it happened, when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.’” Genesis 39:10-15

The devil is relentless. You didn’t fall to a particular temptation today? Great! Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life.” 1 Peter 5:8 compares the devil to a roaming and roaring lion seeking for someone to devour.

In Ephesians 6:10-20, the Lord urges us to put on the full armor of God. When I lived in China, I was very aware of spiritual forces of wickedness. There were people who wanted to arrest, humiliate, punish and destroy Christians. One wrong step and I would have been destroyed. In the USA, the devil is destroying souls via lust and pride, but few seem to see any danger in it.

Many nations lack witnesses for Christ. The mission field needs laborers. We should be raising up and sending missionaries not indulging our flesh with endless feasts and entertainment.

When the devil could not bag Joseph via a seductive temptation, he resorted to violence against him. The same predator who sought to defile Joseph, sought to destroy him when he refused her advances. In Revelation 17, Jesus reveals to us a harlot who uses seduction to allure unsuspecting souls into her service. In Revelation 13, Jesus reveals to us a beast who uses deprivation and pain to bend people’s knees to him. In both cases, we need Christ to prevail. James 4:7 says, “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

“So, she kept his garment with her until his master came home. Then she spoke to him with words like these, saying, ‘The Hebrew servant whom you brought to us came in to me to mock me; so it happened, as I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me and fled outside.’ So it was, when his master heard the words which his wife spoke to him, saying, ‘Your servant did to me after this manner,’ that his anger was aroused. Then, Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.” Genesis 39:16-20

Potipher’s wife bore false testimony against Joseph. In the Gospel’s, the Pharisees suborned false witnesses to testify against Christ. Both Joseph and Jesus were unjustly arrested. They paid a price for someone else’s sin. Thankfully, both were anointed by God to be good witnesses.

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” Genesis 39:21-23

The Lord was merciful to Joseph. Psalm 103:13-14 says, “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust.” The Lord blessed Joseph with a supervisor who looked upon him favorably. The Lord also blessed Joseph to manage the prison well. Most managers appreciate people on their team who can carry the burden of overseeing day to day operations. And God was using Joseph’s current circumstances to prepare him for the next phase of his witness for God.

“It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler, and the chief baker. So, he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so, they were in custody for a while.” Genesis 40:1-4

God moves in mysterious ways. In a sense, the Lord brought Pharoah’s court into the prison for Joseph’s sake. The Pharoah’s chief butler and baker were now under his care. He was able to learn insights and information about the Pharoah of Egypt from these men.

“Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them and saw that they were sad. So. he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, ‘Why do you look so sad today?’ And they said to him, ‘We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.’ So, Joseph said to them, ‘Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.’” Genesis 40:5-8

But the Lord was not done yet. He gave the butler and baker dreams that they wanted interpreted. Joseph knew that he could interpret their dreams with God’s help.

The 17 prophetic books from Isaiah to Malachi are almost entirely made up of visions. In the case of Obadiah and Nahum, entirely made up of visions! Isaiah and Ezekiel begin their books by stating that the Lord gave them visions. The Book of Revelation came to John as a vision. There are also numerous passages of the Bible that stem from dreams that God gave to people.

Even Joseph’s witness for God was set in motion after God gave him dreams.

“Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, ‘Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. Then, Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.’ And Joseph said to him, ‘This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. Now, within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me. Make mention of me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house. For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also, I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.’” Genesis 40:9-15

The Spirit of God, who gave to the butler his dream, was also able to give to Joseph its interpretation. John 1:18 says that Jesus declares God. The Greek word for “declared” in this text is “εξηγησατο.” The word “εξηγησατο” is from the Greek verb “ἐξηγέομαι” (exégeomai), which means to explain, interpret, or declare in detail. Jesus is the interpreter of God for us. He helps us to understand God. He helped Joseph to interpret the butler’s dream.

“When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, ‘I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.’ So, Joseph answered and said, ‘This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.’” Genesis 40:16-19

The baker not the butler committed the crime. The baker was executed. The butler exonerated.

“Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then, he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph but forgot him.” Genesis 40:29-23

Joseph had hoped that the butler would advocate before Pharoah for his release from prison, but he forgot Joseph. However, two full years later, Pharaoh had a dream and needed an interpreter. In Genesis 41:9-13, the butler confessed his error to Pharoah concerning Joseph. He told Pharoah about Joseph. In Genesis 41:14, Pharoah released Joseph from prison. In Genesis 41:25-36, Joseph told Pharoah the interpretation of his dream. In Genesis 41:42-44, Pharoah made Joseph second in command over all Egypt.

Genesis 41:46 says that Joseph was 30 years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. Luke 3:23 says that Jesus was about 30 years of age when He started His ministry. The Lord anointed Joseph to save the people of the world from starvation during a famine. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus announced, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

The people of Joseph’s day looked to Joseph to meet their earthly needs. We look to Jesus, and He richly provides for our temporal and eternal needs. Plus, 2 Peter 1:4 says that He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them we may become partakers of the divine nature... anointed to do good works in Christ. Praise the Lord!