TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 22-24

 

OVERVIEW:

God gives examples of His “judgments” by which to judge right from wrong;Israelagrees to obey God’s commands; Moses goes up again to meet with God onMount Sinai.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As we came to Exodus 21, God began givingIsrael“judgments” by which to judge right from wrong. He lays down specific examples to serve as guides for properly judging His people. Remember,Israelwas the first and only Theocracy – God was to be legislator, judge and chief executive. (Note that it was not a democracy or a republic!)  The plan was simple – obey God and you will be happy, protected and prosperous.  So note that the bottom-line is not how man relates to his fellow man, but how man relates to God (Jeremiah 11:4).

 

It is interesting to note the very first thing God says after giving them the “Big Ten” (Commandments).  Treat your servants’ right!  Keep in mind that they had just been delivered from 400 years of servitude to the Egyptians. Israel’s ideas concerning servanthood needed serious renovation.  What follows are various laws that appear to be random, but God was very calculatingly laying down each one because they were essential examples for them to understand His character and values.

 

Just asIsraelwas invited by God to live inside the protection of a government under God’s watchful eye, so are we (Hebrews 8:9, 10).  In our Lord’s very first sermon He specifically said that He had not come to do away with these laws, but to fulfill them (Matt.5:17).  As we read these commands we can see the importance of motive for judging to what degree wrong has been done.  The bottom-line issue is all about the heart, and ultimately, the state of our heart is the summation of the law (Mark12:30; Rom. 13:8, 10).

 

One of the most simple, yet profound (and blessed!) verses in this entire section is found in chapter 24 and verse 12.  God is inviting Moses to come up toMount Sinaito receive the infamous “tables of stone.”  It is obviously a very significant piece of the entire puzzle concerning God’s dealing with man.  The wording of verse 12, however, not only screams out the heart of the passage, but the very heart of God!  Notice that God DOES NOT say to Moses, “Come up into the mount, and I will give thee tables of stone.”  What God says to Moses is, “Come up TO ME into the mount, and BE THERE: and I will give thee tables of stone.  God lets Moses know that even more than giving him the incredibly significant tables of stone, what was important to His heart was that Moses come into His PRESENCE, and just BE WITH HIM!

 

So often we relegate the Christian life to “DOING.”  God wants us to know that though there certainly are many, many important things that need to be done, what is vitally important to His heart is that we simply desire to BE with Him, like He desires to BE with us! We see this principle played out in the story of Mary and Martha, where Mary “chose the good part” and sat at Jesus’ feet. (Luke 10:38-42)

 

As you continue to make your journey through the Word of God, remember that what is in God’s heart is not simply that you DO your assigned daily readings, but that every day you come up into His PRESENCE through the pages of His glorious Book to BE WITH HIM!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through MOSES who delivers God’s commands, consummates a blood sacrifice and communes with God for 40 days – Ex. 24:2,3,8,18 (Hebrews 10:12; Mark 1:13)

TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 17-21

 

OVERVIEW:

Water from the rock in Horeb; Joshua leads Israel in defeating Amalek in battle at the Lord’s command; Jethro brings Moses’ wife and two sons to Moses in the wilderness; God appears to Moses on Mount Sinai; God gives to Moses the 10 commandments; the civil law for the Nation of Israel and the consequences for disobedience.   

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Moses illustrates what a trusting Christian does in times of testing (Ex. 17): he turns to the Lord and asks for guidance! (See James 1:5)  The Lord ordered Moses to smite the rock at Horeb and out would flow water for the murmuring people ofIsrael.  The picture is obvious: Christ, who is our Rock, was smitten on the cross to provide living water to quench the soul of all who are thirsty!

 

At the end of chapter 17, Moses orders Joshua to lead the people ofIsraelin battle against Amalek (a picture of the flesh).  This is a battle that will continue from generation to generation (the battle of the Spirit vs. the flesh – see Gal.5:16-17).  Our only hope in winning this battle is to let our Joshua (the Lord Jesus Christ) lead us to daily victory.  Note that this battle was won only after Israel had received water from the rock (water is a picture of the Word of God which is the weapon the Spirit of God who lives in us uses against the flesh – Eph. 5:26, Psa. 119:9-11).

 

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, comes to the wilderness in chapter 18 and offers Moses some advice about how to delegate some responsibility so that he and the people of Israel don’t get worn out (Ex. 18:16-18,21-22).  Moses takes his advice (Ex. 18:24-26) and it certainly lifted some of the responsibility off of his shoulders, but, whether or not this is what God intended is unclear.  Even Jethro didn’t know if this would be pleasing to God (Ex.18:23).  Note that Jethro decided to leave Moses and the people ofIsraelin the wilderness to return to his own land (Ex.18:27).  The lesson to be learned is that we must be careful when getting “wisdom from the world”.  It may not be harmful, as in this case (since God doesn’t condemn Moses), but it also may not be exactly what God had in mind.  In any case, many times God will use our mistakes for His benefit. Hallelujah!

 

In chapter 19, Moses meets with God onMount Sinai.  It is here that God reveals to Moses His plan for the people ofIsraeland the rest of the world (Ex. 19:6).  God desiredIsraelto be “a kingdom of priests and an holy nation”.  His intention was thatIsraelwould be so different from the rest of the world that they would want whatIsraelhad.  God’s plan is still the same!  I Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” God wants us to be so different from the rest of the world that they want what we have!

 

In chapter 19, verse 11 God paints a prophetic picture of the second coming of Christ.  God says, “be ready against the third day: for the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people uponMount Sinai.”  Peter explains in II Peter 3:8 that 1000 years is as one day to God.  It has been about 2000 years (or two days on God’s time clock) since Christ died on the cross.  The third day is upon us, when the Lord will come down in the sight of the whole world (Phil.2:10-11)!

 

Chapters 20 and 21 deal with the Law of Moses, or the Ten Commandments, as we most often refer to them.  We know that the Law is good (I Tim. 1:8-9) because it embodies the character and nature of God’s holiness, but it must be used for the right reasons.  The Law was never intended to provide our salvation, though it does have a very important purpose.  The law was given to reveal to us our sin,(schoolmaster)  so that in humility and contrition, we would cry out to God for the salvation He offers through His Son (Gal.3:19-24)!     

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the ROCK from which water flows – Ex. 17:1-6 (I Cor. 10:4, John4:14)

Through JOSHUA – Ex. 17:9-16

Note: Joshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus, the one who fights for us in battle with our enemies.

 

Through the LAW – Ex. 20:1-17 (Matt.5:17; Heb.4:15; Rom. 10:4)

 

 

TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 14-16

 

OVERVIEW:

Israel’s exodus out ofEgyptand the crossing of theRed Sea; the song of Moses andIsrael; Manna from heaven.   

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As the Passover clearly illustrates the Christian’s salvation through the blood of the Lamb, so the journey ofIsraelfromEgypt(i.e. the world) toCanaan(i.e. victorious Christian life) is a picture of the battles and blessings of the Christian life.  Too many Christians are delivered fromEgypt, but likeIsrael, get lost in the wilderness of unbelief.  That’s not to say they lose their salvation, they just never receive all the inheritance that God has for them. (Losing your salvation is not taught in precept in the New Testament for those who are a part of the body of Christ, and the picture is consistent in the Old Testament. Note that in the picture throughIsraelin Ex. 14:13,Israelnever returned toEgypt!)

 

The crossing of theRed Seais a picture of the believer’s union with Christ (I Cor. 10:1-2). Israelwas “baptized unto Moses” (i.e. identified with Moses who pictures Christ here) as they went through theRed Sea.  We are identified with Christ at our water baptism, which pictures our salvation and separation from the world. But our baptism has nothing to do with our salvation; it is simply an outward action to an inward change.

 

Just as there is a law of gravity to which all are subjected, there is a law of sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-8).  Pharaoh reaped exactly what he had sown.  He had been responsible for drowning many Jewish boys (Ex.1:22); now his army was likewise drowned.  Be very careful what you sow!

 

Moses andIsraelsang a song of deliverance praising God for saving them fromEgypt(Ex. 15).  As believers in Christ, we too, have a new song in our heart the day we get saved (Psalm 40:1-3).          

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As MANNA from heaven – Ex. 16 (John6:31-33)

Note:  Note the similarities of the manna to Christ:

 

1. It was a mystery – (Ex.16:15   i.e. manna = “what is it?”; I Tim. 3:16).
2. It was a gift – (Ex.16:15; Eph. 2:8-9).
3. It was on the ground (accessible to all) – (Ex.16:14–you had to bow, or humble yourself to get the gift; children could get it best; Matt. 18:4).
4. It was small (speaks of Christ’s humility) – (Ex.16:14; Phil. 2:6-8).
5. It was white (speaks of Christ’s sinlessness) – (Ex.16:31; Gen. 3:15; Matt. 1:23).
6. It was sweet like honey – (Ex.16:31, Ps. 119:103).
7. It must be received early – (Ex.16:21; Isa. 55:6; Malachi 4:2; II Thess. 1:7-9). 

TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 10-13

 OVERVIEW:

The last three of the 10 plagues including the death of the firstborn; the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread instituted by God as a memorial feast.   

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

God’s desire in delivering His people up out of the bondage ofEgyptwas to totally separate us as a people unto Himself.  In II Cor. 6:14-18, God lets us know that He wants us to make absolutely no compromises with the world and/or the devil.  It is interesting to note the four compromises Pharaoh (a picture of Satan) offered to Moses and the people ofIsrael(the individual believer in Christ) in the midst of the 10 plagues. They are the same compromises Satan will be seeking to cause you and me to make as we continue our pilgrimage with Christ.

 

1. Worship God, but stay inEgypt(Ex.8:25-27) – God demands complete separation from the world because friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).  Satan doesn’t mind if you are double-minded, but God most certainly does! (II Cor. 6:14-18; James 1:8; 4:8)

 

2. Leave, but don’t go too far away (Ex.8:28) – Satan says, “Sure, do the ‘God thing,’ but you don’t have to be a fanatic.  Give God a place in your heart, but don’t go overboard with it!”  God says, “If I’m God, follow me alone.  If anything else is god, then follow it.  But don’t think that you can do both!” (I Kings18:21).  The fact is you can’t be close to God and close to the world at the same time.  Jesus said it is an impossibility (Matt.6:24)!  He also said it makes Him sick (Rev. 3:5-16)!

 

3. Leave, but allow your children to remain inEgypt. (Ex.10:7-11) Satan will let men think they’re doing well spiritually, if in so doing, he can take captive the next generation.  Men have been called to lead their families to worship God and God alone (I Tim. 3:4-5; Titus 1:6). Our true spirituality will not be evaluated until we see the results of the generation that comes behind us!

 

4. Leave, but keep your possessions inEgypt(Ex.10:24-26) Satan wants you to think that your relationship to God and your relationship to your money and possessions are two different things.  They simply are not!  Jesus said in the Book of Matthew, “You cannot serve God and mammon (money)”, (6:24) and “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (6:21).  If you are thinking that you’re walking in the perfect will of God for your life, but your treasure is inEgypt(the world), you have been duped!

 

In order to avoid the death of the firstborn plague, the people ofIsraelhad to kill a spotless lamb and apply the blood to the doorposts of their house.  When God saw the blood, He passed over that house and did not kill the firstborn.  In the same way, God rejects our first birth and requires that we be “born again” (John 3:3) by the blood of the spotless Lamb of God (1 Peter1:18-19).

 

Note the progression concerning the lamb in Exodus 12:3-5. It is “A lamb,” then “the lamb,” then “your lamb.”  The practical implications are powerful: in order for your sin to be removed, you need “A lamb” (Luke2:11). But, not just any lamb will do!  It must be “THE Lamb” (John4:42).  But in order for your sin to actually be taken away, “THE Lamb” must become “YOUR Lamb”! (John 20:28).

 

Part of the Passover feast is that the lamb was to be eaten.  Too often we forget that we are supposed to feast on the Word of God (John 1:1, 14) and desire it more than our necessary food (Job23:12).

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the LIGHT TO HIS PEOPLE – Ex..10:22-23 (John8:12)

 

The sacrifice of an UNBLEMISHED LAMB with no BROKEN BONES – Ex. 12:5, 46 (I Pet. 1:19; Ps. 34:20; John 19:36)

As the PASSOVER LAMB – Ex.12:3-5 (I Cor. 5:7b; I Peter1:19, John1:29)         

 

TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 5-9

 OVERVIEW:

Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh; the first seven of the 10 plagues.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Seven times God says to Pharaoh, “Let my people go, that they may serve me” (Ex. 5:1;7:16; 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3).  God’s purpose in deliveringIsraelout of the bondage ofEgyptwas for Him, not for them! Likewise, God’s purpose in delivering us out of the bondage ofEgypt(sin/world) was not so we could live comfortable and happy lives.  He saved us for His purposes and pleasure (Eph.2:10, Rev. 4:11).

 

The ten plagues ofEgypthad a fourfold purpose:

1. They were signs toIsrael, assuring them of God’s power and care   (Ex. 7:3, 1 Cor.1:22).
2. They were judgments uponEgyptand it’s ruler Pharaoh for persecutingIsrael.
3. They were prophecies of judgments that will come upon this world and Satan when Moses reappears on this planet during the tribulation period (Rev.16).
4. To show the people of Egypt God’s superiority over their gods.
• The 1st plague of bloody waters was directed against the Egyptian god, Osiris, the god of theNile. (Ex. 7:20)
• The 2nd plague of the frogs was directed against Hekt, the Egyptian frog goddess. (Ex. 8:6)
• The 3rd plague of lice was directed against the Egyptian god, Seb, the earth god. (Ex. 8:17)
• The 4th plague of flies was directed against the Egyptian goddess, Hatkok, the wife of Osiris. (Ex. 8:24)
• The 5th plague of cattle disease was directed against the Egyptian god, Apis, the sacred bull god. (Ex. 9:6)
• The 6th plague of boils was directed against the Egyptian god, Typhon.          (Ex. 9:10)
• The 7th plague, hail with fire, was directed against the Egyptian god Shu, the god of the atmosphere.
• The 8th plague of locusts was directed against Serapia, the god who supposedly protectedEgyptagainst locusts.
• The 9th plague, darkness, was directed against the Egyptian god, Ra, the sun god.
• The 10th plague, the death of the firstborn, was directed against all gods.

           

Notice Pharaoh’s (Satan’s) response to God’s command to let his people go in Exodus 5:1. “Pharaoh said, Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice?” (Ex. 5:2). Keep in mind that the world and Satan have no respect for God’s Word; it is “vain” to them (5:9).  Sinners either yield to God’s Word, or resist it and become hardened (Ex.7:14, Heb.3:13).

 

Note that God says that His purpose in allowing Pharaoh to oppressIsraelwas so that His power and glory might be known to the world (Ex. 6:7; 7:5, 17;8:10, 22).  Today, God desires to reveal His power and glory through His church (Eph.3:10)! That is why God allows us to be oppressed (suffer persecution – II Tim.3:12).  Just as withIsraelit is so that God’s power and glory might be known to the world!  Our response to persecution and suffering will determine whether or not we will fulfill God’s purposes in allowing it (I Peter 2:19-23, Phil. 1:28-29).      

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As the REDEEMER from the bondage of sin – Ex. 6:6 (Rom.6:14; Gal.3:13;I Pet. 1:18-25)

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S READING: EXODUS 1-4

OVERVIEW:

The bondage of the Jews in Egypt; Moses’ birth and early life in Egypt; Moses’ flight into Midian; the burning bush; God commissions Moses and Aaron to deliver Israel; Moses’ return to Egypt.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The word “exodus” means “the way out.” The Book of Exodus is the story ofIsrael’s deliverance from bondage inEgypt. It should be noted as we begin this portion of the Bible, that more column inches are given to the record ofIsrael’s exodus than any other thing in the entire Bible! It is the subject matter, not only of the Book of Exodus, but the Books of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy! Why so much detail about one event? I Corinthians 10:1-11 tells us why. The exodus is not just a PORTION ofIsrael’s history. It is a PORTRAIT of the Christian life! God tells us that we’re given this incredible record ofIsrael’s history, so that the same thing that happened to them doesn’t happen to us! (See I Cor. 10:6, 11) The sad reality is that for most believers, it does!

 

To help you to “develop the pictures” as we make our way throughIsrael’s exodus, keep in mind that:

• EGYPTis a picture of the world and sin that is in opposition to God’s people and seeks to hold them in bondage. (Eph. 2:2)
• PHARAOH is a picture of Satan who exercises his will in taking God’s people captive. (II Tim. 2:26)
• ISRAELis a picture of the individual believer. Please note thatIsraelis not a picture of the church! In Exodus 4:22-23, God plainly declares that “Israelis my son” and commands Moses to tell Pharaoh to “let my son go, that he may serve me.” In the New Testament, God reveals that as individual believers in Christ, we now posses the title, “son of God” (I John 3:2; John1:12; Rom.8:14). Making the proper connection betweenIsraeland the individual believer will keep you from “wrongly dividing the word of truth” (II Tim.2:13), and misapplying God’s Word to your life.
• MOSES is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, the redeemer.
• AMALEK is a picture of the flesh, which constantly wars with our spirits as we seek to walk with Christ (Gal.5:16-17).

 

Keep in mind as you read aboutIsrael’s affliction in today’s reading, that the Jews had gone down toEgyptand lived off the best of the land (Gen. 47:6). This luxury has now turned into sorrow and suffering. It is an inescapable principle of life! Sin promises freedom and happiness, but in the end, only leads to bondage and sorrow. Be constantly on guard against the “deceitfulness of sin”! (Heb.3:13;Rom.7:11; Eph. 4:22)

 

As the Hebrews remained in bondage for 400 years, it seemed as if God was either unaware or unconcerned of their situation. They, no doubt, felt forsaken, and wondered why God had not provided their deliverance. Had they only remembered what God said in Genesis 15:13-16, they would have known that God had already prophesied that the duration of their bondage would be 400 years. During these years when it seemed as if God was doing nothing, He was actually preparing His people (Ex.1), preparing the deliverer (Ex. 2-4), and waiting in mercy by giving the wicked nations of Canaan time to repent (Gen. 15:16). When you feel that God is unaware or unconcerned about your circumstances, remember that God is constantly at work in your life for your good and His glory (Rom.8:28-29), even when you can’t see it with your physical eyes!

At 40 years of age, Moses determined that it was time to accomplish the mission for which He had been called: to deliverIsrael. There was only one problem, however. It wasn’t God’s time! Exodus2:12says that Moses “looked this way and that.” Moses wanted to do what God said, but he was walking by sight and not by faith (II Cor. 5:7). God had 40 years of training ahead for Moses in the land of Midian serving as a shepherd for his father-in-law’s flock, before he would be prepared for the difficult task that lie ahead in leading God’s flock.

You also see that when Moses “looked this way and that way” that he thought know one was looking. But there was some watching him the whole time that he was committing his sin. WHO IS WATCHING YOU?

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through MOSES as SHEPHERD and DELIVERER – Ex. 3:1, 11 (John10:11-14; Heb.13:20; I Pet. 5:4; Rom.11:26; Titus2:14)

Note: Moses is one of the most perfect types of Christ in the Bible. Moses himself makes this declaration in Deut. 18:15.

As the Great I AM – Ex. 3:13-14 (John8:58; Heb. 13:8)

TODAY’S READING: GENESIS 46-50

OVERVIEW:

Jacob’s vision atBeersheba; the journey toEgypt; Joseph and the famine; the best land given to Jacob; Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons; Jacob’s prophecies upon his sons; the deaths of Jacob and Joseph.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In today’s reading, Jacob begins the journey towardEgyptto be reunited with his beloved son, Joseph.  AtBeersheba, God spoke to Jacob in a vision of the night, assuring him that it was his will that he go toEgypt, and that though he would die there, God would eventually return His people to the Promised Land.  As has been already noted, God is consistently hammering the point thatEgyptis a downward move, and one must be brought up out ofEgypt(Gen. 46:4). Egyptis a picture sin and the world.

 

When Jacob is reunited with Joseph, it has been 22 long years, with an incredible amount of “water that has passed under the bridge.”  Joseph is now 39, and Jacob is 130. 

 

Joseph introduces his father to the Pharoah and he grants Jacob the best part ofEgyptfor his family to settle in, an area calledGoshen.

 

After 17 years inEgypt, Jacob realizes that he was close to death.  He has one major thing that he makes Joseph promise him: “Bury me not, I pray thee, inEgypt.” (47:29-31).

 

Chapter 48 records Jacob’s (Israel’s) last blessing. Joseph brings his two sons before his father, and he adopts them as his own sons and assures them of an equal inheritance. A strange thing happens asIsraelbestows the blessing upon his sons.  As Joseph brings his two sons before his father, Manasseh is brought toward Jacob’s right hand, and Ephraim is brought toward his left hand. As Jacob reaches out to impart the blessing, he crosses his hands, giving the firstborn blessing of his right hand to Ephraim, the younger son.  Though Joseph objected,Israelexplained that God was once again going to bestow the firstborn blessing upon the younger son.

 

What is the meaning of this bizarre story?  It is all an incredible picture!  The Bible refers to Christ as the “firstborn among many brethren,” who is “seated at the Father’s right hand.”  When we came before the Father, and asked Him to bestow the blessing of eternal life upon us, God the Father crossed His hands.  Since He only has one gift of eternal life, and that life is in His Son (I John 5:11-12), God took His right hand and placed it on us, and took His left hand and placed it on His Son.  He gets our sin; we get His righteousness (II Cor.5:20).  He dies our death; we get His life (Rom.5:10).  He gets our curse; we get the firstborn blessing (Gal.3:13-14).

 

The scene in chapter 50 as the dying Jacob calls his sons into his bedroom is not only incredibly prophetic (Gen. 49:1 – “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days”), it is also an incredible picture!  It is an extremely graphic and detailed picture of the Judgment Seat of Christ! (II Cor. 5:10-11) If you would like to know more about this passages in reference to the Judgment Seat, please get a copy the cd called “The Preview” that I preached 3-4-07 in the series of the “Judgment Seat of Christ”

 

As Joseph comes to the end of his life in Genesis 50, he has the same passion as did his father before him, manifest through one major request. He wanted to be certain that his bones did not remain inEgypt!  Like his father, he wanted to be buried inCanaan.  Why?  BecauseCanaanwas thelandofPromise.  Jacob and Joseph both realized, that though they were inEgypt(the world), they were not ofEgypt(the world)! (John 17:11-16) Joseph’s request was not forgotten; 400 years they were not ofEgypt(the world)! (John 17:11-16) Joseph’s request was not forgotten; 400 years later, as the children ofIsraelset out forCanaan, Exodus13:19says that they took Joseph’s bones with them. We also have the promise of God that He will not allow our bones to remain inEgypt(I Thess4:11-17)!

 

Genesis begins with a man in a Garden and ends with a man in a coffin. It begins with life and ends with death.  God says, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom.6:23) and “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James1:15).

 

As we conclude the Book of Genesis today, here is a simple way to remember the content of this vitally important Book. The Book of Genesis is comprised of:

 

FOUR KEY EVENTS (Genesis 1-11)

1. Creation (1-2)
2. The Fall (3-5)
3. The Flood (6-9)
4. TheTowerofBabel(10-11)

 

FOUR KEY MEN (Genesis 12-50)

1. Abraham (12:1-25:8)
2. Isaac (21:1-35:29)
3. Jacob (25:21-50:14)
4. Joseph (30:22-50:26)

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through JOSEPH, WHO SUSTAINED LIFE AND OFFERED PROVISION FROM HIS POSITION ON THE THRONE – Gen. 47:15-17 (John6:33)

 

AsSHILOH, THE ONE WHO HOLDS THE SCEPTRE FROM THE TRIBE OF JUDAH – Gen. 49:10 (Luke3:23-33)

 

TODAY’S READING: GENESIS 42-45

 OVERVIEW:

Joseph’s brothers buy corn and bow down to him; Simeon is detained and Benjamin is summoned; Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt for food; Judah offers to take the place of Benjamin; Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As God spotlights the life of Joseph in these final chapters of the Book of Genesis, it is interesting how God introduces to us the life principle that “what goes around comes around” or, to state it in biblical terms, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”  Ironically, Jacob, who willfully deceived his father by the skins of “the kids of the goats” (Gen. 27:16), is deceived by his sons in a similar manner in chapter 37:31-33.

 

The principle is often fleshed out in Scripture.  For example, Pharoah, who called for the destruction of God’s people by the waters of theRed Sea(Ex.14:15) saw his own people drowned by the waters of theRed Sea(Ex.14:28).  Korah, who caused a division among God’s people (Num. 16:1-3) was swallowed alive by a division in the ground (Num.16:31-32).  Haman, who built the gallows upon which to hang a godly Hebrew (Esther5:14), was hanged from those very gallows (Est.7:10).  Because of this biblical principle, as adverse situations unfold in our lives, it is always a good practice to step back and ask ourselves, “Is this happening in my life because I am reaping according to what I’ve sown?” God may be trying to reveal to us how it is that we need to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (II Cor. 7:1).

 

The whole story of Joseph’s dealings with his brothers in this section foreshadows that coming day in another time of tribulation (Rev. 6:5-8) when the remnant of Israel will confess its guilt in connection with the death of the Messiah and will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son (Zech. 12:10).

 

As the brothers make their second trip back to Joseph, you can begin to detect a change of heart:

 

• Judah, who so ruthlessly sold Joseph for profit with no concern for his father’s heartbreak in chapter 37, pours out his heart in intercession before Joseph in chapter 44, offering himself as a slave to spare his father the doubly-painful sorrow of losing Benjamin. Judahmoved from selling his brother into slavery, to being willing to become a slave in his brother’s behalf.

 

• The brother’s willingness to return the money.

 

• And, the confession of the truth to Joseph’s steward.

 

Though these were positive signs of their change of heart, they were also evidence that they were making some horrendous mistakes.  Such as, taking Joseph a present, and confessing their sins to Joseph’s servant rather than to Joseph himself.  This mistake has been made by lost sinners throughout the history of the church.  God works in the life of the sinner to bring him to the end of himself, and to God Himself, but many seek to win their salvation by what they bring to God, or by confessing their sin to a man rather than to God Himself. Or, likeJudah, by making some sort of sacrifice. Salvation would be graciously offered to Joseph’s brothers upon simple confession and repentance.  Likewise, salvation in Christ is graciously offered to sinful men upon simple confession and repentance (Rom.10:9-13; Acts17:30).  

 

Notice in 45:13, Joseph, the incredible type of Christ, tells his brothers, “… tell my Father of all my glory.”  John13:31teaches those of us who are Christ’s brothers (Heb.2:11), that God is glorified as we glorify His Son!  Tell the Father today of all of Christ’s glory!

 

Philippians 2:9-11 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through JOSEPH’S DEALINGS WITH HIS BROTHERS – Gen. 45:4-15 (Heb.2:11; Rom. 5:8)

 

Through JOSEPH’S SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE AFFAIRS OF LIFE – Gen. 45:5-8 (Eph.1:17, 20-22)

 

TODAY’S READING: GENESIS 37-41

OVERVIEW:

Joseph’s dreams; Joseph sold into slavery; the enticement and lies of Potiphar’s wife; the imprisonment of Joseph; Joseph interprets Pharoah’s dreams; Joseph is made a ruler ofEgypt.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The narrative in this section dealing with the life of Joseph is very interesting reading, completely self-explanatory; and the applications to the believers’ life are abundantly clear.

 By “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (I Cor.2:10, 13), however, this section reveals that

Joseph is the most comprehensive type of Christ in the entire Bible! Consider these amazing “coincidences” (similarities) in the life of Joseph and Jesus.

1. Both were beloved by their fathers (Gen. 37:3; Matthew3:17).
2. Both regarded themselves as shepherds (Gen. 37:2; Jn.10:11-14).
3. Both were sent to their brethren by their fathers (Gen. 37:13, 14; Lk.20:13; Jn.3:17;  Heb. 10:7).
4. Both were hated by their brethren without cause (37:4, 5; Jn.1:11; 7:5;15:25).
5. Both were plotted against by their brethren (Gen. 37:20; Jn.11:53).
6. Both were severely tempted (Gen. 39:7; Mt. 4:1).
7. Both were taken toEgypt(Gen. 37:36; Mt.2:14, 15).
8. Both were stripped of their robes (Gen. 37:23; Jn.19:23, 24).
9. Both were sold for the price of a slave (Gen. 37:28; Mt. 26:15).
10. Both were bound (Gen. 39:20; Mt. 27:2).
11. Both remained silent and offered no defense (Gen. 39:20; Isa. 53:7).
12. Both were falsely accused (Gen. 39:16-18; Mt. 26:59, 60).
13. Both experienced God’s presence through everything (Gen. 39:2, 21, 23; Jn.16:32).
14. Both were respected by their jailors (Gen. 39:21; Lk.23:47).
15. Both were placed with two prisoners, one of which was later lost, and the other saved (Gen. 40:2, 3, 21, 22; Lk.23:32, 39-43).
16. Both were around thirty when their ministry began (Gen. 41:46; Lk.3:23).
17. Both were highly exalted after their sufferings (Gen. 41:41; Phil 2:9-11).
18. Both took Gentile brides (Gen. 41:45; Eph.2:11-13).
19. Both were lost to their brothers for awhile (Gen. 42:7,8; Rom. 10:1-3; 11:7,8)
20. Both forgave and restored their repentant brothers (Gen. 45:1-15; Micah 7:18, 19;    Zech. 12:10-12; Rev. 1:7).
21. Both were visited and honored by all earthly nations (Gen. 41:57; Isa. 2:2,3; 49:6).

 CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In JOSEPH – (see connections made under HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS)

By the WISDOM OF JOSEPH – Gen. 41:39 (Col. 2:2-3)

TODAY’S READING: GENESIS 32-36

OVERVIEW:

Jacob gets word that Esau is ensuing; Jacob wrestles with the Angel of God; Jacob’s name is changed to Israel; the peaceful reunion between Jacob and Esau; Dinah, Jacob and Leah’s daughter is raped; the revenge carried out by Simeon and Levi; Jacob’s return to Bethel; God reaffirms the Abrahamic Covenant with Jacob.

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

When we left Jacob in chapter 31 in yesterday’s reading, he had finally rid himself of his adversary, Laban. As chapter 32 begins, he has to concern himself with an even greater adversary, his own brother, Esau, who had threatened to take his life 20 years earlier.

 

But before he can be reconciled with his brother, he first needed to be reconciled with his God.

Notice in 32:24 that “Jacob was left alone.” When true salvation comes in a person’s life, they must meet with God alone. God has placed people in our lives to lead us to Christ, but we must meet him alone. That night Jacob wrestled all night with the “man” who is the “angel” of Jehovah in the Old Testament, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a picture of conviction. There must be a drawing to God (John 6:44) through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (John 16:8)

 

God brought Jacob to this place of aloneness because He wanted to break him. God wanted Jacob to cry “uncle,” as it were, or in the words, of Galatians2:20, “Not I, but Christ.” The key was in getting Jacob to face who and what he really was.

 

God asked Jacob his name, not because God didn’t know it, but so Jacob  would have to say, “I am Jacob.” Or in other words, “I am a schemer, a deceiver, and a liar.” Once Jacob admits his name,(confesses he is a sinner) God graciously changes his name! Jacob (“supplanter”), becomes Israel (“Prince of God”), signifying one who has “power with God and men.” Verse 31 indicates that God had given Jacob the dawn of a new day. He not only had a new name, but a new walk. For the rest of Jacob’s life, he would walk with a limp. All of those in Christ Jesus are new creatures and they must walk different for the rest of their days.

 

Interestingly though, as chapter 33 begins, he is not living up to his new name and his new position with God. He is called “Jacob,” not “Israel,” and he “lifted up his eyes.” (ie. He is walking by sight, not by faith.) He is a graphic picture of believers in Christ who are given a new name (Acts11:26; Rev. 3:12) and a new position (Phil3:15; Eph. 1:4), yet don’t live up to who they are “in Christ.” Chapter 33 finds Jacob continuing his scheming, his lying, and his disobedience. Though he has the mark of God on his life, he is walking like the man he used to be before his life-changing encounter with God.

 

Ephesians 4:22-23 says, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

 

Keep in mind as we are reading of Jacob’s “journeys,” that back in chapter 31:13, God had called Jacob to return toBethel. As he journeyed towardBethel, the place of his vision and his vow, he discovered the beautiful valleys and opportunities for financial gain near Shechem (33:18). Jacob ended up staying there for 10 years (!), until his precious 14 year old daughter was raped by the king of Shechem’s son. As an old song says,

Sin will take you farther than you want to go,

Slowly, but wholly, taking control.

Sin will leave you longer than you want to stay.

Sin will cost you far more than you want to pay.

 

Unbelievably, even after the crime committed upon his daughter, and then the crime committed by his two sons in murdering in cold blood every single Shechemite male in revenge for their sister, Jacob’s only concern still seems to be only himself! Notice in verse 30 that Jacob’s response includes eight first-person pronouns in one measly sentence! (me, me, I, me, me, I, I, my).

 

In chapter 35, God again reminds Jacob of his previous instruction to return toBethel(31:11-13).

Sadly, Jacob had been living in Shechem for 10 years, whenBethelwas only 30 miles away! It serves as a great reminder to us that it is easy to be moving in the right direction spiritually, and yet fall far short of full surrender (Heb. 4:1,9,11).

 

In chapter 35, Jacob leads his family back toBethel, where God reaffirms to him the Abrahamic Covenant, and the fact that He had changed his name. Praise God for His unbelievable mercy and grace!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In BENJAMIN – Gen. 35:16-19

Notice in this first mention of “Bethlehem” in the Bible, that a mother is told, “Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.” And she gives birth in the city ofBethlehem, to one to whom the father calls “the son of my right hand.” Centuries later, another mother is told, “Fear not…thou shalt… bring forth a son.” (Luke 1:30-31). And she gives birth in the city of Bethlehem (Luke 2:4,7) to the One God the Father calls “the Son of My right hand” (Eph. 1:20; Heb. 1:3,13: 8:1;10:12; 12:2).