One New Man Bible
- Joseph in charge
- Joseph is put in charge of the land of Egypt
- For seven years, the land enjoys plenty in its harvest
- Then the seven lean years begin
- People from all over the earth come for food – Genesis 41: 57
- This is symbolic of the world today
- The world is coming to Messiah (Joseph), but his own family is estranged
- The fullness of the Gentiles must come in (someone from every tribe and nation) until then there is a partial blindness on the Jewish people – Romans 11: 25
- In a way, Joseph has become the ruler of the whole earth.
- Joseph’s brothers come to him – Genesis 42: 8
- When they came they did not recognize Joseph nor did he reveal himself to them.
- Joseph represents the suffering Messiah and he is suffering to save his family
- He does not reveal himself so that he could test their hearts in the area of repentance.
- Don’t understand this hiding – Romans 11: 31-36
- IMPORTANT: Just because the brothers did not recognize Joseph, he recognized them.
He is not going to repay evil for evil, but move in mercy and grace toward them.
- The Trial
- We never understand trials when we are in them but we can see some characteristics of the Messiah while we are in them
- Tossed into prison for three days – Genesis 42: 17
- This could be thought of as revenge for three days in the cistern
- Or it could mean that there is an end to every trial – Hosea 6: 2
- This caused them to anguish for their actions after 20 years – Genesis 42: 21
- Joseph understood his brothers even though they did not understand him because he used an interpreter – Genesis 42: 23
- At their remorse, Joseph was moved to tears – Genesis 42: 24
- Provision for the family – Genesis 42: 25
- Even if we do not see Messiah, we can know he is providing for us
- When they were not in relationship with Joseph they languished in the famine – Genesis 43: 1
- Famine for the word of God – Amos 8: 10-11
- Prophetic voice was silenced
- Scribes believe Jacob also lost his prophetic voice. He did not see that his son was alive through the stories of his sons return from Egypt
- They return and feast with Joseph – Genesis 43: 34
- Enjoying the presence without relationship
- We enjoy the benefits of Jesus without wanting him
- The Revelation
- Through a series of events, Joseph and his brothers come to the end of themselves
- Judah approaches Joseph on behalf of his brother Benjamin – Genesis 44: 18
- This is a precursor to the two tribes who will be split someday – Israel (Joseph) and Judah (David)
- Judah offers himself on behalf of his brother – Genesis 44: 33, 34
- Jesus offers Himself on behalf of his Jewish brethren
- Joseph clears the room and through tears reveals Himself to His brothers – Genesis 45: 1
- No intercessor needed as the family is reunited
- All Israel will be saved – Romans 11: 25, 26
- Joseph cried so Pharaoh heard him – Genesis 45: 2
- Jesus cried many times revealing himself to his people
- Moved with compassion – Matthew 9: 36
- Told his disciples I feel compassion for these people – Mark 8: 2
- Felt compassion for the blind – Matthew 20: 34
- For a weeping woman – Luke 7: 13
- Wept over Jerusalem – Luke 19:41
- Jesus eager to heal the wounds and right the wrongs.
- I am Joseph, your brother – Genesis 45: 3
- In a few moments the last 22 years of anguish fell into perspective
- Call to the brothers to come closer – Genesis 45: 4
- The brothers rejection of Joseph, meant salvation for the world – Genesis 45: 5
- In the end, God sent Joseph to Egypt – Genesis 45: 8
- Jacob does not believe Joseph is alive – Genesis 45: 26, 27
- Name changes to Israel when he believes – Genesis 45: 28
- No intercessor needed as the family is reunited
- Sin that breaks God’s heart
- Now Jacob is dead and you will punish us – Genesis 50: 15
- Forgive us for sins that you have already forgiven us for – Genesis 50: 17
- Do not be afraid for I am with you vs – Genesis 50: 21
- God does not always use our words against us