Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Joseph: Genesis 41:41-57 "A Microcosm of Christianity"

Read Genesis 41:41-57.

"He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command and men shouted before him, 'Make way!'" NIV
The parallels between Joseph's life at this point and the Christian life are amazing. I've never really seen them before.

First of all, Joseph had been in prison, destitute. Although on the surface, Joseph was unjustly imprisoned, in reality, his prison experience could have been a result of is pride. His pride needed to be eradicated from his DNA. In the same way, our sin places us in a prison of our own making. We desperately need someone to rescue us from the sin and punishment we have brought upon ourselves.

When Joseph is taken out of the dungeon, the king (Pharaoh) gives him a place of honor second only to himself. He has rule over the land to do Pharaoh's business. God has likewise given us His Holy Spirit. With the power of the Holy Spirit working through us, we are unstoppable. Unfortunately, too many times, Christians never tap into that power that God has so freely given us. Whether through timidity, weakness, or doubt, we too often abdicate the authority we have been given and let the enemy have his hand. If we'd only see the power at our fingertips, we could rule the land.

Our land is in a famine -- a spiritual one. And if we'd simply reveal to the world the abundance that we have to share, they'd come flocking to the believers for a share of the Truth. God desires to bless in tremendous ways His children, we simply must be shining in the glory of His Truth through our love for others so people can find the beacon of rescue when they realize their need.

Further Thoughts:
  1. Are there other parallels you see? 
  2. What do we learn about Joseph based on the names he gave his sons?
  3. Have you accepted the power of the Holy Spirit that God has promised us? If not, why?
  4. What New Testament Scripture supports the fact that the Holy Spirit empowers the believer?

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