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?
   

Matthew 19:16-30 "Wealth and Humility"

Read Matthew 19:16-30.

"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." NIV

I don't believe it is a coincidence that in the three gospels that sight this passage, all three follow the "little children" passage. Jesus has just said that the "kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" -- little children. Now a rich young man wants to know how to enter heaven but doesn't like the cost. He has built up a position of wealth and leadership that have become too valuable to him to let go of. He has chosen earth's temporary over heaven's eternal for a few pieces of gold and a little power.

The glitter of this world is an overwhelming enticement for so many -- especially in the U.S. We place such a high value on possessions and positions that we lose perspective on what is right and wrong. We, as a society, will lie, steal, and cheat to keep what we have and to gain more. Jesus is saying that the distance from this point to a submissive, humble heart is very difficult to achieve. We must surrender these man-made things for the humility that He desires. Possessions and power give us a false sense of control and autonomy when God wants us to be completely dependent on Him.

Does this mean we are all to be poor to enter the kingdom? No, but we mustn't rely on our wealth. Jesus does say that "with God all things are possible." Children depend on their parents to supply all their needs. In the same way God wants us to be dependent on Him not on the wealth we can accumulate.

When the "renewal of all things" happens, where do I want to be found -- surrounded by my external mounds of wealth or filled with the wealth of the ages through Jesus Christ?

Further Thoughts:

1. What was Job's priority when it came to wealth and possession? How was He rewarded?
2. In a concordance, look up the words, "possessions" and "wealth." What other passages do you find and what do you learn from them?
3. Sit down and honestly ask yourself this question, What would I do if I lost all my possessions and power today? Who would I be in such a stripped-down position? Would I become more dependent on God or would I become bitter and curse Him?
4. How can we be more dependent on God and less dependent on our things, money, and power?

Ephesians 1:19-23

"...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." NIV

Look at that first line....."his incomparably great power for us who believe." That is an amazing gift and how often do I not even believe that God would give me of His power. At least my actions and attitudes don't show it. Then to make the incredulity go even deeper, Paul goes on to describe God's power that he showed through Jesus Christ. Just think -- the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. The same power that placed Jesus at God's right hand and gave him authority over all, is at work in and through me. The same power that places Christ as head of the church, gives me, a simple believer, power. The same power that made Christ one "who fills everything in every way," fills my life every day. Do I believe this? If I do, then why am I not living by this power all the time. Am I only going to "tap into it" when I'm on a spiritual high after a great church worship service, or after witnessing a miracle of healing, or after a wonderful prayer time? I should be walking every moment of every day in this power. I should never be living a life of defeat, discouragement, fear, or ineffectiveness. I just need to have my "eyes enlightened" (Eph. 1:18) to remember. The darkness will try to hide this amazing truth from me. Thank you, Lord, for your Word that keeps me focused on Truth. Holy Spirit, guide me to walk in the strength of Christ's power each and every day.

Further Thoughts:

1. Using a concordance, look up Old Testament instances of God giving His power to man. Some accounts don't use the word "power," but it is clear that God's power is present. (See especially 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Chronicles 32:7-8; Isaiah 63:11-13, read about Moses, Noah, David, Joseph)
2. What power did Jesus give the disciples? (Read Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:18-20, Luke 24:49)
3. Look up the Scriptures in Acts that speak to the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us.
4. How will I live my life differently this week because I am aware of the power Christ gives me through His Spirit?