9 April 2008
The Joseph Factor
I’m in the later chapters of Genesis right now in my Quiet Time. It’s all about the life of Joseph (definitely one of my very favorite biblical personalities).
He’s actually a ‘type of Christ’ and the similarities with him and Jesus are perhaps more vivid than with any other Old Testament person.
Think about it:
- He was despised among his own,
- Accused without cause.
- Highly exalted after being condemned,
- Found favor with both God and man,
- Declared to be above all others in wisdom,
- The Spirit of God was manifest in him.
- Told of future events on earth.
- Placed over the house of the supreme ruler,
- Given all authority,
- Dressed in fine linen with gold accents,
- Every knee bowed before him
And these are only some of the similarities between Joseph and Jesus. How flat out awesome is this fore-shadowing of the coming Messiah?! Here are some more—I can’t help it!
- He began his earthly ministry at age 30.
- He brought forth fruit and a harvest in the land of famine and affliction.
- He fed the multitudes.
- Even while he was estranged from his own people, he was a blessing to the whole earth!
Through the life of Joseph we actually learn more about Jesus.
How cool is that?
But there is one major difference…
Jesus was and is perfect.
Just some thoughts.
2 Comments currently posted.
Elizabeth says:
Teresa says:
I have learned throughout my years, that our God is always on time. He is never late nor early, but right on time. Another example of this is the series “One Month To Live” that is being taught right now. I have been searching for answers of what God’s plan is for my life. I have said repeatedly that “I don’t want to wait until I get to heaven to find out what I was suppose to be here on Earth”. God has been so awesomely good to our family. God answers above our highest thoughts and dreams. My spirit has a new excitement, a new vigor to find out what’s next on God’s agenda for me. You know what, if there was no heaven, I would still serve Jesus. My desire everyday for me, my family and every Christian is to fall in love with Jesus more and more everyday. To know Him. To Bless Him. To Listen To Him. I love one of the sayings in the One Month To Live book “Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, BUT by the moments that take our breath away”. I have had the privilege of breath taking moments provided by our awesome God and I look forward to many more! God is so GOOD!
Pastor Rob - In the short time we have been going to Southbrook, your love for God is very evident and teaching style very effective. One of your statements that really rang out to me was “I have an audience of One and that is Jesus Christ”.
God’s blessings and prosperity on you and your family always and Southbrook Community Church family.
Hi Rob, Just a few thoughts of my own this morning. I have often wondered what it would be like to be totally sinless and blameless yet still be condemed. I mean we (people) are condemed almost everyday because we are not perfect and cannot please everyone all the time. But here was a man who offered himself in the place of us and they condemed him to death.
Today is my birthday and I almost had a horrific accident yesterday with a train. As I stopped and tried to look both ways (vision was blocked by a fence with alot of over growth) I started to proceed across the tracks when I heard the bells going off and a loud horn blow. I looked to my right and there was a train. I was driving a city bus with about 40 people on board and I started to panic, is this my day to meet God?? went screaming through my head. I gunned the engine and safely made it across the tracks but shaken none the less. I stopped for a moment and said a little prayer of thanks as other people were yelling at me for being so careless.
I am so glad to know such an awesome God and I am extremely grateful for having such a wonderful Church family and Leaders who taught me there is a God who Loves me Imperfections and all..
Thank You
Elizabeth