Page 19 - Living Light 90

Monday September 15 - Living like Jesus
“Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?... discerning
and wise... you shall be over my house and people...” Genesis 41:38-40
Since leaving Canaan 13 years earlier Joseph had been betrayed, enslaved, falsely accused, imprisoned and forgotten. Instead of becoming bitter he allowed the Holy Spirit to use these painful experiences to shape his character as he continued to trust God, speak truth and do what was right.
Theologians identify Joseph as a ‘type’ or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, pointing out many similarities between them. Both began public ministry aged 30, were rejected and unrecognised by their own people, betrayed for silver and falsely accused. Both fed the multitudes, and having suffered greatly were exalted to sit at the right hand of the Ruler. Hebrews 5:8-9 says of Jesus, ‘Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation...’ Jesus ‘learning obedience’ was not about stopping being disobedient, but steadfastly continuing to obey, whatever horrors the devil threw at him. He did not turn back but completed his Father’s commission even to the cross, enduring to the end. Centuries earlier, Joseph, being human, was not perfect, but he also served God’s purposes.
Paul encourages us to follow this example of obeying God: ‘The one who sows to please the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up’ (Galatians 6:8-9).
Lord, help me to live according to your holy ways, to honour you and be a blessing in your kingdom. Amen.
Tues September 16 - A new life and godly purpose Pharaoh took his signet ring and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him
in fine linen and put a gold chain round his neck. Genesis 41:42
At Pharaoh’s command Joseph now receives a new identity. The despised slave becomes a respected leader; powerlessness is exchanged for authority; rags are replaced by beautiful robes, and shackles are traded for a golden chain of office. He is appointed Prime Minister, renamed Zaphenath-Paneah (which some say means ‘He who explains hidden things’) and given a highborn wife. When his two sons are born, he names the first Manasseh, “because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household”, and the second Ephraim “because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”
However, instead of forgetting his father’s household Joseph will eventually be instrumental in saving them, through life-saving actions resulting from this blessing of fruitfulness. God will persist in upholding his ancient covenant with Abraham, Joseph’s ancestor: “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed” (Genesis 26:4).
Centuries passed and God’s chosen people somehow survived until this promise was fulfilled through Jesus, who came to save not just Israel but everyone who calls on his name. He too was condemned like a slave but in due time gloriously rose from the grave to sit ‘at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven’ (Hebrews 8:1).
Thank you, Father, that because of your eternal plan of salvation I too have a new identity, as your beloved child. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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