Joseph

View daily reading plan: Genesis 37.1-2; Hebrews 11.22

The major part of the book of Genesis tells the story of the four characters whom we call The Patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Of them all, Joseph emerges as the one whose life has fewest flaws; he is a noble example of devotion, integrity and morality.
 
Is there any profit in studying the life of Joseph? Well, the New Testament advances at least two reasons for the writing of the Old Testament Scriptures. The Lord Jesus said that they pointed forward to Him (Jn 5.39), and Paul tells us that they were written “for our learning” (Rom 15.4). We can detect both of these features in the life of Joseph. There are clear parallels between his life and the life of Christ so he certainly illustrates the Saviour. Mr William MacDonald entitled his book about Joseph, “Joseph reminds me of Jesus”. Again, his virtuous life is undoubtedly recorded “for our learning”, a model for us all as we live for Christ.
 
Joseph features among the heroes of faith in Hebrews ch.11. He accepted God’s promise to Abraham that his people would escape the tyranny of Egypt, so he “gave commandment concerning his bones” (Heb 11.22). “Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence” (Gen 50.25). This man took God at His word; let us be like him and by faith simply take hold of the promises of God and be in the full enjoyment of them.

Tuesday, 23 January, 2024