Preparation

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Genesis 45:7-8: [Joseph is continuing to say,] "God sent me ahead of you to preserve you on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now, it is not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me an adviser to Pharaoh, lord over all household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt."

What Was Happening:
Imagine a famine all over the region that was two years into a seven year cycle. People, if they were not prepared, would die. We have Joseph, son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery by 10 of his brothers, is not the ruler of Egypt. The only official above Joseph was the Pharaoh. Joseph has finally revealed himself, for the brothers did not recognize Joseph, to his brothers.

As you recall the events of Joseph's life, Pharaoh had a dream that no one could interpret. Only Joseph could. The dream was interpreted as seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Only Joseph interpreted the dream and was given the leadership to save the people from certain starvation.

And now Jacob and his family, the foundational family of the "State of Israel," were to be included in the salvation of nations.

All the heartache, guilt, and struggles that both Joseph and his brothers faced were now coming to fruition. As painful as their lives were sometimes, it was all for preparing a nation for its' greatness. It was preparation a people for salvation.

More than Food:
Joseph was setting up his family with more than a place to live with food a plenty. Joseph was setting up his descendants for growth and rescue. Joseph was setting up the nation of Israel for more than the Ten Commandments. He was setting them up for the arrival of their Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Here is an interesting "tidbit of Biblical trivia." The name, Joseph, means "He will add." Through Joseph, God added salvation and life to the nation of Israel AND the entire world. Because of Joseph preparing the way for rescue, we have Jesus' rescue OF US from sin, death, hell, and the influence of Satan.

And the kicker is, God laid the foundation and prepared everyone for it. By God allowing Joseph's brothers to sell Joseph into slavery, we have freedom from sin.

Preparation:
God did it all. He is preparing you for salvation. You may not realize now why certain things are happening in your life. Some are bad. Some are good. Yet no matter what situations you find yourself in, it is all part of God's plan to lead you on the road of salvation. God the Father is leading you to God the Son, Jesus, by means of the work of God the Holy Spirit. He is leading you to Jesus Christ, the one who forgave your sins and cleansed you from all unrighteousness. 

How has God prepared the way of salvation for you? What situations have led you to Jesus and His death and resurrection? Let's discuss it. Please let's share some experiences together.

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