DAY 14 Read Genesis 41 and 42
Today's reading continues the story of Joseph--his exaltation from a forsaken prisoner to the position to the position of prime minister of Egypt.
Memory gem: "And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38).
Thought for today:
Now we take another step in the story of Joseph. We see him before Pharaoh, where he was exalted as a ruler of Egypt. First, his exaltation revealed God's purpose for Egypt. Second, it manifested God's righteousness in bringing Joseph out of prison. Third, it established his position--next to Pharaoh.
Last of all, we notice Joseph's office. Why was he exalted? What was the purpose for it? It was not for his own sake, but that he might be a channel of blessing to the world. So with our Saviour. He was exalted that He might be a Prince and a Saviour (see Acts 5:31). Joseph was exalted that he might provide food in time of famine, and all who came to him received what they needed. Some authorities say that his Egyptian name, Zaphnath Paaneah, may be interpreted "the bread of life." Our Lord was the Bread of Life" (see John 10:10).
There is quite a difference here, however, between Joseph and Jesus. The people who came to Joseph had to bring money to buy bread, but we may receive the Bread of Life "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1).
There was one sole condition of blessing during the years of famine in Egypt--just one--and that was unconditional submission to Joseph.
Friend, in things spiritual, this is the one and only requirement--unconditional, unquestioning, unwavering surrender, submission, and trust in Christ. When we come to Him in this way, all our spiritual needs are provided for and our hopes at last realized.
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Difficult or obscure words:
Genesis 41:49. "Corn"--an old English expression for any kind of grain. This word in the Bible never means what Americans call "corn," the New World Indian corn.
Today's reading continues the story of Joseph--his exaltation from a forsaken prisoner to the position to the position of prime minister of Egypt.
Memory gem: "And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" (Genesis 41:38).
Thought for today:
Now we take another step in the story of Joseph. We see him before Pharaoh, where he was exalted as a ruler of Egypt. First, his exaltation revealed God's purpose for Egypt. Second, it manifested God's righteousness in bringing Joseph out of prison. Third, it established his position--next to Pharaoh.
Last of all, we notice Joseph's office. Why was he exalted? What was the purpose for it? It was not for his own sake, but that he might be a channel of blessing to the world. So with our Saviour. He was exalted that He might be a Prince and a Saviour (see Acts 5:31). Joseph was exalted that he might provide food in time of famine, and all who came to him received what they needed. Some authorities say that his Egyptian name, Zaphnath Paaneah, may be interpreted "the bread of life." Our Lord was the Bread of Life" (see John 10:10).
There is quite a difference here, however, between Joseph and Jesus. The people who came to Joseph had to bring money to buy bread, but we may receive the Bread of Life "without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1).
There was one sole condition of blessing during the years of famine in Egypt--just one--and that was unconditional submission to Joseph.
Friend, in things spiritual, this is the one and only requirement--unconditional, unquestioning, unwavering surrender, submission, and trust in Christ. When we come to Him in this way, all our spiritual needs are provided for and our hopes at last realized.
----------------
Difficult or obscure words:
Genesis 41:49. "Corn"--an old English expression for any kind of grain. This word in the Bible never means what Americans call "corn," the New World Indian corn.
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