BreadOfLife

“Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe; That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe; Lord give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come, We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home. “ – TLH #396:1, 6

Joseph said his bones were not to remain in Egypt, but were to be taken to Canaan. In faith, he was giving testimony that the Lord would certainly bring His chosen people back to the Promise Land. Similarly, at Christian funerals we say we are confident the remains of our Christian loved one will one day be raised, and that he will certainly be taken to that better Promised Land.

We conclude the month with a few readings from Hebrews. Hebrews provides good insight into the lives we’ve read about in the book of Genesis. The key word is faith. Though far from perfect, believers like Noah, Abraham, and Jacob lived their lives with God-given faith, looking ahead to the coming of Christ, as well as inhabiting the city whose builder and maker is God.

Satan likes to haunt our minds with sins from even way back in our past. Joseph is saddened when his brothers wonder if he has truly forgiven them for their past misdeeds. The only solution? Take your guilt to the cross, where Jesus has already paid for all of it. Even guilt for which we have already received forgiveness needs to be taken to the cross.

The Great Descendant of Judah is called “Shiloh,” which means “Rest-bringer”. Through the Gospel in Word and Sacrament, Jesus gives perfect rest to our souls. Elsewhere in Scripture Jesus is known as the Lion from the Tribe of Judah. Yes, Jesus is a tender Lamb, but He’s also an almighty Lion, in Whom is all power and authority in heaven and on earth.

Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph, prophetically, showing that the younger son would be greater than the older. God has a plan for each of us. With humble faith accept the plan He has for you, not worrying, but being happy for the blessings He gives others. Also, don’t forget that the big plan for all of His redeemed saints is life forever with Him in Heaven!

Jacob described the days of his life as few and evil. Does that sound familiar? Life as sinners in a fallen world often can be discouraging and painful. But, through all that trouble, the Lord tirelessly works to shape and mold us, so that, more and more, we learn to lean, not on our own wisdom strength, but upon the truth and mercy of our Savior God.

The nation of Israel now numbers only 66. But, as promised, the Lord will increase that number many times over in the coming centuries. That’s something like how the New Testament Church began with only a handful. But now God has increased it to a multitude from every nation, countless souls who have “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Here we have both a revelation and a reconciliation. Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, followed by a heart-warming reconciliation. So powerfully and wonderfully healing is the forgiving grace of God as it works in the hearts of His believers.

As a final test, Joseph’s silver cup is planted in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are aghast that Benjamin may be killed. In Christ-like fashion, Judah pleads for the life of his brother, offering even to become a slave in exchange for Benjamin’s life. Praise God, a change of heart has taken place. Truly, the Lord wants all come to repentance and be saved.

With food running low, the brothers need to return to Egypt. Jacob is dead set against taking Benjamin, but Joseph had made it plain: no Benjamin, no grain. Joseph’s plan to stir the consciences of his brothers continues to bear fruit. What a painful blessing it is to honestly come face to face with our sin. For only then can true Gospel healing take place.

The chance for revenge falls right into Joseph’s lap when his brothers come to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph treats them roughly, but only to help them remember their past sins. Joseph cares about their spiritual welfare, and wants to help lead them toward repentance so they can be free of the burden of guilt they’ve been carrying for twenty years.