Genesis 41:52
And he named the second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
Nary a word or indication of any complaint by the young Jewish lad as he was taken captive by his brothers, then sold into slavery and thrown into prison. Yet now in this one verse, the story of the years of hardship is revealed. Joseph all along went with God’s plans and purpose, not questioning the Lord. Now second only to the pharaoh of Egypt, a glimpse of what went on through the years, and what the Lord had done in this mans life. A life of surrender to God would mean salvation for his family and many of the families of the world. Oh what the Lord can do through a life surrendered to Him.
Pastor Russell
Genesis 39:21
“But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.”
Joseph, waylaid by his brothers, sold into slavery two times over, than accused of sexually battery and jailed, still found favor with God. It seemed that all the bad that had happened to him was continually deflected by Gods grace and mercy. Not a word of complaint from Joseph, but only a willingness to move forward with the plans of the Lord. Even in lockup, he was made to prosper, or succeed by Gods blessing, as he would give glory to Him.Big lesson for us, as we are so prone to complain and question rather then give praise with thanksgiving. How do you react to the tough and scary times? I hope we are all are much like Joseph, going with the flow of the Spirit and seeing what God has.
Pastor Russell
Ruth 4:17
Genesis 35:3
Genesis 35:3
Genesis 33:4
Genesis 31:24
Genesis 29:35
Genesis 29:1
Genesis 27:24
Genesis 24:63
Genesis 24:26
Genesis 22:8
Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together.
As father and son walked to the place of worship, Isaac asked his father where the lamb was for the burnt offering. To Abraham's credit, his unwavering trust and faith now lay upon God, who he considered, was able to raise people even from the dead. (Hebrews 11:19) Some two thousand years later, the Father did provide the Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world. Jesus came and was crucified, He died and rose again on the third day for the sins of all those who would believe in Him. Abraham we see, would offer up someone he counted so precious, and its in this precursor, we see the Lord offering up His all for us.
Pastor Russell