Reading: Genesis 41

The Root, the Branch, and the Savior.

The patriarch Joseph, son of Jacob, was a spiritual forerunner YAHUSHUA the Messiah. His work was a 'living blueprint' of the spiritual work of salvation the coming Savior was to accomplish for all mankind. In this lesson we will examine a few of Joseph's qualities and experiences, bearing in mind all the while that though the lessons we learn could apply to any true follower of YaHuWaH, Joseph's life was primarily a 'prophetic preview' of the coming Savior of the world!

YaHuWaH often speaks to His people through dreams (Joel 2:28, 1 Sam 28:15). Several Bible prophecies were given that way. In Joseph's case the dreams came from an early age and he was mockingly called by his brothers 'the dreamer.'

Though his brothers envied him, his father Jacob pondered over the dreams Joseph related.

Interpretations belong to YaHuWaH

As he grew older, Joseph learned some very important lessons. The first was that the ability to interpret dreams and prophecies belongs to YaHuWaH alone; to the One who gave the dream in the first place.

The prophet Daniel mentions this same fact in Daniel 2:28 when he said to king Nebuchadnezzar: …'there is an Elohim in heaven that revealeth secrets.' In other words, the interpretation of a prophetic dream or prophecy can only come from the Person who gave that dream or prophecy in the first place. We Christians may struggle and strain endlessly to understand Bible prophecy, but until the Almighty Elohim of Abraham opens our spiritual eyes to see, true understanding will never come! This means that we should constantly pray the Psalmist's prayer:

• Family life: Loved by his parents, hated by his brothers.
• Slave/Servant: Sold into slavery by his brothers.
• Prisoner: An innocent prisoner accused of rape!
• Ruler: Rose to become the ruler of all Egypt.
• Savior: saved the lives of tens of thousands.

Foresight: As far as we know the plan to store food for the seven year famine was Joseph's plan.

When Pharaoh considered Joseph's astonishing proposal he said:

Joseph held no grievances against those who had harmed him. When, after 20 years of suffering, he again met his brothers, who were instrumental in causing his suffering, Joseph had no bitterness in his heart against them. He forgave them freely; even before they asked forgiveness. Joseph was an emotional man. Like YAHUSHUA the Messiah we are told that he wept with emotion.

Joseph's heart was full of love and the 20 years of utter loneliness burst from his eyes; he wept a good while.

As far as sexual morality was concerned, ancient Egypt was much like our present civilization. Illicit sexual intercourse was commonly practiced. The sanctity of marriage mattered little and the women of ancient Egypt were as bad as the men. Just as they are today. Indeed, every great civilization has been the same. Sexual depravity, adultery, fornication, incest, rape, child-abuse, violence and greed has characterized them all. The mighty civilizations of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome all glutted themselves to death on illicit sex and violence. Our present civilization is the last in the line. It is exactly the same. Men and women are obsessed with sex. The bookstores, the media, the holiday brochures and the television are saturated with illicit sexual overtones, insinuations and invitations. It was into that caldron of sexual corruption that the captive Joseph was hurled.

The story is well known. Joseph refused to commit adultery, to sin against YaHuWaH ! I wonder how many men would have stood up to such persistent and compelling temptation.

Joseph had just passed one of the greatest tests of his life. He had placed the commandments of YaHuWaH above natural inclination and passion and had refused to sleep with Potiphar's wife. YaHuWaH noted Joseph's obedience and raised him to the highest rank in Egypt, under the Pharaoh himself. It was in this post that Joseph lived up to his name and became the Savior of millions of people. A mighty world-wide famine arose.

And the famine was over all the face of the Earth… (Gen:41:56)

The grain Joseph provided went to all the surrounding countries. No doubt, the fame of Joseph's Elohim went with it; for had he not said to his brothers:

Joseph: A Blessing to All

Everyone who befriended Joseph was blessed.

Joseph believed in the resurrection. The oath he extracted from the people of Israel is proof that he believed that their stay in Egypt was temporary and that one day they would leave Egypt for the country YaHuWaH had promised Abraham and his descendants. Joseph believed YaHuWaH 's promise and wanted to return with Israel to the Promised Land; where he would rest in his grave till the ressurrection of the dead.

The bones of Joseph, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and some other Hebrews lie in the town of Hebron awaiting the resurrection. That's faith for you! I, personally look forward to meeting these people of whom I have read so much.

Few people in history compare with Joseph. There is nothing recorded in the Scriptures against him. Everything he did was without fault. He was a perfect physical and spiritual specimen. He was a type of Messiah, a forerunner of YAHUSHUA the Savior of the world! He was a man who rose from a lowly shepherd boy to rule the mightiest empire of the ancient world - Egypt! We can trace no blemish, no laziness, no dishonesty, no foolishness, no pride, no malice, no sexual malpractice and no lack of love in Joseph's record. In an age given over to sexual license, pride, greed and hate, as was ancient Egypt, Joseph's example shines forth with amazing brilliance. Young and old should remember that they can be true to YaHuWaH and keep His commandments - anywhere!

• In the sheepfold,
• In a servant's post or slave pen.
• In the prison dungeon
• In high office. In fact, anywhere & in any condition!

What's more the Holy Spirit can be with us - and in us - amid all these circumstances. Said Pharaoh:

Are you a fruitful branch on the spiritual vine of YAHUSHUA? Are you, like Joseph, honest, hard working, loving and pure? Do you endeavor to save life by sharing the spiritual bounties YaHuWaH has freely given you?

Joseph's secret of success was that YaHuWaH was with him. In all his experiences we have these words repeated YaHuWaH was with Him.'

Joseph's obedience and pure life ensured YaHuWaH 's presence. And it was YaHuWaH 's presence which was the secret of Joseph's success. Every true believer has exactly the same opportunities for success as Joseph had. I repeat: Faith and Obedience ensure YaHuWaH 's presence; and it is YaHuWaH 's presence in a believer's life which ensures success in every field. That was the secret of Joseph's success. It can be yours.