From Eden to Egypt- Day 46

37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”

- Genesis 45:37-40 (NIV)

Joseph started out the day in prison.  That very morning started for Joseph behind bars.  He began his day with prison as his abode.

That wasn't how his day ended.

At some point during the day, someone summoned Joseph.  A message was passed down the chain of command that Pharaoh wanted to see Joseph.  The jailers and guards had get the prisoner and send him under armed guard to the palace to meet with the king of Egypt. 

Imagine the rumors and buzz that went throughout the prison cells that day. Think of the curious looks that must have come across numerous faces as the message was read to those who guarded Joseph that Pharaoh wanted to see the young man at once.  Picture the change in atmosphere as Joseph walked up from the depths of the dark dungeons to the corridors that lead to the awaiting king.  Imagine what must have gone through his mind as he took a step into the presence of the most powerful man in the world, the ruler of Egypt. 

Think of how much God can intervene on your behalf.  He can open doors in an instant.  He can work in your favor without you having to lift a single finger. For those who subscribe to Murphy's Law, believing that if it can go wrong that it will go wrong, you have to see that God has a law higher than Murphy's Law.  If you believe in karma, you truly have to see that God has grace and favor for the obedient and faithful.  Karma doesn't do what God's unmerited favor is capable of doing in your lives.  When you look at Joseph's life, you see favor from God on display before men.  That's the difference God can make in our lives daily.

True Bread Test

Manna Doesn’t Pass the True Bread Test [John 6:26-58]


Jesus shared that manna doesn’t pass the true bread test because their forefathers ate manna and still died (vv. 31, 49, 58).

The Master fulfills more than manna.

Manna cannot pass the true bread test.

Manna can fill your stomach, but it cannot satisfy and save your soul.

It can keep you alive, but it cannot give you life or eternal life.

Manna can only sustain, but it cannot save you.

There is only one “bread of life” that:

 Comes from heaven (vv. 33, 38, 50-51, 58)

 Does the will of the Father (vv. 38-40)

Gives life to the world (vv. 33, 40, 47, 50-51, 54, 57-58)

This is the bread that passes the true bread test.

 

From Eden to Egypt Day 45

But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.- Genesis 39:21 (KJV)

Down times can the very times where we need to know that the Lord is a "very present help."  Illness, unemployment, family strife, divorce and a slew of other issues can plague us day by day.  At times, we can feel abandoned. 

That's not what God wants us to feel.  He does not desire for us to be His forsaken children.  He redeemed us for the price of His only begotten Son.  Let us not live like those who are without hope as Paul shared with fellow believers through his epistles.  We are children of God as promised through His Son.

Joseph was in the pit, then in Potiphar's house, and then in prison.  God never left him alone and forsaken.  He showed him mercy.  He even gave him favor in the sight of others.  God could have left it at mercy and that would have been a big deal, but He even gave the young man favor.

The next time that you feel down.  Look around and see what God has provided for you.  Think clearly about what God has taken you through, ups and downs, valleys and mountains.  Let your heart be content with all that God has already done for you.