Jesus House

Subterms

7NEWS - SUN 16-01-2011

7NEWS coverage of G2R initiative, Chilean miners visit and call for volunteers to take the reigns for the month of February

Back Together Again

Mon, 17/01/2011

Genesis Chapters 45 to 47

GENESIS 45

Joseph Makes Himself Known

Commentary

Ok I cannot contain myself any longer, I can’t keep up this charade “have everyone leave my presence” Joseph said. Guys it’s me, Joseph!! What chills Joseph’s brothers must have felt. I can only imagine them breaking out in beads of sweat looking at one another wondering what next? Just imagine walking into an interview and seeing someone whom you had an altercation with sitting as one of the interviewers. Now multiply that ten times over. That must have been how Joseph’s brothers felt. The one whom they sold into slavery is now judge, jury and executioner.

Instead of guards rushing in to take them to the dungeon, Joseph hugs and weeps and between sobs, shows them he has forgiven them. Finally having gone through a gamut of emotions, they settle to discuss the past and catch up. What was that conversation like? How I would like to be a fly on the wall listening to them, they could probably teach us a thing or two about reconciliation.

Joseph’s brothers had the opportunity to reconcile with him, but when our Lord Jesus Christ returns as judge and jury, that opportunity will be gone forever. We must be careful to reconcile with him while we have a chance.

Soon after, Pharaoh hears about Joseph’s brothers and he makes some declarations saying that “....the best of Egypt will be yours”. I am reminded about what God said to Abraham in Genesis 15:14. It seems Pharaoh was in agreement with God and with that one statement handed over the wealth of Egypt to Israel. Proverbs 13:3 reminds us that we do need to be careful of what we say.

The brothers then return to Canaan, undoubtedly excited to tell their father that his long lost son, his most favoured son, is alive and not only that, he is ‘ruler of all Egypt’. What amazes me about the man Jacob is that he does not react, but calmly analyses the evidence and concludes this must be God “I will go and see”. On his way, he stops to worship to acknowledge the One who made it possible and he is rewarded with a visit from God. May we all take time out to worship each time we see the hand of God in action.

Jacob arrives in Egypt with 70 members of his family, the beginnings of the nation of Israel confirming what God had said to him in Genesis 35:11. Jacob is then introduced to Pharaoh and when Pharaoh asks how old he is, he describes his age in terms of his “pilgrimage” on earth. Did Jacob understand the spiritual principle indicated in Hebrews 11:13 and 2 Peter 2:11?

As the famine became more severe, Joseph continues to administer food and soon makes Pharaoh a very rich ruler. The people of Egypt are willing to give up cattle and lands for food while the children of Israel acquired property, were fruitful and greatly increased in number. The process that began with a dream had reached a climatic point with Israel now in Egypt and Israel begins a new chapter, a new phase of growth and prosperity according to the word God had spoken to Abraham.

As we begin 2011, let us be reminded of the word God has spoken to us and be certain that the one who said it is faithful to engineer the situations of our lives so that we live according to his plan.

May we end the year in worship even as Jacob ends the chapter in worship.

Bunmi Olubode

JAMES 1:22

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Test Of Character

Sun, 16/01/2011

Genesis Chapters 43 to 44

GENESIS 43

The Second Journey to Egypt

Commentary

We see Jacob slowly arriving at a hard decision - forfeit Simeon to Egypt, keep Benjamin and hope for better times as starvation ravaged Canaan and his household. He must have rationalised that sooner or later, the boy he wanted to keep because of his emotional attachments would also die of hunger along with everyone else. He decided to let go of Benjamin, his most treasured son, for the greater good. Sometimes, we have to make such decisions that require totally sacrificing all we have for a future we do not yet see.

Abraham made a similar decision when he left his father’s household and journeyed on at God’s word, and also when he took Isaac to sacrifice him. There is a saying that goes something like this: “if you clench your fist holding on to what you have, your hand won’t be open to receive what God has for you.” Jacob’s decision, while some opine it as selfish, can also be a lesson to us about trust and sacrificial giving. God gave His only son with a greater picture in mind, and now all we who profess Jesus Christ are His sons.

Was there ever a time you felt that a sin you committed in the past was back to haunt you? Or perhaps you are suffering the consequence of your former bad behaviour? This was probably how Joseph’s brothers felt when faced with the antics of this man from whom they needed food for survival. They saw the harsh treatment as punishment for what they did to Joseph. But how come they were still thinking about Joseph, even after so many years had passed?
We also notice the brothers being more mature, sacrificial, considerate and humble. Could it be that the years of carrying the heavy burden of their father’s sorrow (he said he would mourn till his grave Genesis 37:35) had affected them significantly?

Jacob remained open about his preference for Rachael’s two children. While this is not exemplary parenting, God still worked around his flaws to orchestrate His master plan, promised to Abraham years before. God can use you, no matter your dysfunction, as long as you have a heart for Him.
Joseph was very human and the intrigue and drama that took place in these chapters show us he is no superhero. Here he is, faced with his long lost brothers, and he behaves in a somewhat petty, conniving and vindictive manner; but at the same time we see his emotional weakness. The Egyptian officials around him must have seen another side to their boss and wondered if this was the same powerful Governor who delivered them from starvation and boosted the economy in times of famine.

However, I am sure in all this, God kept looking at Joseph’s heart and eventual intentions. Was he going to attempt a full-blown revenge scheme to repay his brothers for his over 13 year sojourn in slavery? I remember being a young boy and wishing I had lots of money, just so I could teach anyone who had offended me a lesson. God says in Deuteronomy 32:35 “Vengeance is mine, I will repay...” In the next chapter, Joseph eventually came to himself and gave way for love to prevail over the hurt he felt. This brought healing to himself and his family and ushered in the next phase of God’s plan for His people.

Bosun Sadare

PSALM 91:1

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.