James Reed's FORGE

Was Joseph holy? There’s no question that he was. Was he an extremely wise and shrewd politician? He would have had to be. The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. In this episode we focus just a little more than normal on Joseph the statesman. A nation ruled by such a man would certainly be blessed. 

God has preserved for Himself a people of the new covenant in a land of pagan beliefs. This world is no more our home than Egypt was to Israel. We dwell in the land, but we are citizens of a different kingdom altogether. And just as both Jacob here in Genesis, and the Simeon of the Book of Luke were ready to die in peace having seen the promises of God fulfilled, so we too can be ready when this life ends. For this same God who has the power to raise His only Son from the grave will surely grant to all those in His new covenant the gift of eternal life—raising them from the grave as well. 

RC Sproul states, “In this narrative of forgiveness and reconciliation, Joseph presents a model of submission to God’s eternal and benevolent purpose. All the evil done to him by his brothers was only part of God’s secret plan designed for the good, not only of Joseph, but of his wicked brothers as well. We learn that “all things work together” to accomplish God’s excellent purpose (Rom. 8:28), not only for us who presently “love God,” but for the “great multitude” that will comprise the everlasting city (Rev. 7:9).” R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (Orlando, FL; Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 2005), 81.

This is the final test from Joseph. Will they turn on their brother Benjamin? Will they only look out for themselves? Has there truly been any kind of character change at all? How long will Joseph continue to the charade? What can we learn from these valuable lessons found in the pages of Scripture? How do we apply these truths to our own lives? Have a listen to another episode of the FORGE and find out.

As Christians we see grace, mercy, and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace- the giving of a free gift that cannot be earned- the gift of eternal life. Mercy- the withholding of the wrath of God which each of us deserve. And of course, this leads to the peace of God in the very depth of our soul. Indeed, we have a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not a temporary feeling, but it is an assurance we have as people of the covenant. This peace does not depend upon circumstances. It's a peace based in the very promise of God- the God of grace- the God of mercy. All of this is on display in Genesis 43.

Guilt. Fear. Sorrow. These can be good things if they are godly. These can be seen as gifts of God's grace. Guilt over our sin brings us to a realization that we are lawbreakers. Fear- knowing that God alone is the Sovereign focuses us on His Son as the only source and hope of forgiveness and help. Sorrow helps us see our way to clear repentance. Repent and believe the gospel.

Should the leader of a nation actually be a citizen of that nation? Would a flat tax of 20% be fair? What do these questions have to do with anything in Genesis? Listen to this episode and find out.

You know, many Christians under much less pain and discouragement than Joseph faced quit trying. They don’t believe in the promises of God all the while claiming to be one of His children. Imagine how Joseph must’ve felt without a scripture verse like Romans 8:28 to comfort him. What does it tell us there? Well, friends this verse is part of that golden chain of redemption. It states, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Friends, this verse is not for the non-believer. In fact, it is for the called. It reminds those of us who are saved that God is at work for your good and His purpose. You and I have that promise and more, but how often we give up the fight, never knowing what God is doing. Christian, it’s called providence. It’s called sovereignty. It’s called faithfulness. God did not forget; you just don’t know everything. So, continue to trust in Him. He was faithful to Joseph, and He will be faithful to His own.

I’m not going to have time to develop all of these verses, but for you own study I recommend the following scriptures: Leviticus 18:22 which tells us that men are not to lie with men; Leviticus 20:13 which tells us that homosexual behavior is a detestable act; Romans 1:24-26 which tells us that those who do these things have exchanged truth for a lie; 1 Corinthians 6:9 which tells us that men who take the role of an effeminate person in the relationship will not inherit kingdom of God; 1 Timothy 1:10 which tells us that sexual perversion is contrary to sound teaching; and Jude 7 which makes a comparison to the cities we just talked about, Sodom and Gomorrah. For further study consider Deuteronomy 23:17; 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46 and 2 Kings 23:7.

The Bible says homosexuality is a sin, and it should not be practiced. God loves homosexuals, but commands them to submit to His authority in this area of their life. We, the true believing Christians must condemn the sin of homosexuality, but love sinners. Finally, if anyone in Canada is listening, your brothers and sisters in the US stand with you. We love, support, and pray for the Lord’s Church in Canada, as we know you will be tested. Continue to preach the truth to power.

What can we learn from the story of Joseph? How does it apply to each one of us personally? What principles do we find in Scripture that have relevance in Western culture? I hope to share answers to these questions and others as we continue on with our study in Genesis.