Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Genesis 50 The faithfulness of God, in spite of death, Luke 19:29-46

God has been faithful to Jacob, even through his lifetime.  They had been given the land, the descendants had started to multiply in number and were being blessed by his offspring (particularly through Joseph).  The God of Jacob has indeed been a help to him (cf Psalm 146:5-6)

Grace is staggering and in many ways unbelievable.  Joseph's brothers struggled to believe Joseph had truly forgiven them because they didn't deserve it & there was always the chance....Joseph reassured them & reminded them of God's purposes in the midst of their humanness and sin - His purposes will always prevail.

In the 17 years Jacob lived in Egypt (47:28) he had acquired property, become fruitful and increased his family size.  Joseph's faith was an obvious testimony to God's goodness to his family and beyond.  He lived to glorify God, even in the face of death.  cf Heb 11:22

Joseph remained free from bitterness throughout his life because he kept his eyes fixed on God, rather than his circumstances or those who had grieved him.  Even when given great responsibility, he kept level-headed, because his eyes were fixed on God, not himself.

As a type of Christ, Joseph was loved by his father, hated by his own family, betrayed by those he loved, suffered unjustly, remained silent in spite of false accusation, came to power, led his people through suffering into feasting, ultimately glorified.

Luke 19:29-46

Jesus came into Jerusalem in this public way to fulfill prophecy, but also to announce His arrival as He came to save the world - it was a 'last chance' for the people to respond rightly to their King/Messiah.  His Kingdom was a Kingdom where the people would choose His rule over them.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He knew they would ultimately reject Him.  He knows the end result of this both for the city and its people.  Love does not exclude judgment - Jesus obviously loves the city, but He knows that it will face judgment from God.  The two are not mutually exclusive.

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