THE SET UP: Throughout the Old Testament, there are many “types” of the Messiah that foreshadow Jesus’ ultimate victory as the Messiah. These are people and events in the history of Israel that draw parallels to what Jesus would do to deliver not just Israel but all of human history from their sin. An example would be our devotional from December 7th, where Abraham is told to sacrifice his son Isaac. While Isaac is ultimately spared, it foreshadows God’s gift of his only son, who would be the sacrificial lamb that takes away the sins of the world.
The story of Joseph in Genesis has parallels to Jesus’ story in many ways. He was his father’s favorite son (Jesus is God’s only son), he was betrayed by his own family (John’s gospel tells us that Jesus came to his own, but his own received him not), Joseph went through difficulty and persecution (as Jesus did), and most importantly, Joseph was used by God to save Israel from famine (Jesus brought salvation to the whole world). Finally, Joseph chose to forgive those who betrayed him (Jesus forgave his executioners from the cross and provides forgiveness for all of us).
Joseph’s story gives a glimpse of what is to come when the Messiah is born. If Advent is about waiting or anticipation, stories like Joseph’s remind us that God is always working, even when it is hard to see. It also reminds us that God’s plans will not be derailed by any circumstance or situation.
PASSAGE TO READ:Genesis 37, 39-41, 50:14-21
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
· There were many places in Joseph’s story that looked like the end of the road. But God did not allow his plan to send Jesus to be thwarted. What does that mean to you?
· When you have been facing a challenging situation in your life, has God ever given you some little glances of hope even before the final answer showed up? How so?
· What is the most remarkable part of Joseph’s story in your opinion? What has it taught you?
PRAYER: “Lord, I thank you that you have the ability to turn pain into promise and sorrow into joy. I pray that you would help me to find hope in every circumstance and remember that no matter how things look to me, you are in control and you will have the final word. The bible says that, ‘nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.’ Thank you for that promise as I wait. Amen.”