They drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. – Genesis 37:28
Pictures and types of Jesus are seen throughout the Old Testament, but perhaps none has as many parallels as you see in the life of Joseph. Consider these: His birth was a miracle; his father loved him dearly; he was sold for the price of a slave; his garments were torn and bloody; he was taken to Egypt; he was a servant; he was tempted but did not sin; he was falsely accused and arrested; God had a specific calling on his life; he was persecuted by those who were jealous of him; he was exalted as a sovereign leader; he was discovered alive when others thought him dead; he was forgiving; his brothers ultimately bowed at his feet. Joseph also saw in his dream the sun, moon, and stars bowing before him. You know that all creation praises the Lord.
When you sometimes wonder what God’s plans and purposes are, remember that He used the evil deeds of Joseph’s brothers as a means to save His people. Joseph was able later to say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive” (Genesis 50:20). When you see injustices and wrong, consider that among all of it, God could be raising up a modern-day Joseph who will be instrumental in bringing many souls to the Lord.
Intercede today for the new incoming members of Congress who do not know the God of the Bible, that there would be someone among the incumbents, or even another “freshman,” who could show them the way of Jesus’ salvation.
Today’s Verse: Genesis 37:28
Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 19:1-14
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
