Genesis 7:1
The LORD then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.
Genesis 18:19
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
“God preserves.” Yes, God preserves. He preserved the children of Israel, according to His promise to Abraham. He preserved Himself, His Character in the spirit and soul of Joseph. He wasn’t finished with either party, Joseph or his brothers. For the family of Jacob, God’s promise to make them a great nation was four hundred years from fruition. God does not allow His Word to go out from His mouth without power. His Word will be fulfilled in the face of the most dire circumstances or conditions. Isn’t that good news? What He promises, He performs. There has been a whole movement of Christianity for about the last one hundred and fifty years that has brought attention to that fact. While many may disagree about the particulars of the ’Heaven on Earth’ movement in it’s various forms, it has served a greater purpose in awakening the Church to the fact that God is an ever present help in time of need. We may not all believe in a ‘prosperity gospel’, but we all believe that God is near. He’s near, He’s able, He’s willing. Willing and able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Does God still deliver from the worst of circumstances? Yes He does. Does He still heal, deliver, set free? Yes He does. Does He still break chains of bondage, destroy yokes of oppression and despair? To the uttermost. God still cares about and cares for His people: the Church. He has prepared a place for us. He will personally see to it that we are preserved for His good purpose, here in the earth and into Eternity. Be encouraged. God is working on your behalf. He never fails. Am I laying it on too thick? Not to worry… I’m not preaching ‘easy street’.
There are no loose ends with God. Nothing happens outside His ability to work His purpose out through it. After nine years of freedom from slavery and prison, I’m sure Joseph felt ‘healed’, ‘delivered’, ‘free’. Whatever it was that brought him to the eventuality that was Pharaoh’s prison, no matter how seemingly unjust, surely nine years of ‘freedom’ would have healed all wounds. But, when Joseph’s brothers showed up, begging for food, Joseph discovered that… somewhere on the inside of himself… there was some stuff. You know…..stuff; feelings, emotions, unseemly and ungodly. Stuff that still needed to be dealt with. After all, wherever that place was on Joseph’s inside, where he was feeling this stuff, isn’t that where God was? As a believer, isn’t He somewhere on the inside of you, right in the middle of all your stuff? Yes I’m meddling. But you know what? It’s hitting me first. I can’t speak for everyone else, but I do know about me. God is not through with me yet. He is continually working to get my stuff; my sin, my iniquity dealt with. And often times He uses people. Family, friends, loved ones, Church members, strangers, whoever so that I can externalize (confess) some stuff I’ve internalized. Halleluiah! Isn’t that good news? It is to me. God’s Word tells me that He doesn’t want to dwell in an unclean temple: a junky place, filled with a lot of ‘stuff’. (Am I belaboring the point?) Sure, He’s sanctifies His new place (my inner man) by the shed blood of Jesus, but then it’s time to remodel, redecorate, refresh and renew (I hear some stirring in the audience. I’m almost at the hoop). Beloved, thirteen years of slavery and prison, trials and tribulation surely had worked some stuff out of Joseph, but maybe Joseph had held onto some stuff as well. Maybe he was holding onto a little vindictiveness, a little self righteousness? Might there have been some misplaced pride in there? Whatever it was, God was interested in getting it out to the curb. Where stuff; unwanted stuff belongs. Beloved, God gives his gifts without repentance. He gives them so that a world shrouded in darkness will testify to His power. But, more than power, God desires to display His character. He desires to display His character in you. What is God’s character? God is love. That great love manifests itself in a variety of ways: love, joy, peace, mercy, patience, faithfulness, sometimes just plain goodness, meekness and self control. People who display or demonstrate these character traits are magnets for the lost. Puppies, small children and lost people will be drawn to the living well from all life flows. Jesus said that men would know you by the fruit that you bear. Joseph great gifts preserved the nation of Egypt, but when he allowed God to kick some of his stuff to the curb and put His (God’s) character on display; when he embraced his brothers and forgave them, he reconciled himself, not only to his family, but to the promise that God had given Abraham. In a moment of forgiveness, God’s plan for the Church to come (You and I) was put back on track. Talk about power. At the cross, Jesus forgave…us. Talk about power. What about you? What opportunity might you have to demonstrate God’s love, the power of His love? How might it change someone’s eternal destiny? Selah.
.wb
Galatians 5:19 (The Message)
It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.
Galatians 5:22 (The Message)
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Sunday School Lesson for Jan. 8, 2012: Joseph Finds Favor (Genesis 41)
Genesis 41:16
“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Genesis 41:38
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God ?”
Genesis 41:45
Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.
The Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon
Strong's Number: 6847
xn(p tnpc
Original Word
Word Origin
xn(p tnpc
of Egyptian derivation
Transliterated Word
Phonetic Spelling
Tsophnath Pa`neach
tsof-nath' pah-nay'-akh
Parts of Speech
TWOT
Proper Name Masculine
None
Definition
Zaphnath-paaneah = "treasury of the glorious rest"
a name given by Pharaoh to Joseph
Translated Words
KJV (1) - Zaphnathpaaneah, 1;
NAS (1) - Zaphenath-paneah, 1;
Scripture is full of ‘types and shadows’. In essence, many of the characters of the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, in their name or accomplishments foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and others at some point in their recorded lifetime took on the role of ‘Deliverer’ or ‘Savior’ of the nation of Israel. Joseph is no exception. At this particular juncture in his life, Joseph was cast into the role of ‘Savior’. Not just the savior of tribe of Israel, but of all of known civilization of that day. There was a famine coming. Joseph’s godly character and wisdom and God’s timing put him in the position to warn all of Egypt of God’s forthcoming judgment and to provide the leadership to guide Egypt and all of the surrounding communities through seven years of famine safely.
I’d like to point out that Joseph embodies another ‘typology’ in Scripture. Joseph foreshadows the Spirit filled, Spirit led Christian. There are several things to make note of in Joseph’s life. He is gifted. He is a ‘dreamer’. In Scripture, that is not a term to be taken lightly. In Scripture, a ‘dreamer’ or a ‘seer’ was one who had a special spiritual insight, the ability to see the unseen and to interpret what they perceived. Not all dreamers or ‘seers’ were prophets, but all true prophets were seers. Joseph had a ‘prophetic mantle’ early in life. Maybe, because he was he ‘dreamer’’, Joseph seemed to have a ultra-sensitivity to the Presence of God in his own life. He shied away from sin (outwardly sinful actions) and iniquity (inward character deficiencies). When presented with the opportunity, he did not succumb to the temptation that Potiphar’s wife presented. Additionally, thirteen years in captivity, with some of that time being spent in Pharaoh’s dungeon did not make him bitter or vengeful.
In fact, quite the opposite is true. Whoever looked upon Joseph saw something in him that they admired and coveted: Godliness. His brothers saw it and hated him for it. His dad saw it and marked it in his own mind. Potiphar saw it, the Egyptian jailer saw it; they both acknowledged Joseph’s godly character and were blessed by God for doing so. Finally, Pharaoh witnessed it. He was so impressed by what he saw and heard from Joseph that he put in charge of all of Egypt with no exceptions. He did something else: he ‘adopted’ Joseph, he gave him a new name, an Egyptian name. He gave him the name ‘Zaphnath-paaneah”. There are three given meanings for this name. Two point to the ‘Christ typology’ that I spoke of earlier. The name has the inferred meaning of ‘Savior of the World’ and a more literal meaning of “God sees and this one lives”. The third and most literal meaning is the one above: “Treasury of the glorious rest”. Selah.
Did you catch that? Let me repeat it with emphasis added: “Treasury of The Glorious Rest” (caps added for emphasis). The only ‘Glorious Rest’ I can think of is the Rest offered to us through the knowledge of Christ as our Savior. There is ‘Rest’ for the Believer. Pharaoh looks at Joseph and sees a Treasury or Repository of God’s Eternal Rest. What is the Eternal Rest of God? God is. The Spirit of God that Pharaoh saw on Joseph he identified as the Glorious Rest. In this context, Pharaoh and Joseph set an example for the Believer, the Church. Pharaoh, who represents the World, sees God in Joseph. Joseph, because of his gifts and character and behavior literally walks in the Presence. Because he is willing to be led by the Spirit of God, he becomes a vessel whereby God can pour Himself from the Eternal Invisible to the Temporal world in which we dwell.
Beloved, this is the plan of God for the Church, for every Believer. He told us that if we would believe in Him and accept His Son; Jesus, both He; the Father and the Son; Jesus would abide or live in us. That is accomplished in the person of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent after His ascension. The Holy Spirit indwells the Believer. We literally become a ‘Temple’ or ‘Treasury’ or ‘Repository’ for the Spirit of God in the Earth. When this happens, your outward appearance doesn’t change much, but you inward countenance does. Peace that surpasses understanding, Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, Love, the God kind of Love become anchors of the soul.
What else happens when the Holy Spirit indwells us? He comes to us bearing Spiritual Gifts. A Word of Wisdom, a Word of Knowledge, Healing, Miracles, Gifts of Faith, Discernment of the Spirit of God. Beloved these gifts are not just for the Believer, they are for ministry to the lost through the Believer; you and I. The Holy Spirit also supernaturally brings us the Word. This is not some building up or enhancing of the natural memory, but rather, a supernatural relaying of God’s Word to the Believer in time of need. As Spirit filled Believers, we literally become ambassadors of God’s Kingdom. Literally, wherever we are at any particular time, the Kingdom is at hand: completely entirely available to the Believer in any and every given situation. Much like it was for Joseph. Scripture is replete with examples with Jesus being the primary and foremost example. Paul and Silas, Stephen, Peter and John; wherever Believers were, the Kingdom was made manifest. The same hold true today. By Faith; the Faith of God, anything is possible. This ahs gone a little long, and I apologize, but the wealth of Spiritual riches that God makes available to the Believer are immeasurable. Allow me to leave you with this thought: Whatever God has done for or through any Believer who, by Faith, spoke to the impossible, believed the unthinkable and received the unbelievable, He will do for you! Praise the Lord. To Him be Honor and Glory Forever! Amen.
.wb
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
1 Corinthians 12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
“I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Genesis 41:38
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God ?”
Genesis 41:45
Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.
The Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon
Strong's Number: 6847
xn(p tnpc
Original Word
Word Origin
xn(p tnpc
of Egyptian derivation
Transliterated Word
Phonetic Spelling
Tsophnath Pa`neach
tsof-nath' pah-nay'-akh
Parts of Speech
TWOT
Proper Name Masculine
None
Definition
Zaphnath-paaneah = "treasury of the glorious rest"
a name given by Pharaoh to Joseph
Translated Words
KJV (1) - Zaphnathpaaneah, 1;
NAS (1) - Zaphenath-paneah, 1;
Scripture is full of ‘types and shadows’. In essence, many of the characters of the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, in their name or accomplishments foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon and others at some point in their recorded lifetime took on the role of ‘Deliverer’ or ‘Savior’ of the nation of Israel. Joseph is no exception. At this particular juncture in his life, Joseph was cast into the role of ‘Savior’. Not just the savior of tribe of Israel, but of all of known civilization of that day. There was a famine coming. Joseph’s godly character and wisdom and God’s timing put him in the position to warn all of Egypt of God’s forthcoming judgment and to provide the leadership to guide Egypt and all of the surrounding communities through seven years of famine safely.
I’d like to point out that Joseph embodies another ‘typology’ in Scripture. Joseph foreshadows the Spirit filled, Spirit led Christian. There are several things to make note of in Joseph’s life. He is gifted. He is a ‘dreamer’. In Scripture, that is not a term to be taken lightly. In Scripture, a ‘dreamer’ or a ‘seer’ was one who had a special spiritual insight, the ability to see the unseen and to interpret what they perceived. Not all dreamers or ‘seers’ were prophets, but all true prophets were seers. Joseph had a ‘prophetic mantle’ early in life. Maybe, because he was he ‘dreamer’’, Joseph seemed to have a ultra-sensitivity to the Presence of God in his own life. He shied away from sin (outwardly sinful actions) and iniquity (inward character deficiencies). When presented with the opportunity, he did not succumb to the temptation that Potiphar’s wife presented. Additionally, thirteen years in captivity, with some of that time being spent in Pharaoh’s dungeon did not make him bitter or vengeful.
In fact, quite the opposite is true. Whoever looked upon Joseph saw something in him that they admired and coveted: Godliness. His brothers saw it and hated him for it. His dad saw it and marked it in his own mind. Potiphar saw it, the Egyptian jailer saw it; they both acknowledged Joseph’s godly character and were blessed by God for doing so. Finally, Pharaoh witnessed it. He was so impressed by what he saw and heard from Joseph that he put in charge of all of Egypt with no exceptions. He did something else: he ‘adopted’ Joseph, he gave him a new name, an Egyptian name. He gave him the name ‘Zaphnath-paaneah”. There are three given meanings for this name. Two point to the ‘Christ typology’ that I spoke of earlier. The name has the inferred meaning of ‘Savior of the World’ and a more literal meaning of “God sees and this one lives”. The third and most literal meaning is the one above: “Treasury of the glorious rest”. Selah.
Did you catch that? Let me repeat it with emphasis added: “Treasury of The Glorious Rest” (caps added for emphasis). The only ‘Glorious Rest’ I can think of is the Rest offered to us through the knowledge of Christ as our Savior. There is ‘Rest’ for the Believer. Pharaoh looks at Joseph and sees a Treasury or Repository of God’s Eternal Rest. What is the Eternal Rest of God? God is. The Spirit of God that Pharaoh saw on Joseph he identified as the Glorious Rest. In this context, Pharaoh and Joseph set an example for the Believer, the Church. Pharaoh, who represents the World, sees God in Joseph. Joseph, because of his gifts and character and behavior literally walks in the Presence. Because he is willing to be led by the Spirit of God, he becomes a vessel whereby God can pour Himself from the Eternal Invisible to the Temporal world in which we dwell.
Beloved, this is the plan of God for the Church, for every Believer. He told us that if we would believe in Him and accept His Son; Jesus, both He; the Father and the Son; Jesus would abide or live in us. That is accomplished in the person of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent after His ascension. The Holy Spirit indwells the Believer. We literally become a ‘Temple’ or ‘Treasury’ or ‘Repository’ for the Spirit of God in the Earth. When this happens, your outward appearance doesn’t change much, but you inward countenance does. Peace that surpasses understanding, Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, Love, the God kind of Love become anchors of the soul.
What else happens when the Holy Spirit indwells us? He comes to us bearing Spiritual Gifts. A Word of Wisdom, a Word of Knowledge, Healing, Miracles, Gifts of Faith, Discernment of the Spirit of God. Beloved these gifts are not just for the Believer, they are for ministry to the lost through the Believer; you and I. The Holy Spirit also supernaturally brings us the Word. This is not some building up or enhancing of the natural memory, but rather, a supernatural relaying of God’s Word to the Believer in time of need. As Spirit filled Believers, we literally become ambassadors of God’s Kingdom. Literally, wherever we are at any particular time, the Kingdom is at hand: completely entirely available to the Believer in any and every given situation. Much like it was for Joseph. Scripture is replete with examples with Jesus being the primary and foremost example. Paul and Silas, Stephen, Peter and John; wherever Believers were, the Kingdom was made manifest. The same hold true today. By Faith; the Faith of God, anything is possible. This ahs gone a little long, and I apologize, but the wealth of Spiritual riches that God makes available to the Believer are immeasurable. Allow me to leave you with this thought: Whatever God has done for or through any Believer who, by Faith, spoke to the impossible, believed the unthinkable and received the unbelievable, He will do for you! Praise the Lord. To Him be Honor and Glory Forever! Amen.
.wb
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
1 Corinthians 12:4
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Jan. 1, 2012: Joseph Shows Character (Genesis 37, 39)
Genesis 37:3
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
Genesis 39:3
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Genesis 39:5
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Genesis 39:9
There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
This was the second robe that Joseph had parted with. The first was taken by his brothers. Described as a robe of many colors, it was representative of the possibility that lay before this favorite son of Jacob. The son he desired from the beginning because he was the first son of his beloved wife, Rachel. Joseph had an aura of possibility and gifting surrounding him. He looked ‘Blessed’. Additionally, Joseph would not deny his gifting to keep the peace among his siblings. He was gifted and he knew it. It drove his brothers to such jealousy that they ambushed him, took his robe and sold him into slavery. Ultimately, the robe of many colors, which came to represent authority among his people, did not serve him well. A calling to authority does not immediately qualify you for it. Time, preparation and testing are key ingredients to the construction of quality leadership. This was just a test.
As a slave, Joseph quickly rose through the ranks to a position of authority in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar recognized his gifts and talents and gave Joseph ….a robe. In Potiphar’s house, the robe given to Joseph identified him as the chief person in authority in Potiphar’s house. I’m sure Potiphar had a robe too; he was captain of the guard of Pharaoh’s army. He probably donned his robe (of authority) at work, as most of us do, and removed it upon his return to his home. At work, he may have been referred to a “Mr. Potiphar”, but at home, maybe “Jim”. Reciprocally, when performing his responsibilities in Potiphar’s home, Joseph’s robe identified him as one who was in authority in the moment in that particular place.
Leadership requires character. Character is built through proper training and then testing. This was such a moment for Joseph. There will always be people who, when they recognize gifting and anointing in others, will seek to exploit it for their own selfish purposes. The question becomes: will you compromise your beliefs, your principles when tempted with short term gain or pleasure. Many do. However, when faced with temptation of sexual pleasure with the wife of his master (Joseph was a slave, not an employee), Joseph repeatedly refused. He had been taught well.
There’s one other thing to make note of: Joseph guarded his heart. He recognized that his gifting was from God and he had never taken that fact lightly. Joseph recognized that God had elevated him in Potiphar’s house. He would disregard the favor and protection of God in favor of a few stolen moments of sin.
Finally, Potiphar’s wife, in a fit of passion rejected, grabs his robe. In a moment realization, Joseph recognizes that being ‘head’ of Potiphar’s house is not the final repository for the gifting and anointing on his life, so he leaves ….his robe …again. In doing so, Joseph demonstrated that he would not compromise his character or his convictions. Good for him and …for us.
Beloved, Scripture is full of stories of human weakness and failure. Yea! I am acutely aware of my own shortcomings, my own character flaws. I thank God for Jesus everyday. But, in Joseph’s story we find a wonderful example of someone who manages to resist temptation because of his regard for his relationship with God. As Christians this is the challenge before us daily. We are to be living examples of God’s ability to change lives in a meaningful way. With God’s help and God’s strength we overcome. We don’t conform to the world, we transform it as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that in all things we may prove what is that good, acceptable, perfect will of God. Joseph went on to do exactly that. So can we, but we must be salt and light in a wicked and perverse generation. The old folks have a saying, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Stand! And when you’ve done all you can do to stand. Stand!
.wb
P.S. - Please allow me to thank you all for your kind support and continued encouragement in this overview of the weekly Sunday School Lesson. I appreciate your feedback and, for those of you that I get to talk to, I enjoy the discussion. May you have a Blessed and Prosperous 2012 and beyond. May God shed his Favor on you all. May He cause His face shine upon you. May you be called ‘Blessed”.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
Genesis 39:3
And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.
Genesis 39:5
And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Genesis 39:9
There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
This was the second robe that Joseph had parted with. The first was taken by his brothers. Described as a robe of many colors, it was representative of the possibility that lay before this favorite son of Jacob. The son he desired from the beginning because he was the first son of his beloved wife, Rachel. Joseph had an aura of possibility and gifting surrounding him. He looked ‘Blessed’. Additionally, Joseph would not deny his gifting to keep the peace among his siblings. He was gifted and he knew it. It drove his brothers to such jealousy that they ambushed him, took his robe and sold him into slavery. Ultimately, the robe of many colors, which came to represent authority among his people, did not serve him well. A calling to authority does not immediately qualify you for it. Time, preparation and testing are key ingredients to the construction of quality leadership. This was just a test.
As a slave, Joseph quickly rose through the ranks to a position of authority in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar recognized his gifts and talents and gave Joseph ….a robe. In Potiphar’s house, the robe given to Joseph identified him as the chief person in authority in Potiphar’s house. I’m sure Potiphar had a robe too; he was captain of the guard of Pharaoh’s army. He probably donned his robe (of authority) at work, as most of us do, and removed it upon his return to his home. At work, he may have been referred to a “Mr. Potiphar”, but at home, maybe “Jim”. Reciprocally, when performing his responsibilities in Potiphar’s home, Joseph’s robe identified him as one who was in authority in the moment in that particular place.
Leadership requires character. Character is built through proper training and then testing. This was such a moment for Joseph. There will always be people who, when they recognize gifting and anointing in others, will seek to exploit it for their own selfish purposes. The question becomes: will you compromise your beliefs, your principles when tempted with short term gain or pleasure. Many do. However, when faced with temptation of sexual pleasure with the wife of his master (Joseph was a slave, not an employee), Joseph repeatedly refused. He had been taught well.
There’s one other thing to make note of: Joseph guarded his heart. He recognized that his gifting was from God and he had never taken that fact lightly. Joseph recognized that God had elevated him in Potiphar’s house. He would disregard the favor and protection of God in favor of a few stolen moments of sin.
Finally, Potiphar’s wife, in a fit of passion rejected, grabs his robe. In a moment realization, Joseph recognizes that being ‘head’ of Potiphar’s house is not the final repository for the gifting and anointing on his life, so he leaves ….his robe …again. In doing so, Joseph demonstrated that he would not compromise his character or his convictions. Good for him and …for us.
Beloved, Scripture is full of stories of human weakness and failure. Yea! I am acutely aware of my own shortcomings, my own character flaws. I thank God for Jesus everyday. But, in Joseph’s story we find a wonderful example of someone who manages to resist temptation because of his regard for his relationship with God. As Christians this is the challenge before us daily. We are to be living examples of God’s ability to change lives in a meaningful way. With God’s help and God’s strength we overcome. We don’t conform to the world, we transform it as we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that in all things we may prove what is that good, acceptable, perfect will of God. Joseph went on to do exactly that. So can we, but we must be salt and light in a wicked and perverse generation. The old folks have a saying, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Stand! And when you’ve done all you can do to stand. Stand!
.wb
P.S. - Please allow me to thank you all for your kind support and continued encouragement in this overview of the weekly Sunday School Lesson. I appreciate your feedback and, for those of you that I get to talk to, I enjoy the discussion. May you have a Blessed and Prosperous 2012 and beyond. May God shed his Favor on you all. May He cause His face shine upon you. May you be called ‘Blessed”.
1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 25, 2011: The Lord Keeps His Promise (Luke 1:26–2:7; Galatians 3:6-18)
Luke 1:38
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Mary:
It was time. She was God’s choice. The right person at the right time in the right place; there are no random acts with God. Who might have guessed that a young maiden from such humble surroundings, a sleepy little village called Nazareth would be a vessel for greatness. God can use any one from anywhere to fulfill His purpose. If you’re available, He’ll use you. The possibilities are limitless. You are capable of greatness.
Luke 1:25
“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Elisabeth:
We don’t know how old she was, but we know she was beyond child bearing years. Her moment had passed. The desire of her youth was seemingly lost, opportunity had evaded her. And yet, she remained faithful and…..hopeful. Born to godly parents, raised up with godly principles, married to ….a preacher. Elisabeth had done everything right only to see her dreams of a family unfulfilled. But God! God had heard. God had seen. God is faithful. The old folks say, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s right on time.” The beauty of this season is that it is a season of hope. You will never be in a place where God can’t reach you and extend His favor. Never. No matter what you’ve done, haven’t done, no matter how you failed or missed the mark. No matter the disappointment you’ve endured, God can and will. Be encouraged.
Luke 1:67
[ Zechariah’s Song ] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Zechariah:
There’s a little more to Zechariah than meets the eye. Arguing with angels is pretty heady stuff. Scripture recounts that in his encounter with the angel, Gabriel that he demanded proof that his prayer for the blessing of a child had finally been answered. Imagine that! Standing up to an emissary from God. Little wonder that Gabriel shut his mouth. But months later, when God released him to speak again, we see the same boldness in Zechariah’s song. He did what preachers do: proclaimed the Glory of the Lord boldly. Months of divine attitude adjustment did not break Zechariah’s spirit, it just aligned him with the purpose and plan of God. Whether it is the impudence of Peter or the arrogance of Paul, God can take an abrasive character trait and use it for the furtherance of the Gospel. It takes attitude to preach the Gospel. Attitude aligned with Eternity. God made you the way you are: quirky, jerky or whatever, He makes no mistakes. You are uniquely equipped for His purpose. Let Him use you.
Luke 1:41
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
John:
There’s a lot to say about John. This particular passage speaks to a message that God would have us all give heed to: the absolute sanctity of life in the womb. God filled John with the Holy Ghost in the womb. He heard: I’ve heard stories of dads who talked to their children during their wife’s pregnancy and after birth their newborn recognized their voice. There’s another thing to make note of: John liked what he heard. He leapt at the sound of Mary’s words. My response is similar. I rejoice in the hearing of God’s Word. Something leaps on the inside of me when I contemplate the goodness of God: His Majesty, His Mercy, His unfailing Love. I get Joy when I think about what he’s done for me. Don’t you?
Luke 2:7
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger
Jesus:
The Hope of Eternity, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Emanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Son of God, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, the First and The Last, Savior, Redeemer, Covering, Messiah, God Incarnate, God with us. Worship Him. He is worthy of all of our praise, all of our honor, all of our adoration. In this season, as we spend time with those we love, let us reflect, with joy, on the reason we celebrate; the birth of the Christ: Jesus, our Lord. God’s gift of eternal hope to those who had no hope. Rejoice.
Blessings,
.wb
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Mary:
It was time. She was God’s choice. The right person at the right time in the right place; there are no random acts with God. Who might have guessed that a young maiden from such humble surroundings, a sleepy little village called Nazareth would be a vessel for greatness. God can use any one from anywhere to fulfill His purpose. If you’re available, He’ll use you. The possibilities are limitless. You are capable of greatness.
Luke 1:25
“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Elisabeth:
We don’t know how old she was, but we know she was beyond child bearing years. Her moment had passed. The desire of her youth was seemingly lost, opportunity had evaded her. And yet, she remained faithful and…..hopeful. Born to godly parents, raised up with godly principles, married to ….a preacher. Elisabeth had done everything right only to see her dreams of a family unfulfilled. But God! God had heard. God had seen. God is faithful. The old folks say, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s right on time.” The beauty of this season is that it is a season of hope. You will never be in a place where God can’t reach you and extend His favor. Never. No matter what you’ve done, haven’t done, no matter how you failed or missed the mark. No matter the disappointment you’ve endured, God can and will. Be encouraged.
Luke 1:67
[ Zechariah’s Song ] His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
Zechariah:
There’s a little more to Zechariah than meets the eye. Arguing with angels is pretty heady stuff. Scripture recounts that in his encounter with the angel, Gabriel that he demanded proof that his prayer for the blessing of a child had finally been answered. Imagine that! Standing up to an emissary from God. Little wonder that Gabriel shut his mouth. But months later, when God released him to speak again, we see the same boldness in Zechariah’s song. He did what preachers do: proclaimed the Glory of the Lord boldly. Months of divine attitude adjustment did not break Zechariah’s spirit, it just aligned him with the purpose and plan of God. Whether it is the impudence of Peter or the arrogance of Paul, God can take an abrasive character trait and use it for the furtherance of the Gospel. It takes attitude to preach the Gospel. Attitude aligned with Eternity. God made you the way you are: quirky, jerky or whatever, He makes no mistakes. You are uniquely equipped for His purpose. Let Him use you.
Luke 1:41
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
John:
There’s a lot to say about John. This particular passage speaks to a message that God would have us all give heed to: the absolute sanctity of life in the womb. God filled John with the Holy Ghost in the womb. He heard: I’ve heard stories of dads who talked to their children during their wife’s pregnancy and after birth their newborn recognized their voice. There’s another thing to make note of: John liked what he heard. He leapt at the sound of Mary’s words. My response is similar. I rejoice in the hearing of God’s Word. Something leaps on the inside of me when I contemplate the goodness of God: His Majesty, His Mercy, His unfailing Love. I get Joy when I think about what he’s done for me. Don’t you?
Luke 2:7
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger
Jesus:
The Hope of Eternity, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Emanuel, Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Son of God, Lamb of God, Alpha and Omega, the First and The Last, Savior, Redeemer, Covering, Messiah, God Incarnate, God with us. Worship Him. He is worthy of all of our praise, all of our honor, all of our adoration. In this season, as we spend time with those we love, let us reflect, with joy, on the reason we celebrate; the birth of the Christ: Jesus, our Lord. God’s gift of eternal hope to those who had no hope. Rejoice.
Blessings,
.wb
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 18, 2011: The Lord Provides (Genesis 22:1-19)
Genesis 22:1
[ Abraham Tested ] Some time later God tested Abraham.
Genesis 22:3
Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
2 Chronicles 32:31
But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.
Imagine for a moment that it’s your normal time for prayer. How do you respond normally? For most, it’s a time that is looked forward to; quiet time at the end of your day, time for reflection and meditation before starting your day, a midday reprieve from the stress that envelopes you as you work through the day’s problem. Whatever and whenever, how would you respond in the face of a request like the request made of Abraham, a request by God to sacrifice the son of promise? What happens when God shows up with more than just ‘Holy Ghost goose bumps?” Take a note from Abraham’s response: He got up early the next morning and got about his Father’s business. If there was any doubt, any hesitation, any trepidation, Abraham resolved in the same moment of prayer in which the request was made. After all, what was he going to do? Go pray about it? “Wait just a minute Lord.” “I have to pray about that one.” Right.
God still makes such requests. Not as stark as human sacrifice, but just as monumental: the call to Salvation, the call to ministry, the call to missions, the prompting to witness to a family member or a coworker. The prompting to give. Any of these promptings will change lives eternally: yours or someone else’s as a result of your obedience. Take Abraham’s example to heart. His steadiness in this situation was evident. There’s almost a gusto or zeal in his carrying out of the Lord’s request. No foot dragging. No hand wringing. No procrastination. No fear and trembling, at least not outwardly. No excuses. Abraham rose early and got busy. Scripture tells us, that though he did not complete his task in the manner requested by God, just his belief that God would resurrect this ‘son of promise’ if he did sacrifice him. Scripture also tells us that in so believing, Abraham did indeed redeem his son from death.
What does that mean for you and I Beloved? A great deal actually. You see, God does not do things in a ‘small’ way. It was no ‘light’ thing for God to resurrect Isaac if necessary, thus the request that he made to Abraham was not a small one. When Abraham believed God, he became the vehicle that God, who cannot fail, would use to accomplish His divine purpose. Abraham didn’t know the how, hadn’t questioned the why. He just knew that somehow God would. Would what? Whatever He says He will do. If He calls you to salvation: a saving relationship through the knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Savior, nothing will pluck you out of His hand…for eternity. If He calls you to ministry or missions, whole communities or populations will be affected. If He calls to testify to a friend or a relative, you may literally gain a brother or sister for eternity. If He calls you to give monetarily, your gift may literally move nations. Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing! Therefore, you can, with confidence; move into the place that God leads you with the assurance that whatever He sets your hand to, whatever purpose He places in your heart will be accomplished to His eternal satisfaction. The key is to operate in faith. We walk by faith, not by sight. We please Him by faith. By faith, all things are possible through Him or rather, the possibilities with God are limitless…literally. How will you respond to God’s call to follow, to serve, to witness, to give. What ever you do for the Lord, do it whole heartedly, cheerfully, believing in the endless possibility that your obedience will unleash. Abraham did. So can we.
Blessings,
.wb
Hebrews 11:19
Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
Jeremiah 32:27
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Romans 8:37
… in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
[ Abraham Tested ] Some time later God tested Abraham.
Genesis 22:3
Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
2 Chronicles 32:31
But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.
Imagine for a moment that it’s your normal time for prayer. How do you respond normally? For most, it’s a time that is looked forward to; quiet time at the end of your day, time for reflection and meditation before starting your day, a midday reprieve from the stress that envelopes you as you work through the day’s problem. Whatever and whenever, how would you respond in the face of a request like the request made of Abraham, a request by God to sacrifice the son of promise? What happens when God shows up with more than just ‘Holy Ghost goose bumps?” Take a note from Abraham’s response: He got up early the next morning and got about his Father’s business. If there was any doubt, any hesitation, any trepidation, Abraham resolved in the same moment of prayer in which the request was made. After all, what was he going to do? Go pray about it? “Wait just a minute Lord.” “I have to pray about that one.” Right.
God still makes such requests. Not as stark as human sacrifice, but just as monumental: the call to Salvation, the call to ministry, the call to missions, the prompting to witness to a family member or a coworker. The prompting to give. Any of these promptings will change lives eternally: yours or someone else’s as a result of your obedience. Take Abraham’s example to heart. His steadiness in this situation was evident. There’s almost a gusto or zeal in his carrying out of the Lord’s request. No foot dragging. No hand wringing. No procrastination. No fear and trembling, at least not outwardly. No excuses. Abraham rose early and got busy. Scripture tells us, that though he did not complete his task in the manner requested by God, just his belief that God would resurrect this ‘son of promise’ if he did sacrifice him. Scripture also tells us that in so believing, Abraham did indeed redeem his son from death.
What does that mean for you and I Beloved? A great deal actually. You see, God does not do things in a ‘small’ way. It was no ‘light’ thing for God to resurrect Isaac if necessary, thus the request that he made to Abraham was not a small one. When Abraham believed God, he became the vehicle that God, who cannot fail, would use to accomplish His divine purpose. Abraham didn’t know the how, hadn’t questioned the why. He just knew that somehow God would. Would what? Whatever He says He will do. If He calls you to salvation: a saving relationship through the knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Savior, nothing will pluck you out of His hand…for eternity. If He calls you to ministry or missions, whole communities or populations will be affected. If He calls to testify to a friend or a relative, you may literally gain a brother or sister for eternity. If He calls you to give monetarily, your gift may literally move nations. Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing! Therefore, you can, with confidence; move into the place that God leads you with the assurance that whatever He sets your hand to, whatever purpose He places in your heart will be accomplished to His eternal satisfaction. The key is to operate in faith. We walk by faith, not by sight. We please Him by faith. By faith, all things are possible through Him or rather, the possibilities with God are limitless…literally. How will you respond to God’s call to follow, to serve, to witness, to give. What ever you do for the Lord, do it whole heartedly, cheerfully, believing in the endless possibility that your obedience will unleash. Abraham did. So can we.
Blessings,
.wb
Hebrews 11:19
Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
Jeremiah 32:27
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
Romans 8:37
… in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 11, 2011: The Lord Gives His Promise (Genesis 15)
Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks:
Deuteronomy 3:22
Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Judges 6:23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
“After these thing..” What things? What had just happened? An important part of the lesson this week is the set of events which immediately precede God’s appearance to Abram in this passage. In the eleven years since he had had obeyed God’s call, Abram had become wealthy. So had Lot; his nephew. Between them their wealth was so great that they could not dwell together. They decided to go their separate ways. Abram remained in Canaan, the land promised to him by God, while Lot moved to the fertile plain of the Jordan (Sodom). Not a good move. Lot, his household, servants and possessions were captured by the kings who ruled the area. Abram gathered his servants; three hundred and eighteen strong and they ambushed the marauding kings, rescued lot and recovered all of his relatives, servants and possessions. Remember: Abram is around eighty five years old at this time. After the victory, Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, the King of Salem. Melchizedek is regarded by many as a ‘Theophany’: a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. The Bible states that he was ‘Priest to God Most High’. Abram paid homage to God, giving a tenth of all he had recovered to this King of Salem, God’s High Priest.
His problem was the other king, Bera: the king of Sodom. Bera approached Abram immediately after his offering to God and offered Abram a deal. “Keep the stuff, give me the souls”, he demanded. Selah. Your adversary, the devil has stuff, doesn’t he? Satan offered Jesus all of the Kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him. Jesus Rebuked Satan. The Hebrew definition for ‘Bera’ is ‘son of evil’. Abram rebuked Bera. But where did that leave him? Bera’s tone was threatening. Abram was getting older. Now he had an enemy (or enemies) on his border. And while God had prospered him, he had not yet provided him an heir. Abram had doubts. He was beginning to think that he was running out of the time and energy required to see the Promise of God worked out in his life.
This is how God found Abram when he appeared to him that day. Sometimes after our greatest victories, we feel the most vulnerable. We overcome one hurdle and find ourselves staring over the horizon in search of the next. How soon we forget that God brought us over the last one; He’ll be there waiting on us when we arrive at the next.
“Fear not!” Is that a command? It sounds like a command. It sounds like an imperative. What does it sound like to you? Did God shout or did He whisper? Would it make a difference? How would you react? Would you shrink in more fear? Fight or flight? Which one are you? God’s next words take the edge off for Abram. “I am your shield,” : protector, guardian, barricade, shelter. “.. and your Exceeding Great Reward”. The same way I blessed you before, I will bless you again.” “I never run out.” “I never dry up.” “I am and will always be more than enough for you.”
Abram was encouraged, but not yet convinced, “But God? What about the heir (son) you promised me?” I can see God smiling as he directed Abram’s gaze toward the heavens. “Son, count the stars, if you can. Your seed will be just as numerous”.
The Bible says Abram believed God in that moment. He believed God. God could see it. He saw his shoulders relax. He saw his eyes curve into that hopeful, childlike smile. In that moment Abram was right where God wanted him, a place where they could see eye to eye. Complete agreement. Abram was ready. He was ready for Covenant. In that day, God no longer regarded Abram as His servant. He regarded him as His friend.
Here’s the good news. We have access by the shed blood of Jesus. God does not call us servants, He calls us friends. More than that, He calls us heirs, joint heirs with Christ of all of the treasure of Heaven. He’s given us an eternal heritage, an everlasting hope. He’s given us all things pertaining to life and Godliness in His precious Son, The King of Peace. King Jesus.
The Holidays can be stressful. Times are difficult. Fear not. God is with you. And because He is with you… you know the restJ (He’s more than enough).
Blessings,
.wb
.
2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Joel 2:21
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear
Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis 43:23
And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks:
Deuteronomy 3:22
Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Judges 6:23
And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
“After these thing..” What things? What had just happened? An important part of the lesson this week is the set of events which immediately precede God’s appearance to Abram in this passage. In the eleven years since he had had obeyed God’s call, Abram had become wealthy. So had Lot; his nephew. Between them their wealth was so great that they could not dwell together. They decided to go their separate ways. Abram remained in Canaan, the land promised to him by God, while Lot moved to the fertile plain of the Jordan (Sodom). Not a good move. Lot, his household, servants and possessions were captured by the kings who ruled the area. Abram gathered his servants; three hundred and eighteen strong and they ambushed the marauding kings, rescued lot and recovered all of his relatives, servants and possessions. Remember: Abram is around eighty five years old at this time. After the victory, Abram was blessed by Melchizedek, the King of Salem. Melchizedek is regarded by many as a ‘Theophany’: a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. The Bible states that he was ‘Priest to God Most High’. Abram paid homage to God, giving a tenth of all he had recovered to this King of Salem, God’s High Priest.
His problem was the other king, Bera: the king of Sodom. Bera approached Abram immediately after his offering to God and offered Abram a deal. “Keep the stuff, give me the souls”, he demanded. Selah. Your adversary, the devil has stuff, doesn’t he? Satan offered Jesus all of the Kingdoms of the world if Jesus would worship him. Jesus Rebuked Satan. The Hebrew definition for ‘Bera’ is ‘son of evil’. Abram rebuked Bera. But where did that leave him? Bera’s tone was threatening. Abram was getting older. Now he had an enemy (or enemies) on his border. And while God had prospered him, he had not yet provided him an heir. Abram had doubts. He was beginning to think that he was running out of the time and energy required to see the Promise of God worked out in his life.
This is how God found Abram when he appeared to him that day. Sometimes after our greatest victories, we feel the most vulnerable. We overcome one hurdle and find ourselves staring over the horizon in search of the next. How soon we forget that God brought us over the last one; He’ll be there waiting on us when we arrive at the next.
“Fear not!” Is that a command? It sounds like a command. It sounds like an imperative. What does it sound like to you? Did God shout or did He whisper? Would it make a difference? How would you react? Would you shrink in more fear? Fight or flight? Which one are you? God’s next words take the edge off for Abram. “I am your shield,” : protector, guardian, barricade, shelter. “.. and your Exceeding Great Reward”. The same way I blessed you before, I will bless you again.” “I never run out.” “I never dry up.” “I am and will always be more than enough for you.”
Abram was encouraged, but not yet convinced, “But God? What about the heir (son) you promised me?” I can see God smiling as he directed Abram’s gaze toward the heavens. “Son, count the stars, if you can. Your seed will be just as numerous”.
The Bible says Abram believed God in that moment. He believed God. God could see it. He saw his shoulders relax. He saw his eyes curve into that hopeful, childlike smile. In that moment Abram was right where God wanted him, a place where they could see eye to eye. Complete agreement. Abram was ready. He was ready for Covenant. In that day, God no longer regarded Abram as His servant. He regarded him as His friend.
Here’s the good news. We have access by the shed blood of Jesus. God does not call us servants, He calls us friends. More than that, He calls us heirs, joint heirs with Christ of all of the treasure of Heaven. He’s given us an eternal heritage, an everlasting hope. He’s given us all things pertaining to life and Godliness in His precious Son, The King of Peace. King Jesus.
The Holidays can be stressful. Times are difficult. Fear not. God is with you. And because He is with you… you know the restJ (He’s more than enough).
Blessings,
.wb
.
2 Kings 6:16
And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Joel 2:21
Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
Luke 2:10
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear
Revelation 1:17
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sunday School Lesson for Dec. 4, 2011: The Lord Calls Abram (Genesis 11:27–12:9)
Genesis 5:24
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Genesis 6:9
This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty ; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.
God had done it before, but not quite like this. Moved in alongside someone and invited them into relationship. He brought order out of chaos through Adam. Enoch walked with God. What must that have been like? Are you envious at all? Wouldn’t you love to have been privy to those conversations? Then Noah: he built the ark that preserved mankind at the behest of the God of Heaven. Noah built the ark for a rainstorm that was inconceivable to his contemporaries. They scoffed and mocked him as he built it, but he obeyed God and by doing so he preserved all life on earth. But God selected Abram for greatness. We don’t celebrate Adam, Enoch or Noah, but we revere Abram. God promised Abram we would. The very fact that we do so tells us a lot about who we are in God. We identify him as the father of the faithful. We hold fast to the promise he was given. We are the ‘blessed’ of Abram. Subsequently, we identify with the calling of Abram. Abram was called out to come in. Called out of the familiar surroundings of family and locale into relationship; Covenant actually, with God. We, the Church, trace our beginnings to this day: the day that God called Abram.
Talmudic Rabbi’s taught that the call of Abram included a seven fold blessing (God’s number for completion).
God promised:
To make Abram a great nation. (heritage)
To personally bless him (relationship).
To make Abram’s name great. (authority)
To make Abram a blessing to others. (prosperity).
To bless those who blessed Abram. (community)
To curse those who cursed him. (protection)
To bless all people of the earth through him. (dominion)
Beloved, these are the blessing of Abram and they are ours through Christ, our Lord. Be encouraged. What God accomplished for Abram, He will accomplish for you. He promised.
Blessings,
.wb
Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Romans 4:18
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Romans 4:3
What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Genesis 6:9
This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.
Genesis 17:1
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty ; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.
God had done it before, but not quite like this. Moved in alongside someone and invited them into relationship. He brought order out of chaos through Adam. Enoch walked with God. What must that have been like? Are you envious at all? Wouldn’t you love to have been privy to those conversations? Then Noah: he built the ark that preserved mankind at the behest of the God of Heaven. Noah built the ark for a rainstorm that was inconceivable to his contemporaries. They scoffed and mocked him as he built it, but he obeyed God and by doing so he preserved all life on earth. But God selected Abram for greatness. We don’t celebrate Adam, Enoch or Noah, but we revere Abram. God promised Abram we would. The very fact that we do so tells us a lot about who we are in God. We identify him as the father of the faithful. We hold fast to the promise he was given. We are the ‘blessed’ of Abram. Subsequently, we identify with the calling of Abram. Abram was called out to come in. Called out of the familiar surroundings of family and locale into relationship; Covenant actually, with God. We, the Church, trace our beginnings to this day: the day that God called Abram.
Talmudic Rabbi’s taught that the call of Abram included a seven fold blessing (God’s number for completion).
God promised:
To make Abram a great nation. (heritage)
To personally bless him (relationship).
To make Abram’s name great. (authority)
To make Abram a blessing to others. (prosperity).
To bless those who blessed Abram. (community)
To curse those who cursed him. (protection)
To bless all people of the earth through him. (dominion)
Beloved, these are the blessing of Abram and they are ours through Christ, our Lord. Be encouraged. What God accomplished for Abram, He will accomplish for you. He promised.
Blessings,
.wb
Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Romans 4:18
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Romans 4:3
What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
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