JOSEPH THE WORLD'S SAVIOUR
Pastor J. C. O'Hair
As we read the biography of Joseph in the 14 chapters of Genesis -
chapters 37 to 50, we conclude that Joseph was a very noble character. Surely
there is some Divine reason why the name “Joseph” is found 137 times in
Genesis.
In Romans 5:14 we read that Adam was the figure of Christ. In Hebrews
11:17 to 19 we learn that Isaac on the altar and then restored to his father
Abraham was a figure of God’s only begotten Son; not spared (Romans 8:32), but
raised from the dead the third day. (Read Genesis 22:4 and Genesis 22:11 to
19).
There is a sense in which Joseph was a figure, or a type, of the Lord
Jesus Christ; but we know that all types, figures and shadows of Christ and His
redemptive work are imperfect.
Joseph was the eleventh son of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
Benjamin was Joseph’s brother by the same mother as well as by the same father.
“God remembered Rachel and she conceived and bare a son ... and she called his
name Joseph.” (Genesis 30:22 to 24). “Joseph” is from the Hebrew word meaning
“to add.” Joseph was added; but Rachel seemed to have the assurance that God
would add Benjamin. We read in Genesis 29:17 and 18 and 30: “Rachel was
beautiful and well favored, and Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah.” Leah was
Rachel’s sister, whom he also married.
Joseph was the son of Jacob’s old age and his father loved Joseph more
than all his children. Jacob made Joseph a coat of many colors. (Genesis 37:3).
The Lord Jesus Christ was God’s eternal Son. He was crowned with glory
and honor, anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows. Christ was the
effulgence of God’s glory. (Hebrews 2:9 - Hebrews 1:9 - Hebrews 1:3).
Joseph’s brethren hated him with cruel jealousy, and when they were told
that they would have to bow in subjection to Joseph, they hated him with a
vicious hatred. (Genesis 37:4 and 9 to 11). They put him in a pit and covered
his coat with blood. Then they sold him to God’s enemies for 20 pieces of
silver; and took the blood-stained garment back to the father that loved Joseph
so much. (Genesis 37:12 to 36).
Israel envied and hated Christ (even without a cause - John 15:25). They
said, “we will not have this man to reign over us.” (Luke 19:14). Christ was
sold for 30 pieces of silver and delivered to God’s enemies to be disgraced and
humiliated. His coat of many colors was really stained with blood. (Matthew
26:15 - Matthew 27:18 - Matthew 27:26). Christ took His blood into the presence
of His Father, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12 -
Hebrews 1:1 to 4).
God exalted Joseph after he had suffered much, and gave him a name above
every name in the world. (Genesis 41:42 to 45). Joseph was the ruler and
Saviour and all bowed down before him. (Genesis 42:6). God overruled man’s
treachery and crime in the case of Joseph.
After Christ suffered obedience unto death God highly exalted Him with a
name above every name, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”
(Philippians 2:5 to 11 ).
Then when Joseph’s brethren bowed before him and wept, confessing their
sins, Joseph said some wonderful things to his brethren. (Read Genesis 45:1 to
7). Then read how God delivered Christ by His determinate counsel and
foreknowledge. (Acts 2:22 and 4:25 to 29). Joseph’s father said, “My son is
alive,” (Genesis 45:28). God wants every sinner and saint to know that His Son
is alive. (Revelation 1:18 - Romans 6:9 - Hebrews 7:25).
The true JOSEPH is coming back and His brethren will weep as they look
on Him Whom they pierced. (Zechariah 12:10 - Revelation 1:7). Then Christ will
take His world throne and rule the whole earth and bring about the restitution
of all things. (Isaiah 9:6 and 7 - Acts 3:19 to 21 - Isaiah 2:2 to 8).
The people of Joseph’s time would have starved to death, physically had
he not provided bread for the world. See what Christ, the Bread of Life, said
in John 6:48 to 51.
(A 10 Minute Video)
How
God Saves Men
Believing
Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing
Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read
Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
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