This week we start studying Moses’ Life, beginning in the Basket on the Nile and ending this week with Moses leaving Midian to return to Egypt. In this small second of Moses’ life, we see God’s Hand directing his life, mistakes made by Moses, and the power of God present with Moses.
Key Verse of this week:
1 Corinthians 1:27-28
New International Version
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are
In a dramatic turn of events, Joseph is transported from prison to become the second in command of Egypt. The events that led to this change in Joseph’s destiny have to do with the cupbearer who, when he hears that Pharaoh has had a dream which the wise men of his household cannot interpret, remembers how Joseph interpreted his own dream while he was in prison. Joseph gives the praise to God. He says he can’t interpret the dream but God can. He communicates this fact to Pharaoh who, in turn, invites Joseph into his palace and asks him to interpret his dream. Pharaoh is so happy he elevates Joseph to the highest position in the kingdom.
The story of Joseph is unquestionably one of the most thrilling in the whole of Scripture, which records his life in more detail than is given about the lives of other great patriarchs, such as Abraham and Isaac. Joseph’s life mirrors the life and character of our Lord Jesus Christ, in many ways. The likenesses between Joseph and Christ are so compelling that we cannot help but build our outline around these parallels.
The outstanding lesson of Jacob’s life is that God never fails to discipline those who resist, or who are slow to conform to His purposes. If we do not rise to the level which God purposes for us willingly, then we will be obliged to rise to it through the firm hand of discipline. Jacob’s life also shows that it never pays to cheat or deceive, as the Scripture so clearly states: “A man reaps what he sows” (Gal. 6:7 ). Three great milestones can be seen in Jacob’s life: the dream at Bethel; the long discipline at the hands of Laban; and the night in which the angel of the Lord wrestled with him and overcame him. That night, a new humility was stamped upon Jacob’s character.
We learn about Jacob’s attempt to leave Laban and the deal he makes with Laban. We see how God blesses Jacob and how he wrestles with him and Cripples him. Do we feel like Jacob feel on the one hand the pull of the divine purpose and on the other, the varied claims of relations and friends? We must aim to keep all our relationships open, but give God’s call the highest priority.
Jacob’s parents were Isaac and Rebekah, and Esau was his twin brother. God spoke to Rebekah before the birth of the twins, saying, “Two nations are in your womb…and the older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob)” (Gen. 25:23). As soon as Jacob makes his appearance in Scripture, we find him manipulating his brother Esau into surrendering his birthright. Esau was so hungry that he gave up his birthright, which he did not really care about (25:32). Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing of the firstborn.
When the realization of our ambitions is clearly shown, our task is to wait for the Lord to bring about His plan in His way and in His time. God is able to perform what He has promised, without the aid of human schemes.
Isaac started well but as he grew older his faults became more evident. He is regarded by many as being fond of the good life, and unduly favoring the son who provided them for him. Despite his negative qualities, Isaac had many virtues and graces: faith (Heb. 11:20), obedience (Gen. 22:6-9), affection (Gen. 24:67, 25:28, 27:27-33), as well as gentleness, and marital fidelity. He taught the men and women of his day that “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel”, not be aggressive, but gentle, patient, sacrificing, and humble (2 Tim. 2:24-25)
The story of Issac shows us how to be a dutiful child, a kind person, stand our ground and be unequally yoked together. In other words, don’t date below your calling.
The last installment of the study of Abraham. Abraham’s obedience to God, through curcumin to the offering of Issac as a sacrifice. We Look at his intercessory prayer and his unyielding faith in God.