Fear not: For am I in the Place of God?

In the eyes of many scholars and ministers, when going over Jacob's family album and the deliverance God brought through Joseph, forgiveness is the big theme. Joseph is honored for his great forgiveness.  I think forgiveness is a little easier than people think.  It relies on God. For me the Joseph record is the story of God's great love and provision.

The true exercise and action of man is trusting and believing God. Genesis is filled with records of people that sojourned through the wilderness of life, physically, mentally and spiritually, to ultimately find the wellspring of grace that was really right there all the time. Jacob's sons were no exceptions.

Genesis 50:14-21
And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.  And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 

And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

After all the ways God showed His love during hardship and famine, despite the poor relationships, envy, strife, evil intentions, immorality and lack of trust; Joseph's brothers still in the end thought they were in big trouble and fearful of what would happen to them. Have you ever thought this way? Joseph reminded them how God meant all of it for their good. God is what resided and kept Joseph's heart. God was available to them too.

It is interesting listening to ourselves when we talk about God.  We may talk in chapters, verses, formulas and quotations, pontifications and special language. We talk fast, slow, loudly, quietly, intensely or cautiously about God. If we listen to ourselves long enough the 'trust factor' starts to become visible. It shows in the above conversation in Genesis 50. The 'trust factor' is not that we've proved every jot and tittle of the Bible. It is about our relationship with God. Bottom line is just what Jesus Christ told us in the gospels:

Matthew 22:35-41 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Living Larger

"This world ♪♫♪♫ is not my home, ♪♫♪♫ I'm justa passin' through.." seem to be the lyrics Jacob was fond of singing in the later part of Genesis. He mourned the loss of his son Joseph and from that point

on he seems to waiting to for life to be over.

In Genesis 45:27-28, his reaction to the news of finding out that Joseph was alive and sending for him is recorded:

And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons (not yet used in Israel according to E.W.Bullinger) which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived: And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die. (Genesis 45:27, 28)

Imagine Jacob's reaction when he saw the wagons and all the wonderful things provided for a comfortable trip to Egypt. As they set out for Egypt, Jacob stopped at Beersheba and had a conversation with God (Elohim).

And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God(Elohim) of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God (El), the God (Elohim) of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. (Genesis 46:1-4)

Instead of life ending, it was beginning anew for Jacob. Jacob was 130 years old when he moved to Egypt, not an easy thing to do at his age. He would be well-taken care of in Joseph's domain and  under his watchful eye. Joseph's care and wisdom came from God. Joseph's heart reminds me of the verse in Timothy where Paul writes about Timothy:

Philippians 2:20-21 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Jacob actually lived to be 147 years old. God blessings always extend beyond human vision. Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of that:

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (Ephesians 3:20)

Confessions of a Grassroots Activist

The news is a abuzz over scandal after scandal. When the facts are revealed it becomes clear that every situation is complex and chaotic.  It seems impossible to get to the truth! It also seems that the closer one gets to the answers, the spin starts to accelerate at a greater speed. Some of the problems were very evident from the beginning and my sense of justice started to roar when some of the recent revelations came to light. Then I remember:

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

In the Greek, the word 'vengeance' is the greek word 'ekdikesis' ('ek'-out from, dike - justice =Link in 'Digging Deeper')

 In Romans 12:19, the responsibility for justice is squarely on God.  God's justice is the only true justice. He is all good. He is all light. There is absolutely no darkness in Him at all. He is love. Vengeance is not a dark word. When we are walking by the spirit, we are all that too. We don't have to get indignant for God! This world is full of  so many things we could get irritated about. We would be on edge all the time. Did Jesus Christ walk around indignant all the time? He could have, the world threw everything at him. The Joseph record in Genesis shows he didn't either.

God's word says we are to 'rejoice in the truth'. I absolutely love it when something that is not right is exposed. It is part of rejoicing in truth. However, we must stay out of the mud.  We speak the truth in love!

Looking on the Things of Others

In chapter 45 of Genesis, Joseph finally reveals who he was to his brothers. It is a story of great deliverance for Jacob's family.  In addition Joseph was able to protect his family further for the remaining five years of the famine by moving them to Egypt. Joseph really was looking out for things that were so necessary for their lives. Joseph not only blessed his family but many many more people saw deliverance because he looked out for them. God helped to elevate him to the right hand of Pharaoh so that he was free to put all that he needed to do in motion.

In Philippians chapter 2 there is a great record of Jesus Christ:

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Jesus had undoubtedly read over and understood the record of Joseph in the Old Testament. He understood how God through Joseph had brought deliverance to his people. It must have been a very encouraging record for him. Jesus 'thought it not robbery to be equal to God'. He knew he would carry out God's plan for deliverance as God's son. He didn't have to worry about what everybody thought about him, he simply served. Jesus Christ has a name that is truly above every name.  God has put everything under his feet. It is through him we now can walk for God and and have the same equivalent value to help others.

Revival is is Not Packaged, Manufactured, Sold or Taxed

Fishing season is coming up. My husband has already been dangling some bait. He is very particular about the bait.  The livelier it is, the bigger the chance for success to catch a hungry whopper! He is an expert at snagging a boatload of fish!

Genuine relational belief in God is very attractive.  I'm not talking about pre-fab believing, like doing all the right things that are expected. I'm talking about a human being that emanates all of the fruit of the spirit and genuinely cares for others and enjoys all things God.

Joseph, in the Genesis record was able to affect nations and influence a large number of people because he had connections to the true God. In the beginning of the record, his brothers didn't seem to like him. They regarded him as a  goody two-shoes. As the Joseph record evolves, it all changes, not overnight, but slowly over the course of many years they matured and coalesced and became the future of the first nation of believers.

Joseph had to have had great thankfulness for the faithfulness of God. During certain periods of his life, he may felt lonely but he was steadfast. The amazing thing about him was that at those times, despite some people not liking him, he got the attention and honor of some pretty key individuals. Joseph rose to the top in Egypt, not because of his ambition, but because of his regard for God.

When God becomes real in a person's thinking, a revival takes place. It is contagious and affects others, one way or another. The hope, peace, joy, expectation and genuine love is unmistakably from God and belongs to God. It cannot be bought, sold, invented or manipulated. God never controls us, we accept, protect and guard our hearts because we choose who we worship and follow. Choice is a valuable commodity. When we lose that choice howbeit ever so subtly or blatantly, we need to take note. Our choices are at the root of everything we do.

Have you ever been involved in a complex situation which seemed out of control with no answers on the horizon? Sometimes when I'm in those situations, I start questioning myself. From there it could go into guilt, sadness and hopelessness. When I start feeling guilty about something, it jars me awake and I then do what I'm supposed to do: ask God and honestly seek His resolution.

God's solutions to the events in Joseph's life attracted attention and glory for God. Joseph made many decisions. He chose to go to prison for refusing his master's wife' demands. He chose to explain the visions of the baker and the butler. He chose to help Pharaoh. He chose to do his best to provide for Egypt against the famine. He chose to help his family and provide for them as God worked with him. The bottom line is: Joseph chose to listen to God and that is what made him a success.

When Joseph explained Pharaoh's dreams, he started with God:

Genesis 41:25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. 

28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh.

32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

Pharaoh accepted what he said and put things in action:

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? 39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

 These actions changed the course of Egypt's history as well as brought about changes in Joseph's family that continues to effect us today. I would call that revival!

Finding Our Way

In several of my posts I have written about two recurrent themes that are near and dear to me in my quest for truth. First: What is church and where can you find it? Second: What does the mystery mentioned in Ephesians 3 look like in reality? Actually both questions have the same answer.

On the day of Pentecost, God set in motion the greatest movement of all times.  It started with those in the first century that believed what Jesus Christ was all about and accepted God's gift of holy spirit  as an inner assurance of the new birth and connection to the body of Christ of whom Jesus Christ is the head.

Holy spirit makes an individual one with the Father as well as one with the son. We are one with each other as we walk in their light together. This is the church.

I John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

God is the all in all and he made Jesus Christ the head of His church. The born again believers are the body of Christ and work in connection to the head spiritually. Jesus Christ is not absent, retired, or inactive. He is building the church. There is only one head of the body. The synergism in the church all rests and thrives on this set-up. No one earthly organization is THE body of Christ.

The current popular concept of church has evolved through the ages. In those early days after Pentecost it was the people that were the church not the buildings. Soon people started to organize and frame the human concept of church. Bigger is better needing a building and a boss. Crosses were put on top of buildings, stained glass in windows and pews and pulpits became furniture.

Even today when a group starts out as a small home unit like in the book of Acts, priorities can change. I have seen this evolve as a small living room circle gets rearranged into rows and a coffee table as a mini-pulpit. From there it grows until there is an invisible altar rail.  Soon instead of faithful seasoned, committed elders and deacons, we hear about reverends, clergy and laity; none of which is written about in the Bible.

Leadership in the first century existed and started with the apostles.  In Ephesians 4, God records other functioning gift ministries in the body such as prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers.  These are positions of service through which God in Christ in an individual energizes to help build up the church of God. The goal of the ministries is to help individuals rise up to their calling and function as individuals in the collecting body of Christ. All born again believers are ministers of the word to bring hearts to the one true God. For various reasons, certain abilities, desire and believing, God utilizes individuals to specifically involve themselves in His projects. Gift ministries are under rowers not overlords. They don't carry a neon sign. Their lives weave in and throughout life knitting for the Master, sometimes recognized, often not.

Our current religious system is set up with all flavors and sizes of church. For me, I have no problem attending any or all of them that are based on God, His word and His Christ. We all need fellowship with others who believe and who live for helping others find their way to God. We live in a world that is designed to pull people away from God, not toward him.

I absolutely treasure my relationships with those who are humble to God and have learned the true grace ethic of discipleship. Fellowship with others who love and trust God is absolutely wonderful. We all need to help and be helped. We are not developing a brand of theology, but a way of life and trust of God. Ultimately, no one can do that for anyone else. We all have the power of God if we choose to utilize it. We can help by reminding each other of what God has given us through His Word and His spirit. It is the best way to grow up in Christ:

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

People and 'Real'ationships

 'Real'ationships are an amazing study and perhaps no greater revelation can be found in Genesis chapters 42 and 43 about Joseph's relationships with his brothers.  It is a story of true forgiveness, redemption and reconciliation. There is so much embedded in this record that just a surface reading is not enough, but it is significant piece of learning how humans interact where two forces, good and evil exist together.

On the one hand, we read about Joseph whose goodness is revealed as the story in Genesis continues. Joseph trusted God as he rose to the top in Egypt. On the other side of the story is the record of Joseph's brothers and their very human nature. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers due to their jealousies, anger and rebellion. They, for the most part, were entrenched in fear.

Fear affects thinking.  It causes misjudgment, hard feelings and uneasy relations. Imagined scenarios are the result, not reality. Have you ever had a difficult interaction with someone and you realized that they were thinking evil of you and there was nothing you could do to convince them of your genuineness towards them. In dealing with hurts, sometimes time has to heal (like a pulled muscle). At other times it means pulling away (like burning your hand when the potholder slips). Pulling away need not be permanent as we see in the record of Joseph, but it requires protection that only the wisdom of God can give.

In chapter 42 and 43 of Genesis, E.W. Bullinger (The Companion Bible) points out 4 steps in the reconciliation of Jacob's sons. The whole record of Joseph from the time of being thrown in a pit to the time when he is united with his brothers is over the course of 22 years. The first step on Joseph's part is to speak roughly to them. They did not know who he really was. He did not immediately break down, reveal his heart to them and they lived happily ever after. How did he know they might try and do harm to him again?

After his second action of throwing them in jail, he overheard them making references to the fact that they were remorseful over what they had done to to their brother. The scene of him stripped of his beautiful coat at the bottom of the pit in anguish popped up during their incarceration. They were scared. Their fear was punishing them not God.  This conversation, however, showed Joseph some of their change in heart (the beginning of repentance).

They had come to Egypt to buy corn during a famine. Joseph sold them food and told them to go back to their land leaving Simeon behind in jail (interesting choice). He asked them to bring back their youngest brother (who was his full blood brother having the same mother).  Joseph had their money put back in their packs secretly (Bullinger's 3rd step) and sent them on their way. When they discovered the money returned, again they had fearful thoughts. Guilt does nothing but breed more fear. They were carrying a lot of baggage in their heads, not just on their animals. Have you noticed that people who carry a lot of baggage tend to read its weight into relationships they have? That baggage conjures up negative emotions in their hearts and it is difficult dealing with them.

Finally, as the famine continued they went back to Egypt with the youngest son of Jacob in tow and were treated well in Egypt. Joseph still did not reveal who he was. Joseph gave them more supplies and sent them home, however he planted a silver cup in Benjamin's pack unbeknownst to them.  Joseph sent guards after them to search for the silver cup and it was found in Benjamin's pack. Benjamin was the favored brother of Jacob.  Judah asked to take the punishment for the theft instead of Benjamin because of the hurt that it would incur to his father to lose another son. It was at this point finally Joseph could reveal who he was and after 22+ years Judah had changed and matured. Only God could have provided the way to effect the change.  Look at the blessing gave Judah at the end of his life in 49:8-10:

Genesis 49:8 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. 9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

Our difficulties with people and situations we find ourselves in can best be dealt with by giving the situation to God. A fellow blogger wrote that this is like getting on a moving sidewalk and moving forward through life regardless of the scenery. I like that analogy!

At the Well Again

In John 4, is one of my favorite sections. As I learn more and more about this record, the more I marvel at what God has done for us. As Jesus talks to the woman at the well, the conversation is a foreshadowing of the relationship involved in true fellowship, in spirit and in truth. This relationship will transcend cultural barriers, religious barriers, race barriers, and gender barriers. Jesus makes a great statement at the end of this section:

John 24:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain (Mt Gerizim); and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

It is interesting to note the location of this well and the history of the area:

John 4: 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria. 5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus, therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

In this record there are 'Jacob' and 'Joseph' references about the spot that Jesus stopped. Wells were very significant in those cultures, they were essential for life. It was evident in the Old Testament and New Testament.

Many scholars put a huge emphasis on the administrations of the Bible.  Some scholars divide the book into seven or eight sections along God's time line. (See 'The Big Picture' section in the tabs above) References to the past administrations are often referred to in other sections. It isn't God who divided the Bible up into testaments, chapters and verses. Man did it. God is faithful and we learn from all sections of the Bible. We are reminded in John chapter four of the significant past events that occurred in this very place. The promised seed from Genesis walked in the same areas in the gospels. He was the living water!

The Samaritans were a culture of half-breed hebrews due to frequent intermarriage with people who were transported to and settled in Samaria which was north of Jerusalem. There is a large amount of historical evidence about the antagonism between the Samaritans of the north and Judeans of the southern area around Jerusalem. Yet in this recorded conversation, Jesus's attitude toward her was not one of contempt but a reaching out to her heart:

John 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew(Judean), askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Jesus Christ is the end of thirst. There is absolutely no substitute for him. If you have ever known spiritual thirst for God, there is no farther to look than to His son whether you are a Judean, Samaritan, Gentile, male or female. He is the living water and brings life into tired parched lives.

An Answer of Peace

After Joseph settled in in Egypt, he became very successful in prospering his first boss,the captain of the guard. Joseph managed his household until the captain's wife put him in a bad position by lying and Joseph was thrown into prison. While he was there, two cell mates joined him. These men had some strange dreams that perplexed them and God gave Joseph the explanations of the visions. One of men became Joseph's 'get out of jail free' card and brought Joseph before Pharaoh who also had some dreams that troubled him. Pharaoh asked Joseph to interpret his two-part dream. Joseph's response was electrifying:

And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Genesis 41:16

Joseph was able to give Pharaoh the answer he needed. The answer would have far-reaching effects on not only Egypt, but on Joseph's family and Israel as well. Joseph fully acknowledged the role of God in giving him the understanding of the visions.  God is the only one that can give supernatural revelation.  It is up to God to reveal the meaning for His own purpose. When a man or woman is given revelation to speak what God wants spoken, there is always a very good reason for the revelation and it is solution-orientated. God's gift in operation is an infusion of love in a challenging world. This is not about a gray bearded man standing on a street corner yelling 'sinners repent' at all the passer-bys.

And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:32-33

The vision was doubled and God had Joseph explain that when a vision is doubled, it is established and will happen soon. God is 'the master' of communication. We can apply this same principle when we hear from God. God gave Pharaoh a picture from two different angles just to establish it for him. Pharaoh accepted God's love and he got an 'answer of peace'. God is eager to help!

Today we have all the tools for our own quest for an 'answer of peace' in all situations. God wants us to have peace. We are human so that it can be challenging to believe. We absolutely need God's assurance daily. How many times have you presented a challenging situation to God and then just happen to be reading in a certain section of the Bible and the answer just pops up in your reading. Or how about the times you have wondered about something and then you meet up with someone that says the right thing at the right time and you know it is from God. It might come from a little child, a friend, family member or a complete stranger (like a stewardess on an airplane).

Pharoah indeed took heed to what Joseph spoke and his respect for Joseph was very clear. 

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Genesis 41:38

Every person who acknowledges God's resurrection of Jesus Christ and accepts God's provision of Jesus Christ as our lord has the spirit of God resident within. We also have the magnificent instruction manual to operate it and we have God's genuine, eager love.  Yes, life is messy, but we can always have an answer of peace!

The Money Changers

The weekend before his death, Jesus Christ made two entrances into Jerusalem. On the second trip he entered into the temple and cleaned out the money changers in the court of the gentiles at the temple. It was here that corrupt sales of sacrificial animals and currency exchanges were carried on. People came from all over to worship at the temple. It was convenient to buy sacrificial animals at the temple for those people who were not familiar with Jerusalem. Prices were higher because of the convenience.

Isaiah 56:6-76 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

God's house was supposed to be a house of prayer for all people. Can you imagine what it would be like in an area with a bunch of animals and exchange transactions going on. It would certainly not be conducive to prayer!  Not only that, this area had become a den of thieves. Jesus cleaned them out and then taught and healed people.

Several days later Jesus would become the once-and-for-all sacrifice that would cleanse and make way for a New Testament that would allow the Holy of Holies to permeate everyman's heart if he so chose. The day of Pentecost was around the corner whereby their hearts could be purified with the fire from above. The temple was to become one not made with hands. It is alive and dynamic!

Israel had become like the fig tree Jesus had seen on the way to Jerusalem that very day. From afar it appeared healthy and sound with its leaves, but upon closer examination, he could see there were no buds and thus would produce no fruit. God permeating anyone's life produces rich, productive fruit.
Israel had become dull and unproductive to the point that they could not recognize God's son.

Religious tradition wrapped in old wineskins breeds unfruitfulness. Jesus Christ arose from the dead. For what? Why?  From tradition (you can't get real answers from the Easter bunny!) and massive systems of religion? Absolutely not!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ brings dawn into every individual heart that calls on him.

11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:11-13

This is the way, the truth and the light. It is reality!

The Oldest Child

Being the oldest in a family doesn't mean as much to us today as it did in the Old Testament. In Jacob's family, figuring out who had the birthright was a little complicated as there were two wives and two surrogates wives. Chronologically Reuben would have been the oldest child. He would have gotten a double portion of the inheritance and be charged with watching over the family after Jacob's death. The birthright had practical implications for families back then. Reuben however, messed up:

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) I Chronicles 5:1-2 

 The father could change the birthright.  As I read about Joseph's visions in Genesis 37, I cannot help but wonder that he was spiritually the one to watch over Jacob's household in God's eyes. Since it wasn't normal custom, somehow God would have to convey and encourage the idea in Joseph's mind.  It does appear a little strange that he shared his visions with his brothers but maybe they needed to know. A lot of things happened in that family as time went on, some of them were really goofy things. Throughout it all, Joseph was the rudder toward success for them. Judah matured as did some of the others because of the way Joseph watched over them. Walking for God requires encouragement and believing. Sometimes it may be misconstrued as arrogance.

The spiritual birthright today is unquestioned in the New Testament order. God clearly designated which of his sons would be Lord over His household.

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; Colossians 1:12-19

Today we belong to the group of those who are 'partakers in the inheritance' because we have accepted the lordship of Jesus Christ. God in His foreknowledge, sees all who make this acknowledgement which opens the doors to  His household with all of its privileges:

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come 39 Nor  height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:29-39