As we continue to examine the Grace in Goshen, I want to encourage you to believe every promise that Jesus has revealed to us through the life of Joseph and his brothers. But even more than that, it’s my desire for you to believe in the One who made the promises – Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
Just as Joseph’s brothers didn’t deserve the grace that Joseph gave them, we don’t deserve the grace that Jesus gave us. But that’s why it’s called grace – because we cannot earn it or deserve it by anything that we think, say, or do. We simply receive it by faith in the One who loves us and did it all for us!
Because of His love for us, Jesus took our place so that we could take His place. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous verses explaining the details of this GRACE EXCHANGE! Jesus died, so we can have eternal life! (John 3:16) Jesus became sin, so we could become righteous! (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus became poor, so we could become rich! (2 Corinthians 8:9)
That’s GRACE!
Now, let’s read a few more verses from Genesis to see the grace that Joseph showed his brothers. Pharaoh told Joseph to tell his brothers, in Genesis 45:18-20 (NKJV):
18 “Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.
19 Now you are commanded––do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come.
20 Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.”
Here are two more PROMISES of PROVISION that we can believe and receive as we look to Jesus as our Provider:
(6) Jesus Promises to Provide Us With Unmerited Favor
In verses 18 & 20, the words, “…I will give you the best of the land…” and “…the best of the land of Egypt is yours”, indicate that Joseph is giving them unmerited favor over others who may be more deserving. So, because of God’s grace, and because Jesus IS our Provider, we also can expect to receive unmerited favor!
(7) Jesus Promises to Provide Us With Restoration of Health and Strength
In verse 18, the words, “you will eat the fat of the land” require closer scrutiny. The word translated “fat” in verse 18 is the Hebrew word ‘cheleb’ (khay’-leb). Cheleb can also be translated “richest or choicest part, best part, abundance (of products of the land)”. Understanding that there is a relationship between food and health, eating the choicest produce of the land would result in the restoration of their health and strength. So, because of God’s grace, and because Jesus IS our Provider, we also can expect to receive restoration of health and strength!
In our next post, we’ll focus on two remaining promises of provision!
Glenn
Such an awesome teaching, and so needed reminder in such a time as this…..it brought tears to my eyes for just as I believe that Forgiveness is a decision and in the same category as Grace as a child of God. The end result is also healing for us. Thank God from whom all Blessings flow.