Genesis 44:8-9 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again unto thee out of the land of Canaan: how then should we steal out of thy lord's house silver or gold? 9 With whomsoever of thy servants it be found, both let him die, and we also will be my lord's bondmen. Genesis 44:32-34 For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. 33 Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. 34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
Today we are taking a look at what I consider to be one of the clearest references to our responsibilities as Christians found in the Old Testament. In this promise of Judah we see foreshadowings of both Christ's mission and our ministry.
Joseph's brothers are preparing for the second trip to Egypt to buy food and they have run into a problem. Joseph requires that they bring Benjamin, their youngest brother, when they return but Jacob will not let Benjamin accompany them. Reuben offers his two sons as security for Benjamin (42:37) but this offer is summarily refused by Jacob. Then Judah offers himself as security for Benjamin and promises that he will bring Benjamin back to his father or bear the blame for it forever.
Pretty straight forward story right? Well in this story is a marvelous picture of the Lord Jesus and His mission here on earth. When we realize that the Lord is descended from Judah as is indicated by the reference to Him as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.). So here we see the Lord Jesus' mission to come to earth and bring the Father's rebellious creatures back to the Father as sons and daughters (John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:).
So where do you and I fit into this equation? It's simple. John 20:21 reads Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. We are like the other brothers who accompanied Judah on this perilous journey. We are to bring those whom the Lord gives the power to become sons and daughters safely to the Father. This means we should be spending our time going with the Gospel and growing in Grace until the image of Christ is stamped upon us and seen by all.
Here's the rub. If we do not go with the Gospel and do not grow in Grace then these will not be brought to the Father by us and we will be forced to bear the shame of this failure forever. Not only that, but perhaps the Lion of the Tribe of Judah will share in this shame considering we went out into this ministry through His Blood, by His Power, in His Image and failed the Father. Maybe we ought to reevaluate how seriously we take the Lord's command in Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Daily Devotional: Deuteronomy 11:13-21 Obedience from Love
Today we are taking a look at what I consider to be one of the clearest references to our responsibilities as Christians found in the Old Testament. In this promise of Judah we see foreshadowings of both Christ's mission and our ministry.
Joseph's brothers are preparing for the second trip to Egypt to buy food and they have run into a problem. Joseph requires that they bring Benjamin, their youngest brother, when they return but Jacob will not let Benjamin accompany them. Reuben offers his two sons as security for Benjamin (42:37) but this offer is summarily refused by Jacob. Then Judah offers himself as security for Benjamin and promises that he will bring Benjamin back to his father or bear the blame for it forever.
Pretty straight forward story right? Well in this story is a marvelous picture of the Lord Jesus and His mission here on earth. When we realize that the Lord is descended from Judah as is indicated by the reference to Him as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.). So here we see the Lord Jesus' mission to come to earth and bring the Father's rebellious creatures back to the Father as sons and daughters (John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:).
So where do you and I fit into this equation? It's simple. John 20:21 reads Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. We are like the other brothers who accompanied Judah on this perilous journey. We are to bring those whom the Lord gives the power to become sons and daughters safely to the Father. This means we should be spending our time going with the Gospel and growing in Grace until the image of Christ is stamped upon us and seen by all.
Here's the rub. If we do not go with the Gospel and do not grow in Grace then these will not be brought to the Father by us and we will be forced to bear the shame of this failure forever. Not only that, but perhaps the Lion of the Tribe of Judah will share in this shame considering we went out into this ministry through His Blood, by His Power, in His Image and failed the Father. Maybe we ought to reevaluate how seriously we take the Lord's command in Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Daily Devotional: Deuteronomy 11:13-21 Obedience from Love
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