If you've been paying attention, Doug and Henry have been talking about how Joseph is a foreshadowing of Christ. But in preparation of this coming Sunday, let's look at what the New Testament writers have to say about that, as well as other foreshadowings in the Old Testament. Read Hebrews 11. Many call it the Biblical Hall of Faith: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Israel, Rahab, & the Judges. Then continue reading through Hebrews 12.
Therefore (as many of my classmates would ask, "’What is the 'therefore' there for?") since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (read: foreshadowings), let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Having done some hiking in my
life, I've never added weight to my bag in order to feel better. Having been a
novice endurance athlete, I've noticed my joints appreciate it more after I've
shed some pounds. But, honestly, many will tell you that endurance events are
more mental than physical. Yes, you need to train your body: but in order to
train your body, your mind needs to be on board and in a state that you can
push through the "I can't do it anymores.” One method I've learned to use
during long runs is thinking obscure, right-brained thoughts. That's why the
best signs at marathons are not "Go, Dad, Go!" but "Worst.
Parade. Ever!" and "Tap here for power up."
But another method is to think of all the previous runs you've done. Think of all the people before you who have finished. That is what the writer of Hebrews is saying here. Those who have had faith before you should be witnesses who encourages you. They might even give you somewhat of a system to follow.
Doug and Henry have been talking about Joseph being a picture of the work of Christ. We'll look more at that Sunday in Genesis 41. But we can also look at Joseph as an example of one who had faith in his God, which might help us in our walk with the Lord. He was one of many witnesses, which encourages us to throw aside our own understanding and put more and more faith in Christ.
Some other questions to consider:
- Genesis
41 is years after Joseph is separated from his family, and Genesis isn't
written yet. How does Joseph know who God is? How does that influence us
as parents, grandparents, and members of a church who vow during baptisms
to help raise our children?
- Dreams
play a prominent role in Joseph's story. Re-read Joseph's reactions to
dreams in Genesis 37, 40 and 41. How does he change (grow)?
- Dreams
also appear in Daniel's story. How does Daniel interact with dreams?
I'm looking forward to seeing you
all on Sunday. Make sure you stick around for the meet & greet.
