MetCPA

Supporting officers and staff to be the best that they can be

Genesis 41

by

Tuesday 18th October 2016

Today’s exhortation – Jesus the bread of life!

I believe one of the greatest treasures in the story of Joseph is the parallel between him and Christ. Here are some of them. Like Jesus, Joseph was loved by his father. Like Jesus, he was hated by his brothers, and was envied by them. Also, both were conspired against, insulted, stripped of their clothing. Joseph’s coat was sprinkled with blood and given to his father Jacob, as the Blood of Jesus was presented to His Father in Heaven. Like Joseph, Jesus was falsely accused, did not defend Himself, was cast into prison, suffered severely, taken from the prison of the tomb by the hand of God and exalted to the highest position over the world. Both were 30 years old when they began their ministry of saving their people.

At Joseph’s coronation, Pharaoh said to him, “I am Pharaoh, but no one will be able to raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt without your word.”(Genesis‬ ‭41:44‬). Similarly, Christ is the word of God and all things are sustained by the power of His word! When famine came to all of Egypt, and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told them, “Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you.” ‭(Genesis‬ ‭41:55‬). Now, Egypt represents the world and we too are to go to Jesus and do whatever He tells us. He is the bread of life and the answer to everyone’s problems. He says, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬). Amen!

Francis Hans-Jorie

by

Wednesday 12th October 2016

Today’s exhortation – abundance of grace

The abundance of God’s grace towards us can be see in Joseph’s promotion. When he was promoted, Pharaoh took highly symbolic actions to cement his promotion. The bible says, “Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.” (Genesis‬ ‭41:42‬). This showed Joseph’s elevation to prestige, power and acceptance. Both robe and ring alluded to Joseph’s promotion to authority. Robes were given to honoured guests; the ring was a signet ring, indicating authority. This is similar to what the father did for his prodigal son when he returned home.

Once upon a time, we too were prodigal children until we went back to God through Jesus. When we turned back to Him, He had compassion, and ran to us and kissed us. Then as was in the case of the prodigal son, the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.”‭‭ (Luke‬ 15:22). This is the level of acceptance, power and prestige God our Father has lavished on us. And, just as Joseph had all of Pharaoh’s authority behind him, we too have God’s behind us in Jesus. As a result, whatever we bind on earth in Jesus Name is bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth is loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18) Amen!

Francis Hans-Jorie

by

Tuesday 11th October 2016

Today’s exhortation – empty us Lord

I have often wondered why God let Joseph go to prison. Why did He let all this trouble come upon an innocent man? Indeed we all wonder, why do the wicked flourish and the righteous suffer? I believe it’s because it’s the only way we get to know Him and see our absolute need of Him. I have also concluded that Joseph had to be emptied of himself so that God could fill him with Himself. David was afflicted too though he was innocent and he said, “The proud have forged a lie against me, But I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”‭‭ (Psalms‬ ‭119:69,71‬).

Indeed, “For the LORD corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.” ‭(Proverbs‬ ‭3:12‬). Every day Joseph spent in prison and suffered injustice brought him to a place of complete emptiness so that God could fill him with His Spirit. I believe when this was done, his promotion came. When Pharaoh sought for a man to put in charge of saving Egypt, the bible says “And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?”” (Genesis‬ ‭41:38‬). Father, please bring us to the end of ourselves and empty us so that we can be completely filled with Your Spirt. Amen!

Francis Hans-Jorie