Genesis 37 ~ Praying God's Word

Please read Genesis 37.

Meditate on verse 31.

So they took Joseph’s tunic,

and slaughtered a male goat

and dipped the tunic in the blood.

You are in the middle of Advent season, preparing yourself for the celebration of Christ’s first coming to earth 2,000 years ago.  You have observed in Genesis “Jesus sightings,” where an angel of the LORD appeared to people, and it became apparent from the conversations that the “angel” was actually the LORD (Genesis 16, 22).   Now you come to the story of Joseph.  For the next two weeks you will read the fascinating details of this man’s life.  While Joseph is not Jesus, his life has many interesting parallels to the life of Christ.  As you read, look for ways that Joseph’s story was a foreshadowing of Messiah.  Consider these parallels from Genesis 37:

* Joseph was loved by his father. Jesus is beloved by His Father (Mark 1:11).

* Joseph brought a bad report about his brothers to their father; they hated him for it.  When Christ came to earth, He exposed sin; the world hated Him for it (John 15:22-24).

* Joseph’s brothers thought they would never bow to him.  They were wrong!  People in the world think they will never bow to Christ.  They are wrong!  Someday every knee will bow to Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11).

* Joseph was mocked by his brothers. Jesus was mocked throughout His ministry and at His crucifixion (Matthew 27:29-31).

* Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him because of envy.  The people plotted to kill Jesus because of envy (Matthew 27:17-18).

* Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver. Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15).

* Joseph was stripped of his tunic. Jesus was stripped of His robe (Matthew 27:28). 

* Joseph’s tunic was dipped in blood. Jesus’ robe is dipped in blood (Revelation 19:13).

* Joseph was sent to Egypt. Jesus went to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15).

God’s Word is fascinating!  Just imagine what the two men on their way to Emmaus thought when Jesus explained this part of the Old Testament to them (Luke 24:13-36)!  Be amazed by your Savior like never before this Christmas as you read about Him in the story of Joseph.

As a faithful, prayerful watchman, use Genesis 37:8 and16 to pray for someone who needs to be found by the LORD and needs to submit to His rule over their life.

“LORD, like Joseph was looking for his brothers, You are searching for ________.

Please let them submit to Your reign and authority over them.

In Your name, Jesus~”

The WATCHMAN on the WALL ~ Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell