A Journey Through the Bible, Part 23

Old Testament

Genesis 45 and 46

Genesis 45:8—“So now it was not you who sent me here, but God.” The providence of God is a remarkable thing. Twenty-two years prior to the events of this chapter, Joseph had been sold into slavery by his brothers. He obviously had no clue as to why God would allow such a thing to happen. But now, it becomes evident to him that Jehovah was involved in the process; “God sent me before you to preserve life” (v. 5). He obviously still did not understand all of God’s rationale, but saving his family was sufficient for Joseph. But notice, it took 22 years for God to work His plan out. And it’s further interesting how God used sin—the selling of Joseph into slavery—as a catalyst to this whole providential adventure. And, of course, it wasn’t the only sin in this story; we can recall the attempted seduction of Joseph by Potiphar’s wife, and even Joseph’s own less-than-blameless deception of his own brothers, though I won’t criticize him too harshly for what is a rather brilliant scheme. Still, he wasn’t above board with them. Nonetheless, the providence of God is an amazing thing; but we must have the faith and patience to let Him work out His plans in His own time. Unfortunately, that patience is lacking in too many of us.

Genesis 46

Genesis 46:3—“So He said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there.” The Lord is speaking to Jacob here. It had been a long time—indeed, decades—since Jehovah had communicated directly to Jacob, and so He appears to the patriarch again, one more time, in his old age, to reassure him. We aren’t given any indication of doubt in Jacob’s mind, but God had told him earlier that Canaan was the land that his descendents would inherit. Could Jacob possibly be wondering if he would err by going down to Egypt, i.e., moving his family from the country God had promised would be his? Well, if there was any doubt in Jacob’s mind, the Lord removes it here, and indeed, in verse 4, tells him “I will also surely bring you up again.” All of this was part of God’s design, thus He didn’t want any worries in Jacob’s mind. The Lord is concerned about how His people think and feel. Yet, more essential is the accomplishment of His purposes.

New Testament

Matthew 25

Matthew 25:35-36—“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.” In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus pictures for us the great Judgment Day scene. The “sheep,” who will enter into “eternal life,” were rewarded because of their actions as described in verses 35-36. The “goats,” whose end will be “everlasting punishment” (v. 46), were guilty of neglecting the good works Jesus mentions. It is interesting that nothing is said here about the love or grace of God; our works have much to do with our salvation. No, we aren’t going to work our way to heaven; God will never “owe” us salvation. But, Jesus being our witness here, neglecting godly, Christian service to others will cost us our souls. It is also interesting that Jesus says nothing about baptism, the Lord’s Supper, sound doctrine, church attendance, and other matters that sometimes we perhaps overly emphasize. Now, certainly it is important to note that all of what God commands us is vital, but, at least according to this passage, the emphasis on the Day of Judgment will be on how well we have served others. True greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in sitting on a church pew; it is found in sacrificial service to others (Matt. 20:26).