God’s gracious plan

In a lot of ways, Joseph was a picture of Jesus.

Beloved by his father. (Genesis 37:3, Matthew 3:17)

Rejected by his own people. (Genesis 37:8, John 1:10-11)

Sold for silver. (Genesis 37:28, Matthew 26:14-16)

Falsely accused. (Genesis 39:16-18, Matthew 26:59-61)

Raised to power. (Genesis 41:37-44, Philippians 2:9-11)

Bringing salvation to his people. (Genesis 45:7, Matthew 1:21)

And here in chapter 45, we see a picture of our own salvation.

Like Joseph’s brothers, one day we will stand before Jesus, so aware of our own guilt, knowing we deserve death.

But like Joseph, Jesus will say to us gently, “Please, come near me. God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.” (Genesis 45:4, 7)

As with Jacob and his family, there is now a remnant of Jews saved by grace. (Romans 11:5)

And by God’s grace, we are part of that family too, saved by the great deliverance Jesus brought about. (Ephesians 2:11-13)

None of this was an accident either. As in Joseph’s case, it was all part of God’s gracious plan toward us. (Genesis 45:5-8; Acts 2:13-18, 4:27-28)

So let us sing with Paul, rejoicing in our salvation:

Oh, the depth of the riches
and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments
and untraceable his ways!

For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?

And who has ever given to God,
that he should be repaid?,

For from him and through him
and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)