Blogging Through The Season - Day 5

BLOGGING THROUGH THE ADVENT SEASON
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

DAY 5 – JOSEPH: A TYPOLOGY OF JESUS CHRIST
Salome Lewis
Joseph was a type of Christ. From the pit to the palace, his life was symbolic of the betrayal, death, resurrection, and redemption of Jesus. First, His brothers envied him for his vision and the anointing that he was carrying.  This caused them to give way to the enemy who used them to plot to kill him (Genesis 37:18-30).  It was Joseph’s brothers Ruben and Judah who begged for him. Judah wanted to be accountable to his father.  Similarly, Jesus from the time His birth was announced, the oil He was carrying was so great, that King Herod envying Him, killed every boy baby that could be his age or under. This he did in an attempt to wipe out the promised seed. But the Baby Jesus had a “Ruben” and a “Judah” to be His destiny helper in the Three Wise Men who felt accountable to God and not to man.
Jesus is the name given Him before birth and means Savior. However, He did not become the people’s savior until after His death. Similarly, it was after Joseph’s death that Israel received its redemption from Egypt. Joseph was 30 years old when he began his ministry (Gen 41:46). Luke 3:23 tells us that Jesus was also 30 years when He began His public ministry. Joseph was loved by his father, Jacob. Jesus was also loved by His father, who declared in Matthew 3:17 “This is MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well-pleased.”  The plot to kill Joseph turned out for the good of a nation and the then-world. Likewise, after Jesus’s death, redemption was paid for the whole world. It was after His death we were set free.  In Genesis 41:45, Pharoah gave Joseph a new name. God has also given Jesus a new name that is above every other name (Philippians 2:9).
Joseph was a symbol of what was to come in Jesus. His pit experience was dreadful, but the palace was worth it. If we could keep before us the ever-present promise that ALL THINGS work together for the good of them that love the Lord and to those who are called according to his purpose, then we will see that even when we meet trials of various kinds.... That the testing of our faith is producing steadfastness. So let steadfastness have its full effect, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of us lack wisdom, let us ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given us (James 1:3-5).
Whatever our circumstances this Advent season, this Word is pointing us to keep up in the struggle. If we suffer with Christ, we will also reign with Him. No matter what we are going through, let us hold on and keep fighting until we see our Beulah land someday. Many of us have been betrayed and delayed in our calling like Joseph, but delayed is not denied. Like Joseph, God has been preparing us. During our season of preparation, God has been developing our character, teaching us patience, and refining us with the Refiner's fire until we become proper stewards of the little oil we presently have. In this Advent season and beyond, let us remember that like Joseph and Jesus, what we are carrying is not normal and will reap the palace in due season if we do not faint.