Parallels

After seeking the Lord this morning in study and prayer, and of course praise and thanksgiving, I was looking for something to write about for my Tidbits blog and I came across some parallels between Jesus and Joseph.  Joseph’s story is in chapters 37-50 in the book of Genesis.  When I came across this information I thought it was interesting so I thought I would type these things out for others who may also benefit from them.

In Genesis 37:3 and Matthew 3:17 they both were loved by their fathers.

In Genesis 37:2 and John 10:11-27 they both were shepherds.

In Genesis 37:13-14 and in Hebrews 2:11 both were sent to their brothers.

In Genesis 37:4 Joseph was hated by his brothers and this is what it says about Jesus in John 7:5, “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.”

In Genesis 37:20 and John 11:53 others plotted to harm them.

In Genesis 39:7 and Matthew 4:1 both were tempted.

In Genesis 37:25 and Matthew 2:14-15 both were taken to Egypt.

In Genesis 37:23 and John 19:23 robes were taken from them.  

In Genesis 37:28 and Matthew 26:15 both were sold for a price.

 

In Genesis 39:20 and Matthew 27:2 they both were bound with chains.

In Genesis 39:16-18 and Matthew 26:59-60 they were falsely accused.

In Genesis 40:2-3 and Luke 23:32 they both were placed with two other prisoners, one was saved the other lost.

In Genesis 41:46 and Luke 3:23 both were 30 years old at the beginning of their public recognition.

In Genesis 41:41 and Philippians 2:9-11 both were exalted after suffering.

In Genesis 45:1-15 and Luke 23:34 both forgave those who wronged them.

In Genesis 45:7 and Matthew 1:21 both saved their nation.

In Genesis 50:20 and 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 what men did to hurt them, God turned to good.

After typing these parallels I was looking at the last one and this verse came to mind Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Jesus and Joseph faced many trials, hurt and pain before they accomplished what God’s will was for their lives and so did Paul and Peter and the other disciples and many more believers down through the ages, many not realizing the things they would have to suffer but they stayed faithful until the end.  Sometimes we question God and even get downright angry at Him, maybe to the point of ranting and raving, because of what we experience in our Christian walk and I will be the first one to say I am guilty of these things and when I think of some of the things that some believers have endured, I am ashamed of myself and I have had to repent and ask God to forgive me.  Instead of thinking we are so special to God that he won’t let anything harm us, we should think this way, that we are so special to God that He counts us worthy of suffering for Him, showing that His Spirit rests upon us and there are treasures waiting for us in heaven and blessings waiting for us here also, praise God!  

Sometimes it seems like we have this misconception that God would never allow anything or anyone to harm us.  Remember this, every one of these men that I talked about in this Tidbit today, including Jesus, suffered, all dying for their faith but not before accomplishing what God had for their lives.  If you read the 11^th chapter of Hebrews, what many call the faith chapter, you can read about many that suffered while being faithful to the Lord and I believe every one of them would say it was worth it all, if we could talk to them today. 

So if you are a believer and are struggling with circumstances, situations, rejection or persecution and you don’t understand why, think of those that went before you and know that you are in good company.  Try to remember Romans 8:28 because this is what God is doing in every born-again believer’s life.  This is something to think about and I hope it has been an encouragement to you.  May God bless you and yours and may you have a super day!!