Monthly Archives: March 2020

Prodigal Son

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And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: Genesis 46:2-3

One night while Jacob was worshipping God, he spoke to him. He told him not to fear going to Egypt for God promised to make his family a great nation. Remember this is the same covenant God made with his grandfather Abraham and Father Isaac. God promised them he would make their descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky

Now remember Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers and has invited his entire family to live in Egypt during the great famine so they can prosper. God was confirming to Jacob that this was a good move for his entire family and the nation of Israel

And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. Genesis 46:5

So Jacob and his entire family packed up everything and moved to Egypt to meet Joseph. Jacob brought everyone including his sons, daughters, in laws, grand children, everyone and everything moved with Jacob to Egypt , this was a huge event. The Bible says the number of people in Jacobs family that went to Egypt was 70

Imagine telling your entire family, not just your immediate family but everyone , they are moving to a new country. But God promised to take care of Jacob and his family, we must trust in God

And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. Genesis 46:29

The time has finally come, for Joseph and his Father to be reunited. Remember how long Jacob thought Joseph was dead and wept for him. Reminds you of the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) we were dead in our sin and then alive with Christ and came back to the Father

Jacob was so happy to see Joseph he said “Hes ready to die” (Genesis 46:30) No longer does he have to grieve over the loss of his beloved Son.

Joseph Is Revealed

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Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. Genesis 45:1-2

Joseph couldn’t wait any longer, he finally revealed himself to his brothers. He was so overtaken with emotion that be broke down crying so loudly that everyone heard him. Imagine the rush of emotions going through everyones minds. Everyone thought Joseph was dead and now hes standing before them the ruler over Egypt

Do you see the shadows of Christ here? Jesus who many thought was a blasphemer and false prophet, eventually Risen and stood before them as the Messiah, the Son of God. Imagine the shock for the hundreds who saw Jesus after the resurrection

And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. Genesis 45:3

Notice it says they were troubled by the presence of Joseph. Why? Because here is there brother, they sold into slavery, they told their father he was killed, they figured he was probably dead by now also. Now they have to confront their sins as Joseph stands right before them. Not only that, they are now bowing to Joseph as ruler over them, just as he prophesied as a young boy

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5

Notice Josephs response to his brothers, he told his brothers not to grieve over what they did to him because God saved them through this tragedy. Do you see the foreshadows of Christ and the cross? Even while Jesus was dying on the cross he said “Father Forgive them for they know not what they do”(Luke 23:34)

The sins that put Christ on the cross actually saved us from our sins!

And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land. Genesis 45:18

Because of what Joseph did for his brothers and he found favor in the eyes of the Pharaoh, Israel will now be giving the best land. Compare that to what Jesus did for us, because Christ redeemed us and was exalted at the right hand of God, we can inherit the New Heavens and Earth!

And told him, saying, Joseph is yet alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt. And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he believed them not. Genesis 45:26

When Jacob was told that Joseph is alive, he originally didn’t believe them. Compare that to when the disciples told everyone that “Jesus Is Risen”, still many don’t believe even today! And they also noted that Joseph is ruler over all of Egypt, compared to Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Family Reunion Part 2

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And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. Genesis 44:2

Chapter 44 continues with the interaction between Joseph and his brothers, they all have just shared in a big feast and now they are ready to be heading home. At this point, they still don’t realize that the ruler of Egypt is their own brother Joseph. So before he sends them away Joseph is going to test them another time. He puts a valuable silver cup in the youngest brothers (Benjamin) belongings

And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless. Genesis 44:10

Joseph confronts them about stealing the silver cup, but at this point the brothers have no idea what he is talking about. Joseph told them whoever has the cup will be his slave, this is obviously another test for their youngest brother Benjamin

And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die. Genesis 44:22

Judah tries to plead with Joseph , that if he takes Benjamin as a slave his father will die. Remember Judah promised his father that he would bring Benjamin back safely. Little does Judah realize that Joseph is testing his brothers

And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since: Genesis 44:28

Jacob is still mourning the loss of Joseph, he still doesn’t realize that Joseph never died. This I believe is what Joseph was trying to find out, if his father and family missed him after all this time. Judah is pleading with Joseph to release Benjamin so it doesn’t destroy his father, well see in the next Chapter what happens!

Did Jesus Call Us Gods?

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Did Jesus call us Gods?

One response Jehovah Witnesses will have to their translation of John 1:1 , is that Jesus has called us all Gods. So lets take a look at the context of this scripture in KJV and NWT

 

The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? John 10:33-36  (KJV)

3  The Jews answered him: “We are stoning you, not for a fine work, but for blasphemy;d for you, although being a man, make yourself a god.” 34  Jesus answered them: “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said: “You are gods”’?e 35  If he called ‘gods’f those against* whom the word of God came—and yet the scripture cannot be nullified— 36  do you say to me* whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’ John 10:33-36  (NWT)

Here when we compare the two translations, we see a little difference. KJV has Jesus declaring he is God, while NWT says Jesus is only a God. This is a big difference as we see Jesus response stating the Pharisees are “gods”. Therefor the NWT would be making Jesus equal with the Pharisees, while KJV would be stating Jesus is deity over the Pharisees

Jesus is quoting Psalm 82, lets compare these to get the context of the scripture

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. Psalms 82:6-8 (KJV)

 6  “I have said, ‘You are gods,*jAll of you are sons of the Most High.  7  But you will die just as men do;kAnd like any other prince you will fall!’”l  8  Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,mFor all the nations belong to you.  Psalms 82:6-8 (NWT)

Basically the two translations are in agreement with each other here, but what is the context of the scripture? The scripture is referencing “Divine Authority”on Earth. Such as the religious leaders (Pharisees) that Jesus was addressing in John 10

But there is a clear distinction between Jesus as God and the Pharisees as gods. If we lower Christ to the same level as the religious leaders, that we would be just saying he is a mortal man. Then how could Jesus be the atonement for the sin of the world? Jesus has to be deity to be the Son of God as he stated

By this definition , I don’t believe we would all be “Gods” either, unless we have a divine position of authority given to us by God Almighty. Bottom line is if you reject the Deity of Jesus you also reject the atonement for your sins!

 

 

Easter Tract

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Why Do You Celebrate Easter?

Many people around the world will be celebrating Easter, but do you know why? Many claim that the word “Easter” is derived from paganism, but this is derived from the German word “auferstehung” which formed the word “Ostern” which means Resurrection

The word Easter literally means Resurrection, so we celebrate Easter to Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The Good News (Gospel) of Easter is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so we may inherit eternal life. On Easter Sunday morning, Jesus defeated sin and death so we can be reconciled with God as his children

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” Luke 24:6-7

When his disciples went to check the tomb on the Sunday morning, they found that the Lord Jesus has Risen! Because of Christ , we can overcome anything including death. You might say what do I need to do to become saved?

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Repent (turn away from your sin) ask Jesus for forgiveness with Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10), believe that he is your Lord and died for your sins and you will be saved and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Jesus wants a relationship with you! Pray often, study your Bible, fellowship with other Christians ,and let the Holy Spirit be your teacher

For more content please visit my site at unashamedofjesus.org or contact me at unashamedofyeshua@gmail.com

Family Reunion

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And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food. Genesis 43:2

The time has come for Jacobs family to go back to Egypt and buy more food. The famine has been very severe and they have no choice. Now the risk is they might lose the youngest Benjamin, remember Joseph told them when they returned they needed to bring their youngest brother to prove they are not spies

At this point , they still don’t realize Joseph is the man they talked to in Egypt. They are still have presumed he was dead. So for Jacob to send his sons back to Egypt is a gut wrenching decision but due to the famine in the land they have no choice for the sake of the family

And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. Genesis 43:15

The brothers returned to Egypt with double the money of last time and gifts. If we remember last time Joseph gave them their money back without them realizing it until they returned home. Judah guaranteed his father that he would bring Benjamin back home safely.

And the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph’s house; and they said, Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time are we brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and take us for bondmen, and our asses. Genesis 43:18

Joseph instructed the brothers to come to his house, they figured they were in trouble due to the money mixup before. But Joseph was excited to see his family and was preparing a feast for them. He released Simeon to the rest of the family. Remember Simeon was being held in prison until they returned to Egypt with their youngest brother Benjamin to prove they were not spies

And Joseph made haste; for his bowels did yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to weep; and he entered into his chamber, and wept there. Genesis 43:30

Joseph asked them about his father and they said he was alive and well. And then when Joseph saw Benjamin he became emotional. Remember Joseph and Benjamin have the same biological mother and father. Joseph hid himself as he broke down in tears

The chapter ends with all the brothers sitting together and enjoying a great feast. The brothers are in astonishment of the hospitality they have received from the ruler of Egypt. Pretty soon they will find out why!