Garry continued his study on Joseph this morning, looking at his elevation or promotion in Gen 41:41-43 and seeing in this a type of Christ’s resurrection and elevation. After so many years of adversity, the tables were turned as one day Joseph was in prison and the next day he was exalted to a position alongside Pharaoh ,the ruler of Egypt – the ultimate ‘rags to riches’ story.
Phil 2:6-8 reminds us that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage but accepted the lowliness of human form. He who had created the world (see John 1:1-3, 10, 14, 17) took on human flesh and humbled himself and became obedient, even to death on the cross. Just as it took years of humility before Joseph was elevated to this position of importance, so Jesus laid aside his glory, majesty and power in order to bring our salvation (see Matt 20:27-28).Yet the tremendous news of Easter is not simply that Jesus died for our sins, but that He is no longer dead! (1 Cor 15:3-8) God exalted Jesus to the highest place (see Phil 2:8-11) and we can be sure of the fact of the resurrection. There was an empty tomb (no body was ever produced), and as Paul tells us, Jesus appeared to many people on different occasions. They were not expecting this miracle, but they all consistently testified to it subsequently (many even being killed because of their testimony.)
The fact of the resurrection has an impact on our lives, however. Rom 1:1-4 tells us that Jesus was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead. Just as Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt (Gen 41:41), so Jesus wants to be Lord of our lives (in charge!) God wants us to repent (Acts 17:29-31) and have a totally new direction for our lives. Then He fills our lives with new purpose (see 2 Cor 5:11-15). The knowledge of the resurrection brings responsibility and brings us to a place of daily surrender where we are called to live in the light of His resurrection.
