JOSEPH WAS THE SHADOW-JESUS IS OUR REALITY.

SERIES: MY CUP OVERFLOWS.

TEXT: 2nd COR. 9:8 GENESIS 43:1-34.

There is much that we as a church can learn from the life of Joseph and the relationship that Jacob his father had with him. While Joseph is just a shadow the reality is Jesus Christ. Our call today is to grow in our relationship with Him.

Our mediation in this series is found in 2nd Cor. 9:8, “Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work.”

Based on this verse, we are learning the ways in which God will make us those who will overflow with His bounteous blessings in every area of our lives.

The word of God tells us that it is possible for our lives to overflow. Remember a cup of life is either empty, full or full and overflowing. Some people are full with just enough for themselves. The will of God is for us to have enough and overflowing. It is the overflow that blesses other people.

You may not be overflowing now, but as we believe in the Lord and His word, this will become a reality.

Abraham was overflowing in his life until King Abimelech wondered-Gen. 21:22-23. Joseph was in Egypt while Jacob was in Canaan. Joseph’s cup was overflowing, the whole world came to buy grain from Joseph-Gen. 41:57.

Joseph was living in Egypt where everything was bountiful and he was living in a place of abundance with no lack.

Jacob and his sons lived in Canaan where the situation was grim as there was a severe famine-Genesis 42:1-2.

Joseph was overflowing with grain and oil while Jacob and his sons were starving to death!!

In Jesus there is fullness. He is seated at the throne. Those who come to Jesus will never go back empty. Those who come to Jesus can experience healing, peace and everything they ever need. Today our lack can be replaced by His fullness.

Jacob and his family were in want again. The first grain they had purchased in Egypt was over-Gen. 43:1-2.

Only when the want arose again did the family think about going back to Joseph.

Many times we come to the Lord and He fulfills all our desires and then we forget about Him. Next time we are in need we run to Him again.

We must have a consistent relationship with the Lord Jesus. He will then replace our needs with His bountiful supply.

Out of the 52 Sundays every year, some people attend the church only few Sundays. Missing a Sunday message, worship and fellowship is like missing a meal. Let us learn:-

JOSEPH INVITED HIS BROTHERS TO HIS HOME-Gen. 43:16.

• Joseph’s brothers had come to Joseph seeking to get more grain.
• At that time Joseph observed that they had come with Benjamin.
• Benjamin was Joseph’s only blood brother.
• As soon as Joseph noticed Benjamin, he asked his brothers to come to his home.
• This did not happen the first time they came to Egypt.
• Joseph ordered for a feast. They came for grain but now they are invited to his home-Relationship!!
• There are many people who come to church-(grain) but they don’t come for a relationship and fellowship with Jesus Christ.
• We need to come for a relationship and fellowship not just for grain (needs)-Eph. 3:20-21.
• God is able to do far more abundantly than we can ask-the secret for this abundance is our close relationship with the Lord-Mark 3:35.
• The ones who do the will of God are the ones who are closest to the Lord.
• Those who are regular to church and constantly hear the word, praise and worship are the daughters and sons of God.

JOSEPH’S BROTHERS WERE AMAZED-Gen. 43:33.

• When Joseph arranged all of his brothers in order of their birth, the brothers were astounded.
• When we as children of God get close to God, are regular in fellowship and do His will, amazing things happen.
• The disciples of Jesus were astonished-Matt. 8:26-27.

JOSEPH TESTS HIS BROTHERS-Gen. 44:33-34.

• Joseph’s brothers met him after 21 years.
• 21 years earlier his brothers plotted to have him killed and sold him into slavery.
• They thought Joseph was done for good, but God was with Joseph-Gen. 39:2.
• The test that Joseph gave his brothers was that they should leave behind their youngest brother Benjamin with him.
• Whenever we hear of a “test” everyone gets nervous, young or old.
• In our journey of faith God will test our faith.
• Every time there is a test there is a promotion.
• At this seating, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers.
• When this revelation happened to Joseph brothers imagine what happened-Gen. 45:4.
• The multitudes followed Jesus Christ for many reasons, food, miracles, but only the 12 disciples followed Christ for relationship. Only the 12 disciples had a revelation of Christ.
• Joseph brothers were amazed and speechless.
• Only those who understand who Jesus Christ is will surrender to Him.
• It was when Paul received the revelation of Christ, he surrendered to Him-Acts 9:5, “Who are you Lord? And He said I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
• The steps that we must follow so that we can come to the place of overflowing abundance.

• We come to church regularly.
• We grow in our relationship with Christ.
• God does amazing things.
• We get a revelation of who Jesus Christ is.

JOSEPH SEES GOD’S PURPOSE IN HIS PAIN-Gen. 45:5.

• Joseph knew his brothers were shocked and guilt-ridden.
• He encouraged his brothers that they should not be distressed or angry with themselves.
• He tells them that God was in control of destiny.
• God uses people, even bad people to put us to where the will of God is.

JESUS CHRIST OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST-Heb. 10:21-22.

• Ask God to remove that evil conscience and let Him wash us with His precious blood.
• If the Lord washes us His forgiveness is permanent.
• Jesus removes our guilt and does not remember our sins any more.
• God is able to remove all guilt. If there are sins troubling you from your youth-(rape, abortion, murder, drugs, theft, rebellion), God will forgive you and remove your guilt.
• Joseph was willing to provide so his family was free from poverty-Gen. 45:11.
• Joseph assured his brothers provision of food for the next 5 years!! No poverty.
• God will provide all our needs according to His riches in glory-No poverty-Phil. 4:19.
• Just like Joseph had a relationship with his father Jacob, we have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION

• Joseph was the shadow, while Jesus Christ is the reality.
• If the shadow was so beautiful how much more the reality?
• Joseph opened all the stores of grain to his brothers-Jesus Christ has opened the stores of grace to us.
• Today stand for healing, forgiveness, restoration and prosperity.
• Let the Lord supply to you abundantly until your cup overflows.
• The work of your hands, your job, business, flocks, farm are blessed until your cup is overflowing.