Thoughts on the readings for January 22nd Genesis 37; Psalms 39, 40; Matthew 24)

Christadelphians Talk

Genesis 37 tells us about Joseph, Israel’s (Jacob’s) favourite son of his old age. Joseph’s mother was Rachel, Israel’s favoured wife. Joseph’s half brothers were envious of their brother, who was deeply loved. The other brothers were ill disciplined and wicked in their behaviour. Joseph reported this to Israel. To show the love Israel had for Joseph he gave him “a coat of many colours” AV (the Hebrew means “of stripes”, or “strips” – some say suggesting the robe of a priest). This furthered the antagonism towards Joseph. In the course of time Joseph had two dreams, at different times. The first dream was of the wheat harvest – the 11 sheaves of his brothers bowed in reverence before Joseph’s upright sheaf – speaking of Joseph’s ruling of them (note that this dream had its fulfilment later in Egypt as Genesis 43:26 indicated). The second dream was of the sun, moon and 11 stars did obeisance to Joseph’s star. The interpretation of this dream is said by Israel in verse 10. Israel, ie Jacob observed the saying; just as Mary did of the sayings of Simeon in the Temple about her son Jesus some 1,800 years later
(Luke 2verses 28-35). Since the dream spoke of Joseph’s mother, Rachel, bowing before Joseph it necessitated her resurrection at the coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Israel sent Joseph to find his brothers and their flocks. They were found near Dothan. The ten brothers (minus Benjamin) stripped Joseph of his coat and cast him into a waterless pit – symbolic of the grave. Joseph being hated by his brothers spoke of the Lord Jesus being the subject of his brothers’ opposition (Psalm 69:8). Joseph was sold for 30 pieces of silver (the price paid to a master for a slave gored by an ox). The same price paid by the chief priests to Judas for the betrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was sold to a passing merchant band of Ishmaelites/Midianites; who were to take Joseph to Egypt to be sold as a slave. Reuben had been absent when Joseph was sold. Reuben had hoped to later rescue Joseph. With Reuben not present the decision to sell Joseph was made by Simeon (the tribe of Simeon became the Scribes) and Levi (the priests) – these were the chief antagonists, who were the foremost of those who envied and hated Jesus (Joseph was enacting a parable of events to come). The 10 brothers conspire to deceive Israel into believing that a wild beast had slain Joseph. Israel was unable to be consoled when he believed that Joseph was dead.

In Psalm 39 David asks his Sovereign to let him understand his mortality and limitations. David had to a large degree abandoned his authority since his great sin against God; in the matter of his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah. David felt his capacity to judge and punish had been undermined by his crimes. And so in silence he allowed his foes a license to rebel. In the end the Psalm tells us that knowing his own insignificance David would trust in the Almighty to vindicate him. David declared in verse 7 that Yahweh was his hope. The Psalmist pleads that the LORD show mercy when disciplining him. For David like all the faithful confesses that he is merely a sojourner awaiting the kingdom.

Psalm 40 is a record of the mind and motivation of Messiah. David speaks of being brought from the pit of death – as Jesus would be raised from the grave to live again. The new song in the Psalmist’s mouth was the victory song of immortality – new because it can can only be understood in its singing by those made eternal. David encourages the faithful that they must put their trust in their Sovereign. David knew from experience the goodness and the loving kindness of his God. Messiah from verses 6-8 declares his purpose for coming into the world and the secret of his capacity to conquer. Of course it was needful that Jesus be begotten of God to lay the foundation for Messiah’s mind to be in tune with his Father. Mosaic sacrifices and offerings could never take away sin; but the offering of Messiah would for once and all time remove the need for further sacrifices. The entire Bible speaks of Messiah and his work. Verse 8 of this Psalm has two distinct meanings in the Hebrew and both are equally true and valid – 1) I delight to do Thy delight; and,
2) I will do do Thy will. These speak of the mind and motives of Messiah. It is no wonder that Jesus was the only Beloved of his Father. These words capture David’s desires; but not being God’s Son – the Messiah – he could not completely outwork this in his own life. Slowly read and meditate on the writer to the Hebrews in the exposition of chapter 10 verses 1-14. Our Lord Jesus will rehearse these matters to the “great congregation” – the assembly of faithful immortalised disciples. Because of David’s typical faithfulness and the Christ’s actual and complete righteousness; their God (and ours) would ultimately deliver them. David calls upon all those of upright heart to contemplate these sentiments and to consequently modify their lives to glorify their Sovereign in mind and actions.

In chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew we have “The Olivet Prophecy”. The first of these chapters is today’s reading and centres on signs answering the three questions of verse 3. Chapter 25 is more about readying ourselves for our Lord’s return. Note the link to the end of the last chapter. The leprous house was to be thrown down stone by stone. Disciples would be confused by claims made by false Messiahs accompanied by betrayal and persecution. A great sign would be the desolation of Roman invasion foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 28 and in Daniel 9.

Opportunity would be provided to flee; this happened as Robert Roberts pointed out in “Ways of Providence” on five occasions. But those failing to heed Jesus’ warnings would perish in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. The “Sign of the Son of Man in heaven” related to the presence of Rome’s armies. Next followed the parable of the fig tree (representative of Israel), including why desolation had to come. Despite the signs none could know exactly when. Preparedness would be essential and needed to be accompanied by two traits – wisdom and faithfulness verse 45. The great lessons of wisdom, faithfulness and being in a state of readiness to welcome our Lord Jesus Christ with joy are the greatest lessons today as we daily strive to walk in step with our Master towards his kingdom. In tomorrow’s readings we will see this explained through parables.

Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org