…There is a very graphic story in the Old Testament which reveals the provisions of joint inheritance.
Joseph was an example of Christ in so many areas of his life and it is in his story that we find an example of Jesus’ making provision for us.
Very briefly let me recap Joseph’s life. In Genesis 37-46 Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, Jesus was also betrayed by his Jewish brethren. Joseph became a servant and Jesus came from heaven to serve. Even in a hostile land Joseph rose to a place of leadership just as Jesus did.
In Genesis 45 Joseph confronts his brothers and tells them God has sent him ahead of them into Egypt so that he could provide for them in their time of need.
“I will take care of you during the next five years of hunger. So you and your family will not lose everything you own.” Genesis 45:11 ERV
Jesus came into a hostile land and gained great power which enabled Him to provide for all our needs. In the land where Joseph’s brothers were considered strangers, they were given the best in the land. They shared in what Joseph had been given by the pharaoh.
“Tell them to bring your father and their families back here to me. I will give you the best land in Egypt to live on. And your family can eat the best food we have here.” Genesis 45:18 ERV
Joseph’s brothers did not do anything to earn or deserve the best land in Egypt. The pharaoh gave it to them because of who Joseph was. Our heavenly Father has promised to provide for us because of who our brother, Jesus, is.
“Christ has made us a holy nation of religious leaders who can go to His God and Father. He is the One to receive honor and power forever! Let it be so.” Revelation 1:6 NLV
If everything has been provided for us in Christ, then why aren’t we experiencing the life he has made available to us? The answer is clear. Jesus gave this command to the disciples when he left this earth.
“So he came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. 19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.” Matthew 28:18-20 ERV
Jesus was telling his disciples “you go in the power and authority that I have; I’m giving it to you, and I will always be with you”. The early Christians had no problem in following these instructions. They saw people healed, the dead raised, demons cast out and their needs met. They realized there was power in the words that Jesus spoke.
….Down through the ages we have forgotten the power of Jesus’ words and many live as if they never moved out of a land rittled by famine. We need to recognize the inheritance the Father has given us to share with our brother, Jesus. He promised “I will be with you always” and that includes the year of 2021!