Prayer Journal

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

As Jesus continued to perform miracles, people everywhere revered him and his reputation spread to places he had yet to visit. But when the stories of Jesus reached his home town of Nazareth, the people doubted what they'd heard. His homecoming was not a pleasant experience and his parents must have been disappointed when Jesus couldn't stay long there. The people of Nazareth simply refused to recognize Jesus as the person everyone said he was.

The homecoming of Joseph was somewhat similar to that of Jesus. The sons of Judah didn't expect Joseph to walk in the door and when he did they didn't recognize him. On one hand, they must have thought that, should Joseph be somehow alive, he would immediately seek revenge for that they did to him. On the other, if he survived his slavery to the Ishmaelites, he must be long gone by now.

Many people have found themselves isolated and wondering if even God even knows where they were. Joseph is a wonderful testimony to faith by the way he kept the ways of the Lord and refused to do evil by turning from God. (Re: Ps 18:21) Jesus is a testimony to loving those who are underserving of such grace. Still, Jesus refused to spend much time with those who were blinded by prejudice after hearing the Gospel.

In many ways, Joseph is a type of Christ. He was abused by men, but forgave their offense. He was isolated and alone but he refused to give in to hopelessness, instead he yielded himself to God and became an instrument in God's hand used to bless those who didn't deserve grace, but got it anyway.

According to Proverbs 4:9, we read the testimony of both Joseph and Jesus. Wisdom certainly graced Joseph's head like a garland. And while the crown of thorns placed on Jesus head may have been a sign of defeat to most, it was replaced with a victorious and eternal one that only the King of Kings is deserving to wear.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Gn. 42:18-43:34 Mt.13:47-14:13 Ps.18:16-34 Pr.4:7-10 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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