Strength For The Journey

[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 43:1-11 Romans 6:5-8 John 12:24-25 Romans 8:37 Romans 6:13

Death to the Self-Life

Genesis 43:1-10

Jacob did not know that Joseph was the ruler in Egypt who had demanded to see his beloved brother Benjamin. When Jacob agreed to let Benjamin go, the Bible refers to Jacob as Israel (Gen. 43:11). The Spirit had won, and death to the self-life had finally conquered.

God never leaves believers unrewarded when they totally commit themselves to the Holy Spirit. The reaping is always beyond our highest expectations.

This is emphasized in Romans 6:5,8: "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his [Christ's] death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.... Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him."

We must die to self in order to really live. It is necessary to lose one's life in order to really find it.

Jesus said, "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal" (John 12:24,25).
No matter how difficult circumstances may seem, nothing can separate us from the love of God, but rather "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8:37).

"Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" (Rom. 6:13).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 47:1-12 Hebrews 11:9-10 Psalm 119:46

Testifying to a King

Genesis 47:1-12

Pharaoh did as Joseph had hoped. He told Joseph, "The land of Egypt is>/i> before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle" (Gen. 47:6).

The Israelites needed a place to grow as a people and, at the same time, remain separate from the Egyptians. The attitude of the Egyptians toward shepherds was used of God to make both of these things possible.

Jacob was both bold and spiritually courageous before Pharaoh. Although Pharaoh probably considered Jacob an outcast because he was a shepherd, Jacob conducted himself as a child of God before Pharaoh. After all, Jacob was a son of the King of kings and an ambassador of the Most High.

Jacob acknowledged his pilgrim status when he referred to the "years of my pilgrimage" (v. 9). Jacob viewed his entire life on earth as a pilgrimage. In this regard, he identified himself with Abraham and Isaac.

Hebrews 11:9, 10 says of Abraham, "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles [tents] with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

As we recognize we are also but pilgrims in this life, we will have more spiritual courage as we have opportunity to testify to those highly honored by the world.

"I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed" (Ps. 119:46).

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[nChrist]

Title: A Believer Dies
Book: Strength for the Journey
Author: Theodore Epp

Genesis 49:28-33

"When Jacob had made an end of commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people" (Gen. 49:33).

This was the final scene for this man who had become great in the sight of God and in the sight of the world. Everything was now accomplished. The last counsel and the last blessing had been given. The last charge had been delivered to his sons.

Then he "yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people." Jacob's death was the death of a believer. He yielded his spirit to God and was reunited with his own people in the grave.

The Christian is inspired by the hope of the resurrection; the grave is not his goal. First Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17).

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[nChrist]

Title: Influence During Formative Years
Book: Strength for the Journey
Author: Theodore Epp

Genesis 37:1-4

After the record of Joseph's birth in Genesis 30:23,24, very little is said of him until he was 17 years of age. Genesis 37 begins the detailed record of his life.

In addition to the children of Bilhah and Zilpah, the children of Leah were also Joseph's early companions.

The half brothers of Joseph were unfit companions for spiritual encouragement. They had naturally been affected by the life they had witnessed in Haran and the conflict they had seen between their father, Jacob, and Laban.

They were also affected by the jealousies they saw in their homes among their mothers.

These children were older than Joseph and had received their early impressions from the old Jacob--the Jacob before Peniel. These impressions came before their father was mellowed in spiritual things.

Perhaps you say, "Yes, but couldn't they have learned differently after Jacob became Israel and had his experience with God and began to really walk with God?" This might seem logical, but indelible impressions had already been made on their lives.

Regrettably, we cannot go back and change the past, but this shows us the importance of training children in their formative years. Those who know Christ as Saviour and have children in this stage of life should be sure that they are doing their best for the Lord and their children.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6).

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[nChrist]

Title: God's Mysterious Ways
Book: Strength for the Journey
Author: Theodore Epp

Genesis 37:5-11

The Scriptures record that there was a twofold response to Joseph's dreams: His brothers "envied him; but his father observed the saying" (Gen. 37:11).

His brothers were jealous of him, but his father pondered and heeded what Joseph said. He began to reflect on how all this might fit into God's program, although at first he had rebuked Joseph.

These prophetic dreams were God-given, and we are not told what Joseph's attitude was as he told his father and brothers about them.

Whether it was wise or unwise for Joseph to have told them, God permitted him to do so and even used the brothers' reaction as a means toward fulfilling the prophetic aspect revealed in the dreams.

Many times in the years to follow, Joseph must have wondered about his dreams and their fulfillment. The next 13 years of his life were filled with many tests and trials. Humanly speaking, they all seemed to stem from the time when he incited his brothers' hatred by sharing his dreams with them.

Had Joseph been looking at only the circumstances, he would have despaired of all hope, but his trust was in God.

God's ways are mysterious; they are beyond man's comprehension. As God sovereignly works, man is often unable to understand why he is being led down a certain path.

"Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?" (Prov. 20:24).

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[nChrist]

Title: Facing Death Prepares for Life
Book: Strength for the Journey
Author: Theodore Epp

Genesis 37:18-24

We do not know how many hopeless and hungry hours Joseph spent in the pit--possibly it was for an entire night.

Although Reuben intended to deliver Joseph back to his father, no doubt the intent of the rest of the brothers was to let Joseph starve in the pit. They had cast him into a place of death.

Even in this there is a spiritual lesson for us. Resurrection comes only out of death. We must recognize ourselves as dead with Christ before we can experience the victorious life.

Galatians 2:20 says, "I am [literally, "I have been"] crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The believer has gone through death with Christ and also through the resurrection with Christ. The believer has Christ within him, and he is to live his life by the faith of the Son of God. All of these benefits must be appropriated by faith.

Joseph's night alone with God in the pit was really what he needed. Although Joseph lived a righteous life, he was not yet ready for what God purposed to do with him.

So God brought him to this place of death to prepare him to live. We, too, must pass through the place of death to self before we become useful to God.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Ps. 90:12).

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[nChrist]

Title: Faith for Life's Uncertainties
Book: Strength for the Journey
Author: Theodore Epp

Genesis 37:25-36

The brothers sold Joseph into Egypt, "but God was with him" (Acts 7:9).

In spite of what the unrighteous may do to the child of God, they can proceed no further than God permits. In the midst of such trials, the believer needs to put into practice what is stated in Psalm 37.

Notice that there are no limits to the cruelty of Satan. The brothers evidenced no shame for their sin and even tried to comfort their father. Imagine their trying to comfort him when they were the ones who were responsible for his grief.

Although the brothers had apparently gotten rid of Joseph, they had not gotten rid of their responsibility.

From this account, we should realize the uncertainty of life itself. Joseph went on a mission, but he never returned--he never saw his homeland again.

He was mightily used of God in the path in which God led him, but the opportunity to be a blessing in his own land was never his again. Let us take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others.

Life itself is uncertain. Tomorrow we may be in eternity. Are you ready to meet God? You cannot be sure of tomorrow, so take advantage of the opportunity to receive Christ today.

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2).

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[nChrist]

Title: A Life of Faithfulness
Book: Strength for the Journey
Author: Theodore Epp

Genesis 39:1-6

One of the great lessons that Joseph learned in Egypt was the lesson of obedience through suffering. He did not understand the mysterious circumstances, but he allowed God to be his circumstances.

Because of this, God also became his basic environment--Joseph lived in the sphere of the spiritual even though he was a slave in the house of Potiphar.

There was idolatry and corruption all around him, but Joseph was able to remain sensitive to sin and to grow even stronger in his confidence in God because his attention was fixed on God.

Joseph was only 17 years of age, but because of his simple trust in God, he performed his duties as a slave to the utmost of his power. He was indwelt by the Spirit; therefore, it was God's power that gave him the ability he needed.

Instead of complaining, Joseph faithfully served as a slave. This was because he was serving not just a Gentile master--he was serving God.

Joseph's life of faithfulness was obvious to Potiphar. God's Word says that Joseph's "master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand" (Gen. 39:3).

Even unbelievers are able to discern the Spirit-filled laborer. Do those who work closely with you see your faithfulness and observe that God is spiritually prospering your life?

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." (Luke 16:10).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 39:7-13 Proverbs 4:23 2 Timothy 2:22 Romans 8:13

Resisting Temptation

Genesis 39:7-13

It is important to remember that Joseph was Potiphar's property. For this reason, Potiphar's wife perhaps thought she could do with this chattel as she liked.

Humanly speaking, Joseph could have been very flattered that he was being tempted by his master's wife. What a feeling of importance Joseph might have had! But Joseph loved God and did not want to do anything that would dishonor Him.

This incident shows us, however, that even a believer is not able to build a wall around him high enough to keep out temptation. It is not sin to be tempted; it only becomes sin when one yields to the temptation.

Joseph was at the time of life when his reaction to temptation would have lasting effects. If he had yielded to the temptation of Potiphar's wife, who can imagine the different course that history might have taken.

What a person accepts or rejects, particularly in the realm of sexual temptation, will affect the rest of his life. This is why God's Word says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23).

The Apostle Paul solemnly charged young Timothy: "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity [love], peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Tim. 2:22).

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live" (Rom. 8:13).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 39:13-23 Hebrews 13:5 John 10:28

God Never Deserts His Own

Genesis 39:13-23

What a lie Potiphar's wife told about Joseph! He had refused her invitation to sin because he did not want to dishonor God, and now through her lie God was seemingly being dishonored anyhow.

When Potiphar heard his wife's report, he became very angry. He took Joseph and "put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison" (Gen. 39:20). Could this be the reward Joseph received for his faithfulness to God?

Although everything seemed to be going against him, the Bible emphasizes that "the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison" (v. 21).

Even though Joseph's situation seemed hopeless, God never left him for one moment.

We, too, have the assurance of God's Word: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5). In the original language, this phrase is very emphatic: "I will by no means leave you nor will I by any means forsake you."

God will never leave us helpless nor abandoned. Therefore, "we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (v. 6).

Do you have this confidence? Regardless of how adverse your circumstances are, as a Christian do you know that God will never desert you?

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:28).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 40:1-8 Romans 8:28 1 Samuel 12:24

Serving Willingly and Faithfully

Genesis 40:1-8

Service was one of the main links in the remarkable chain of events that God brought about in Joseph's life. Now he was made responsible for the king's butler and baker, for "he served them" (Gen. 40:4).

Joseph was made responsible for them because his godly character had won him favor with those in authority. And Joseph was willing to serve in any way he could.

As Joseph faithfully served God by serving others, little did he know how God would use his association with the butler and baker to bring about His will. Because God was in it, the relationship of the Hebrew slave with Pharaoh's two servants had far-reaching results.

We also need to realize that the smallest circumstance of life has meaning.

Even though we may not understand how God can use a particular thing to work out His glory, we need to realize that He can use small things as well as big things to accomplish His will.

The words, "all things," are very important words in Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Note particularly that Joseph's religious convictions did not stand in the way of earthly promotion. Men of the world soon detect when a person has quality of character. Joseph did not compromise to obtain promotions; the promotions came because he had a character that would not compromise.

"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you" (1 Sam. 12:24).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 40:9-15 Hebrews 4:14-16 Psalm 103:13-14

God Knows Our Heartaches

Genesis 40:9-15

Having assured the chief butler that he would be restored to his former responsibility, Joseph urged him, "But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: for indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon" (Gen. 40:14,15).
These verses reveal the heart and thoughts of Joseph. They show how human he really was. But his trials were inhuman; they were extremely hard to bear.

There was nothing wrong with Joseph's seeking release, but he found that waiting for God's time is often one of the hardest things to do. Joseph was not rebuked by God for seeking his release because God knew the heartache Joseph had.

Regardless of what you are going through, God understands your deepest emotions; He knows how you feel.

Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Ps. 103:13,14).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 40:16-23 1 Corinthians 4:2 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Special Favors Forgotten

Genesis 40:16-23

Joseph's faithfulness is seen even in his interpretation of the baker's dream. As sad as it was to deliver such a message, Joseph would not swerve from the truth for one moment, even for his own advantage.

He realized that it was his responsibility to pass on what God had revealed to him.

Faithfulness is the characteristic that is so greatly needed in our lives today. The Word of God says, "It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2).

Time proved that Joseph had given God's interpretation of the dreams. As Joseph knew that the chief butler was now back in his position, no doubt the hope of getting out of prison grew brighter. Surely the butler would remember Joseph to Pharaoh as Joseph had asked.

But whatever hopes Joseph had were dashed to pieces, for the Scriptures say, "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him" (Gen. 40:23).

Joseph had been concerned about the butler when he was sad and had tried to do all he could to encourage him, but now the butler forgot him completely. What ungratefulness!

Does the ungratefulness of people distress you? Perhaps you have done something for someone and have had to put forth much extra effort, but then they either take it for granted or soon forget it altogether.

More importantly, are you grateful when others do things for you?

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Hebrews 12:1-11 James 1:4 Job 5:17

Training Through Chastening

Hebrews 12:1-11

If you are now going through testing, there are three things you should especially remember.

First, God's way is the wisest way. Training is always accompanied by some type of hardship.

Even athletes realize they cannot properly train without giving up some of the pleasures of life and enduring the hardship of training. God trains us through chastening.

Second, God's time is the best time. God was working out His purpose through Joseph. It was impossible for Joseph to realize it at the time, but later he could look back and see that God's time had been exactly right--everything had worked out.

But imagine the lonely years of waiting. God does not act too early nor too late. He is never in a hurry but accomplishes things in His own time.

Too many of us either lag behind or run ahead of God's time. But we need to remember that the clock of divine providence keeps strict time. Because of our circumstances it may appear to be slow at times and fast at others, but the all-wise God knows precisely when to act.

Third, God's grace is sufficient. He will give us the grace we need to be patient.

James 1:4 says, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." The word "perfect" means "mature" or "complete." God is seeking to teach us valuable lessons so we will be mature believers.

"Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty" (Job 5:17).

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[nChrist]

Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 41:1-14 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Psalm 25:14 Isaiah 48:17

Failure of the World's Wisdom

Genesis 41:1-14

The inability of the wise men to interpret Pharaoh's dreams emphasizes the truth later recorded in 1 Corinthians 3:18,19: "Let no person deceive himself. If any one among you supposes that he is wise in this age. . .[let him discard his worldly discernment and recognize himself as dull, stupid and foolish, without true learning and scholarship], that he may become [really] wise. For this world's wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God. For it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness" (Amplified).

Egypt was a symbol of the world. During the time of Joseph, Egypt was the center of learning and culture--it was a proud leader among ancient civilizations. But the people were idol worshipers; they did not know Jehovah.

But now Pharaoh was made to see that all human resources and wisdom are powerless and worthless and that true wisdom comes only from God.

How wonderful it would be if leaders in today's world would also come to that realization! "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him" (Ps. 25:14).

If world leaders would turn to the Scriptures and seek God's face, they would learn what is shortly going to come to pass.

>From the results of Joseph's time in prison, we see that patience had had her perfect work. God's man was now ready. All things had been working together for Joseph's good, although he had not always recognized it.

"Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go" (Isa. 48:17).

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