Gateway To Freedom

In the closing chapters of the Joseph account we see the prophetic expression of Messiah's ministry toward Ephraim and a willingness to give his life in exchange for Benjamin's charge of sin. It is a story with so many analogies; there can be no doubt of its significance to the Christian and Jew alike. And yet, after centuries of waiting, the Jews missed the Messiah they were looking for because they were looking more for Messiah ben David the conquering king, than Messiah ben Joseph, the suffering servant. Can Yeshua's disciples avoid the same veil when He returns as king?

This is the continuing unfolding of Joseph's forshadow of Yeshua's first advent as Messiah Ben Joseph, the suffering Savior. From Joseph's example we not only see Christ, but also the persons we are called to be as Messiah Yeshua's disciples.

We live in a time when many religious and even secular voices believe we are on the threshold of a worldwide food shortage, economic collapse, wars and all manner of disaster and impending judgment. Today's parashah is once again a clarion call to God's people to know and place their trust in their God to make provision for them in times of great trial.

VaYishlach - And He Sent - Genesis 32:4 - 36;43

Every maturing believer can identify all too well with Jacob in this story about the transformation of his soul from Satan's kingdom of flesh and self to YHVH's kingdom of spirit and faith. In it we see the repeated affirmations of God as Jacob walks in the old way of flesh as he wrestles with God and His way of faith and obedience.

I'm beginning to stir up that desire, that aching, that cry, that full flooding of your being - in desire for me.

 

This week's parasha evidences a repeated cycle of blessings and crushings in order to grow Jacob into one of the exampled "heroes of the faith" as described in the book of Hebrews. What a light of understanding and encouragement to the believer who is wearied by the lows of this refining process to rule and reign with Christ!