We
noted a parallel between Joseph and Jesus – the time of testing for
Joseph’s family and Jesus’ disciples and the revelation of love coming
to them from Joseph and Jesus. Here, we note another parallel between
Joseph and Jesus. Joseph gives food to his own family and also to the
whole land of Egypt. Jesus gives food to His own disciples and also to a
great multitude – “four thousand, besides women and children” (Matthew 15:38).
There is an important principle here – the Bread of Life is not only
for the Church. It’s also for the world, the multitudes who are hungry
for the spiritual food which only Christ can give to them. To hunger for
the presence of the Lord, while feeling that He is far away, is a
painful thing. This was the experience of the Psalmist in Psalm 13:1.
He was facing very difficult circumstances. His enemies were saying, “I
have overcome him.” His foes were rejoicing when he fell (Psalm 13:2,4).
Despite all of this, he continued to trust in the Lord. He kept on
rejoicing in the Lord. He kept on singing praise to the Lord,. He kept
on giving thanks to God for His goodness (Psalm 13:5-6).
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
Comments
Post a Comment