Empowered to Witness - Acts 1 and 2

The source of all power is God. The use of all power is by God but often it is through man!! When we think about the power of mortal man as compared to the power of God, we realize that there is really no comparison. What is the most powerful thing in nature? A tornado? Cyclone? Earthquake? Or is it gravity that holds the earth in space? Or maybe the largest ocean, the Pacific? What would you choose as your answer? The sun?

What is the most powerful invention man has made? A bulldozer? A battle-ship? A cruise-ship fifteen stories tall with a small city including a park and swimming pool? Maybe the atomic bomb. Again, what would you choose?

Who was the most powerful man you ever met or even heard about? Some can pull an eighteen wheeler. Lift a thousand or more pounds. Bench press hundreds of pounds. Could it be one or more of the presidents? A dictator like the ones in Russia, China, or Hitler? Billy Graham? A Pope? These are mind-boggling questions that will not be answered in this class or lesson. Who would be your choice?

The book of Acts can and will introduce you to one that can out-accomplish any of these circumstances or fetes. His name is God the father, Jesus Christ the son, and the earthly presence of both of these, and the third part of the God Head, The Holy Spirit. They are Three in One. They are Three but One. They are all One and the Same. But they are both God and Man. They are in both heaven and on earth. The book of Acts attempts to help us understand the total power of the God Head; and it attempts to prove that mortal man can share in and actually use this super-natural power. It was possible and is demonstrated in the years AD 30 to AD 63 and it is still possible in 2008.

The apostles were selected by Christ and they chose to follow him on sea and land, in heat and cold, dry and wet, while hungry and with plenty, everywhere, whether accepted or rejected—for three long years. In our minds it would appear that strong commitment like this would have never been broken. But the bond was broken on that fateful night when all of them left the garden—all went home except Peter and he soon denied that he even knew the Man. It is clear that they lacked the POWER to remain loyal to Jesus, much less to become witnesses to others as to who He really was. Both his life and death seemed to have been for naught. They left Him as God had planned because it was absolutely necessary for Jesus Christ to bear the cross alone and with no support from anyone.
He was raised from the dead and things begin to change. Most of his followers were joyfully happy and they began to show it—but some were reluctant, bewildered, and even doubtful. Why? They still had not actually received His power. They were still operating on the strength of man and not the Holy Spirit. Their faith had grow to the point that they did stop and listen as he told them that he would go back into heaven, but that He would send One [The Holy Spirit] that would empower them to carry out the commission that He gave them to do. We know that this group of followers was gathered in the upper room when the Spirit arrived as a mighty rushing wind and filled the place in such a miraculous way that it transformed His week followers into mighty heroes for Christ. All of the apostles and many others were now so convinced that they willingly martyred their lives for the cause of Christ. This event is known as the Day of Pentecost.

Luke began writing the book of Acts by describing the events occurring just before and during the Day of Pentecost. He was empowered by the same Spirit that he describes in his writings. The truths declared in this book have a direct application to those of us who are studying it. Have faith. Believe. Slowly read and study the first two chapters along with the comments given below which start with Chapter 1, verse 1.

Addressing Theophilus [a Greek who was “a friend of God”] he wrote to all posterity and told us that he wrote a former book [“Luke”] that told about the things that Jesus did and taught while still on earth—before His ascension. Therefore, it becomes clear that the book of Acts begins where his gospel left off. In the gospel he reported on the actions of the apostles and the work of the Holy Spirit, beginning in Jerusalem, the church was established and it grew rapidly, and then faced intense persecution. This drove the believers out into the surrounding areas—and through this dispersion [not just the Jews] but also the Samaritans and Gentiles were now able to hear the Good News and believe.

V1-5. After his suffering means after the Cross. He was personally seen and heard by hundreds of witnesses as he proved that He was the same Christ that died and was buried and arose on the third day. He lived among them for forty days in the normal way, walking, sleeping, talking, and eating the same food they ate. One day while eating, he told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift [which was the Holy Spirit] that God had promised. They would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. They believed and continued to meet and pray for their success in carrying out his commission.

The Holy Spirit had been with them three years—but they still did not fully understand and had not recognized Him at this time. How do we know? Had they already understood, they would not have asked him if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel? Even now, they are still expecting an earthly king to set up his rule in Jerusalem. However, they had changed drastically. Before the Cross, they had argued with each other, deserted the Lord, and Peter had lied and denied even knowing Him. After the 40 days and his ascension they are changed witnesses, and believed the Holy Spirit would come and give them the power they needed to sustain their witness even against their oppressors. Listen, and grasp this thought. By studying God’s word we too can sit with the resurrected Lord in his special school of discipleship. By believing in Him we can receive the same power through the Holy Spirit that the apostles received; and by joining with other believers in the church we can do the same kind of work on earth that they did.

Dear Christian friends, this is not a hear-say gospel. The apostles [and hundreds of others] were eyewitness—they saw with their eyes and heard with their ears what was done and said—not on just one day—but from the garden to the Cross, to the grave, and for 40 more days in their homes, along the seashore even at their own tables as they ate together. If you were seated on a jury and asked to decide whether or not Jesus was who he said he was—would this be enough proof for you to make a positive decision? To any person who still does not believe in Christ I ask you—“How much more proof do you need? Could it be that you are making a mistake???

Before the death and resurrection these men were disillusioned, scared, feared for their life,
After meeting and seeing and talking with the resurrected Christ and watching as he was caught up into heaven they feared no man and risk their life every day as they spread the Good News. They faced imprisonment, beatings, rejection and martyrdom but not a single one fell away. No one can convince me that these men would have given their lives for a man or a cause that they thought was a fraud. We must have confidence in their testimony. Jesus explained that at his birth, the Kingdom of God was inaugurated; and when he returned to heaven his Kingdom would remain in the hearts of born again believers through the presence of Holy Spirit. Realize now that believers are just sinners saved by grace—they are not yet perfect. Therefore His kingdom cannot be fully realized until he comes again and judges man and removes all evil from this world. Only then can his will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

6. The disciples inquired about the earthly kingdom with headquarters in Jerusalem, which they were expecting soon. However, Jesus answered them about his kingdom on earth after his second coming. This really is two different thoughts…they inquired about an earthly kingdom…he answered about his heavenly kingdom, and told them it was not for them to know when it would be. I literally feel sorry for all the different demigods that have claimed to know the day of his coming. God only has that information. After he answered them they went to the Mount of Olives where he was taken up into heaven and they watched Him with their own eyes…go out of sight as he was hidden from them by a cloud. With their own eyes, they saw two men [angels] dressed in white who told them that He would come again just as they had seen him go…with their own ears they heard the voice. Based on what I have read there were at least 17 of these witnesses and there may have been as many as 120 present. How many eyewitnesses do you need in order to believe?

12. They returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. How many were in the group?
There were the eleven disciples, the women and Mary, and His three brothers. This had to be at least 17 people because “women” is plural and had to be two or more. So at least 17 people had witnessed the ascension of Jesus and were now gathered upstairs in the room. When Peter started talking to them about choosing a replacement for Judas, the book says there were 120 present, and though the book is not clear, I believe that the total number was 120 all along through his departure and in the upper room.

Peter reminded them that David in the Psalms had directed them to choose a replacement for Judas who had sold his soul for thirty pieces of silver. As was the Jewish custom they chose two men who had been with them since the beginning of their walk with Christ {he too had to be an eyewitness to all that had transpired} and then they prayed that when they cast lots that God would let his choice be the one to win the appointment. Cast lots? Yes! But God chose Matthias as the replacement. He was added to the eleven and now there are twelve witnessing disciples again. On my second thought, we know that Matthias was also at the ascension—so that means that the minimum had to be 18 and not 17.

2:1 Pentecost came, 120 or more were together in one place, and The Holy Spirit came upon them as a mighty rushing wind. It was a violent wind, like, maybe a tornado. It got their attention. Since some, including Thomas and The Lord’s three brothers had found it hard to believe that He was the Messiah—some or all of the 120 were totally and forever saved in that upper room. They received the Holy Spirit that day. And when we are saved we immediately receive the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to be the sons of God.

This miraculous event fulfilled the prophesy of John the Baptist who said the Holy Spirit would baptize with fire [Luke 3: 16] and the prophesy of Joel who predicted the out pouring of the Holy Spirit [2: 28-9]. The word “tongues” represents or symbolizes the spoken word [speech] and the explanation of the gospel in words that all could understand. The word “fire” indicates that God’s purifying presence which burns away any impurities in the lives of believers was present. On Mt. Sinai God used “fire” [his presence] to emphatically establish His Law [Exodus 19: 16]. In Acts He proclaimed the work of the Holy Spirit’s ministry using “fire” which represented His presence. At Sinai the fire came down on a place…At Pentecost the fire or [presence of God] came to dwell in the people who were gathered in the room. It fell on them. The power of the Holy Spirit entered them. The same thing happened to you the moment you repented and trusted Christ as Savior.
There were people present at Pentecost and in Jerusalem that were from many nations, and they spoke different languages and could not understand each other. The fire fell on the on the tongues of those gathered in the upper room and immediately they and all those in Jerusalem could understand what was happening in their own language. Luke lists a great number of countries from which these people had come just to emphasize that God is no respecter of certain people, but his word is available to all that will believe. Try to imagine the immediate spread of the gospel as many of these people who were present then returned to their own country and began to witness to their people about what they has seen and heard as a result of the Pentecost experience and the sermon that Peter preached there which resulted in the immediate salvation of 3000 people. No wonder the early church grew so rapidly. And it is no wonder that the strong Jewish opposition began to organize against this new Christian movement.

V 13-40. These verses contain the sermon that Peter preached at Pentecost. Space and time prevents a verse by verse analysis of the sermon. You must read it slowly and carefully; you will find most of it is self explained. Don’t miss the fact that all nations are included in God’s plan and both women and man. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Every person, past, present and future has or will commit sin. The price that must be paid for sin is death. Christ gave his life to pay for our sins—therefore, each and every person had a hand in the crucifixion of Jesus. That means you and me! How do you feel about this?

When these people heard Peter tell them what they had done—they were heart broken and they asked Peter what they could do. His answer is the heart of the Gospel. No message has ever been given that is more important. He told them and every person on earth what they must do. Do you want to spend eternity in hell separated from God? No. No. No. Do you want to be forgiven of your sins and spend eternity in Heaven with God? Yesssss. Then here is what you MUST DO. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction to the Book of Acts

Stop—don’t toss this introduction away without reading it. I truly believe that it is important for us to have a good preliminary idea about things we are to study in depth. We need to read, then study, and then reread God’s word. It is far too deep to just read casually. Thanks.

We began our second journey through the bible with the study of Genesis which we completed last Sunday. The study of the Acts of the Apostles will be our second book in this six year venture into the pages of Holy Writ. Acts may not be your favorite book in the New Testament, but it has to be one of the most informative and therefore one of the most important books ever written. The passage that sets the tone for our study is found in the 8th verse; “…You shall receive power [In fact, the title of the first lesson will be “Empowered to Witness] when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” CHRIST WAS TALKING TO THE NEW CHURCH. The church is a body of believers that witness of Jesus Christ. The book of acts is the story of how the church is to accomplish this task!

The first sentence tells us that Luke was the author and this is his second book written to Theophilus. He tells us that he was a companion to Paul and it is thought that he wrote the acts from Rome while Paul was in prison there. The date of writing was about AD 62 or 63. Colossians 4:14 tells us that Luke was a physician. Luke was a gentile Christian and probably one of Paul’s converts. He was with Paul in both of his Roman imprisonments. The book tells the story of the church and the spread of gospel from Jerusalem, the Jewish capitol to Rome which was the capitol of the world at the time. It covers the time period from the death of Christ, AD 33 to AD 63 a thirty year period covering the early church.

Dr. Luke was the author of Acts and the book of Luke, and there are many similarities; actually Acts is a continuation of the book of Luke. In his gospel, Luke tells us what Jesus started to do and teach before he ascended. In Acts, he tells us what Jesus began to do and say following His ascension and until the gospel reached Rome upon Paul’s arrival there. The writer told us in his gospel what Christ did on earth; in Acts he speaks of what Christ does and teaches from heaven. Both were written to Theophilus, a Greek word that means “A friend of God.” Nothing more is known about Theophilus than what you will find in Luke and Acts.

Acts presents the church in its beginning as an example of what it should have continued to do—and even what it should be doing now. Acts is really restricted to the BEGINNING of the church in each town and city where it was newly established. You will find Jesus Christ as the hero of this book.

As you read Acts, remember that Christ is in heaven. He is already enthroned as King of Kings and Lord of Lords at his Father’s right hand and he is interceding as our High Priest. The church is already organized with its officers and apostles and its laws and ordinances have been established. The mother church at Jerusalem will soon have its first pastor and deacons. You must remember that the church has already been commissioned; Christ commissioned the church as one of his last acts on earth—1. To bear witness of the fact that Jesus, was born, lived and died and was resurrected. 2. Proclaim to the world the risen Christ as Savior of the world.

We must remember that the church was organized, but young and still ignorant of some duties and doctrines. At the time of His ascension they still were still expecting the establishment of an earthly Jewish kingdom. One asked, “Lord, doest thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He evaded that question by saying that they would not know the time or the season. We think of this as meaning long and short periods of time, because he used the words Chronos which means long time; and kairos which means a short period of time. This tells us that the ‘second coming’ may be soon or in the distant future…it is not for us to know.

They were still ignorant as to the way a church democracy was to work. The had been accustomed to levels of power and could not yet understand that though the church would make no distinction between the apostles, deacons, and other brethren…not even between men and women. The Lord’s idea of the church was that it should be a pure democracy—an organization where everyone without regard to age, sect, or previous conditions or status would participate equally. There are three specific groups mentioned in the gospel and Acts; 1-The eleven apostles, 2-Several women, including is mother, and 3-The four brothers of Jesus which were unbelievers until the very last.

On the cross Jesus asked John to take care of his mother. Some think that his brothers were poor and unable to care for her; others think that John had been more faithful than his own brothers. I can find no place in the bible where it says that Mary was taken up without dying, or anything about her immaculate conception; not even that she was born holy. There is no record of her being the queen of heaven, and the fountain of all grace, and the source of salvation. This idea must have come from some perversions of the scriptures as other church organizations were developed to fit man’s ideas. This doctrine is taught by the Catholic Church.

Allow me to clarify how we know that Luke wrote the Acts. You will not find in the book of Luke or Acts any statement that specifically states that Dr. Luke wrote the books. However, there are several places where the pronouns “WE” and “US” occur; and these leave no doubt as to who is talking. You can confirm this by reading chapters 16, 17, 20, 21, 27, and 28. Each time it is evident that the writer was an eyewitness of Paul’s ministry. I have no one that doubts that this eyewitness was Luke.

Even though he wrote two books in the NT, we still know very little about Luke. It is obvious that he was a brilliant writer, and since his books were canonized, we can feel sure that they were inspired writings. Luke’s name only appears in the NT only three times. Colossians 4:14 tells us he was a medical doctor and a close associate of Paul. Philemon 24 also says that he was with Paul. Then 2 Timothy 4:21 says that Luke was with Paul when Paul wrote the book of 2 Timothy. Then in Acts 13 to 28 there are several events that happened with Luke present as an eyewitness. The book has at least six purposes; A. It is has a historical purpose. B. It has a theological purpose. C. It records what Jesus “began’ to do and teach while on earth. D. It also records what Jesus continued to do and teach through His Spirit and His apostles. E. He confirmed that Jesus was the Messiah, and F. He proved that Christianity and the church were not a departure from but a continuation of God’s purpose in the Old Testament. There is no conflict.

The following outline will give you a snap-shot view of the entire book.

1. Chapters 1 through 12 takes place takes place with Jerusalem as center.

a. They were waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises…1.
b. The promise was fulfilled at Pentecost…2.
c. Work of Peter and John, with Sadducees opposition…3-4.
d. Dealing with social problems in church…4-5.
e. With new prosperity came renewed hostility from Sadducees…5.
f. A problem with church administration…6.
g. The Pharisees opposed Stephen’s teaching and killed him…6-8.
h. Expansion through Judea, Samaria and surrounding by Philip…8.
i. Change came when Saul was converted…9.
j. The doors of the church opened to gentiles…9-11.
k. New Roman persecution from Herod Agrippa I…12.

2. Chapters 13 through 21 takes place after Antioch became the center.

a. Paul and Barnabas entered the missionary business…13.
b. Explaining the greatest mission tour of all times…13-14.
c. Jerusalem conference over gentile freedom from the Law…15.
d. Paul’s second mission tour…15-18.
e. Paul’s third mission tour…18-21.

3. Paul’s enemies—he became prisoner…21-28.

a. Paul’s problems centered in Jerusalem…21-23.
b. Paul before the Roman court in Caesarea…23-26.
c. Paul appealed to the Roman court and Nero…27-28.
d. Two years waiting for Nero’s decision—writing and witnessing…28.

Remain Faithful - Genesis 47:27 - 50:26

When I retired as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joe Scruggs was my Sunday school teacher and I had served several years as his assistant. The class was simply referred to as Dr. Scruggs’ Class. At the time of his death, I became the teacher and without any thought the name simply changed to Dr. Vandivers Class until about ten years ago when I ask the class to choose another name for the class that would appropriately suggest what we were really about. I was very proud when someone suggested that we change the class name to FAITH BUILDERS CLASS. The best I can remember, there was a discussion that centered on the fact that older people seek the presence and consolation of greater faith; and some felt that consistent attendance in this class was a sure way to grow in faith. The regular sharing of our personal experiences in serving the Lord served to build the faith of those who might be prone to pray—“God, strengthen my little faith.”

We had over forty enrolled at our peak and still have twenty-two, and most of these members were there when I started teaching. At our age, with all of our aches and pains we still have an average of sixteen to eighteen present each Sunday. We have lost as many to the death angel as we now have enrolled. Search the world over and you will not find a group of men anywhere who have REMAINED MORE FAITHFUL than these, my brethren have.

I am proud and feel supremely honored to have been the teacher all of these last few years. All praise and thanks go to the Almighty for allowing teachers to gain more than many are able to give. Teaching God’s Word is a challenge and very scary business because of the warning that—“False teachers will be held accountable for any who are misled.” I must constantly remind all of you that read or hear my attempt to ‘rightly divide’ the word should always make sure that it is based on Bible truths. You should always be weary of the Vandiverism that appears.

Should I ask you to write a list of forty names of men that have impressed you most during the last twenty years I dare say that I can tell you many of the names that you would include, and even more of their fields of service or vocations. There would be a couple of Presidents, one or two Secretaries of State, maybe a congressman, Billy Graham, and maybe another preacher of choice, several names would come from the role of great athletes, and then you would top the list off with Bill Gates, and another billionaire or two, and finally a few of businesses’ top moguls like Ford and Rockefeller.
No doubt some of you would include your favorite actor and actresses. Only a very few of these would make my list. The men in my class have REMAINED FAITHFUL and they would top my list because I believe so strongly that commitment to Jesus Christ is the first and foremost necessity in proving any right we have to honor and fame.

Born again believers will usually agree that remaining faithful to our Lord and Savior involves a spiritual struggle. One of the greatest disappointments is watching the productive years of our lives come slowly and disappear with the speed of lightening before many of our expectations have been realized. We have developed some of our greatest ambitions and then watched them fade into oblivion without being fulfilled. God has never promised that we would not experience heartaches and disappointments and we have had our share that left deep scars. Most of us have questioned the results we have experienced from faithfully following the straight and narrow way…Satan uses this trap to lead us to doubt our faith. It is absolutely necessary for us to use God’s Word as our convincing proof that we are always winners so long as we remain faithful.

Christ saved us by his grace—and God then calls on us to remain faithful to him until death. These last chapters in Genesis give us examples of men of faith that were triumphant; and these examples are designed to help each one of us to meet His expectations. A NOTE OF IMPORTANCE: Any time my faith grows weak and I really need a lift I turn to Hebrews in the New Testament; and I feel that you should turn right now to the 10th chapter of Hebrews and the 19th verse and read the rest of the book. Success & happiness comes only by FAITH.

As I look back over my life many times in all honesty [but in ignorance] I have wished someone good-luck. Yes, Christians as well as unbelievers have cultivated this bad habit of wishing another person to have good-luck in whatever they were attempting to do. People either prosper or fail according to the sovereign plan of Jesus Christ—and absolutely nothing is left to luck. Look at the following example of false thinking.

Soon after I married Juanita Uncle Sam inducted me into the infantry and I was shipped overseas. Soon after I returned from WWII an injured back caused hospitalization for over six months but Juanita remained by my side. She stood by me when I was fired. She has remained faithful and cared for me through several serious operations on bad hips, a replaced knee, and back operations. She is still resolute and caring even through this third hip replacement. I AM CONVIENCED THAT SHE IS NOTHING BUT BAD LUCK. Well, the point is that none of these problems arose because of bad luck on any-bodies part. These things happened because they were in God’s plan for my life and as I look back over some of my problems I believe that I understand how many of them occurred in order to guide me into the field of education and into a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

Both Jacob and Joseph had more setbacks than any of us have had but they had a different theological interpretation of the events of life. There is no incidence given where God spoke directly to Joseph. [The nearest thing to it is that God helped him to interpret certain dreams.] However, through all of his problems with his brothers, being made a slave, being falsely accused and in prison—he never lost faith in the God of his fathers. When he finally was accepted by pharaoh, was brilliant and a hard worker some may say that his luck finally caught up with him. No, these were all a part of God’s plan to feed the world during the period of a seven year famine. Joseph understood this and when he reconciled with his bad brothers, he encouraged them to see and understand that they did not make a mistake in selling him, but that they had actually helped God carry out his plan for His people.
Listen now, if you are having a bad time, problems with your health, financial difficulties, family problems…God may be trying to get your attention; these misfortunes may be for a reason—and your reaction should be one of interrogatory prayer; pray and seek God’s will for the rest of your life. He does answer prayer! NOTE: If you do not believe that God intervenes in the lives of men; if you do not believe that he wants the best for his children, then your only hope is that some day in Heaven he will take the time to tell you what he was trying to reveal to you while here on earth.


The Egyptian Pharaoh invited Jacob’s family to move to Goshen; and Joseph insisted that they leave the land of Canaan and move to Egypt. Pharaoh enthusiastically supported the move and even furnished the horses and wagons as their moving vans. He permitted them to settle in the land of Goshen, a fertile area in the northeastern part of Egypt that was suited for raising sheep and cattle which was their trade. It was the custom of the Egyptian people to look down on all foreigners that moved into their land—and this was an exception only because of God’s plan for Jacob and his family.

We should never feel that our ‘little faith’ is a fault that others have not experienced. Jacob is one of those listed as having great faith but there were times when his faith faltered. When Joseph disappeared, he thought his son was dead and now that he has been re-united with him in Egypt, he is overcome with the goodness of God. Not only did he find his long lost son, but he found that he had two new grand-sons. When it was time for him to start blessing all his family before he died, he started with these two new boys in the family, Ephraim the younger and Manasseh, Joseph’s first child. Joseph bowed before his father holding the boys. David placed his right hand on Ephraim and his left hand on Manasseh. This is another indication where the younger son is receiving the first blessing, and the older son the lesser blessing. Joseph did not understand and tried to correct his father, but Jacob followed what he knew to be God’s will. Both would be blessed, but the younger would be first in the kingdom work. Their father Joseph would forever remain the leader over all of his other brothers—that was his blessing.

In chapter 49 Jacob continued to call each of his 12 sons who were to be the heads of the 12 tribes, and made known to them what God had planned for their future. The way each one had lived played a part in the way they would be remembered. This is an open sermon to each of us today. By the time the sun rises tomorrow our actions of today will have become history, past, and unchangeable, but definitely already beginning to shape what our future will be. We should constantly be aware that what we are doing today will effect our future. It is much easier to do right today than it is to have to seek forgiveness before we can move on toward the tomorrows of our life.

Reuben, the oldest, lost his special blessing because of his being untrustworthy in his youth; he even defiled his father’s bed by sleeping with one of his concubines. Evidently he never did show a repentant spirit.

We do not fully understand why Judah was so richly blessed. He was the one responsible for selling Joseph into slavery but God had chosen him as the one that would be the father of Israel’s kings that is what is meant by saying his scepter will not depart from Judah. It would be out of Judah that the Messiah would come. It is believed that his character had probably changed for the better. I believe that he asked for forgiveness and it was granted. Why? Just because the bible has told us…New Testament Christians…that all of us have sinned—but if we will repent and confess our sins that he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. God has not changed. The Book tells us that he is the same yesterday, today and will always be the same loving God.Z

Vandiver Confession: I have read all of chapter 49 that singles out each of Jacob’s sons and how he blessed, or admonished each one. Some of the things he predicted are straight forward and easy to understand—while a majority of it is beyond my understanding. You know…I am not a seminary trained bible scholar…and I have to take advice from others that seem to know more. However, too often, when I don’t understand a verse…very often it is difficult to find any writer that has explained it in their commentary. For example: The commentaries that I have completely skip verses 13-15, and that includes the two brothers, Zebulun and Issachar. Verse 13 seems to be self explanatory. However, verses 14-15 are beyond my understanding. Note: I think that one who has really studied the bible, and can remember, will be able to tell you that this is fully explained somewhere in God’s Word.

As expected, Joseph was the one that Jacob blessed most, and praised highly—a fruitful vine near a spring, which indicated that he would continue to grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Indeed, his life has already been fruitful and will continue. He has some memorable descendants; among them is Joshua, who would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land and Deborah, Gideon and Jephthah who were later some of the judges of Israel. Joseph was able to draw closer to God as adversity mounted in his life. His constant dependence on the Lord showed his great faith and it leads to the final time we must be reminded that our dependence on God during our lowest moments is the one thing that proves our faith. When others see us placing our dependence in Jesus it serves as our light that is placed high on a hill where all can see. Exercising faith is not a light that can be hidden under a bushel; therefore it cannot be faked.

Can you? Do you trust him when injury or persecution is directed at you? Remember you can not trust completely on your own! Spiritual battles of this life require teamwork between courageous and faithful people and the all powerful and loving Lord of our life. So, we must always remember when the dark clouds gather and the destructive winds of evil begin to blow, we are never alone. He is here, there, and everywhere that his people are and it is solely for their protection. He will not force himself upon anyone, and he expects us to call upon him for his help in our need.

As we bid Genesis goodbye, let us thank God for a great beginning and please allow this one admonishment—TRUST AND BELIEVE IN ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST AND THEN— R E M A I N F A I T H F U L. The reward here will be a happier life…and the award to come is indescribable. AMEN!

Making Major Life Adjustments - Genesis 46 and 47

How often do you stop and realize that the Holy Bible serves us in many different ways? It is our calendar, our measuring stick, time table; it is our planning and operating manual and our dictionary that defines words we do not understand and gives us examples of how to handle every life crises that intrudes our lives. There are literally thousands, yea millions, of us that stumble along through life wondering what to do—when the answer is as close as the Book on the table. Why do people let dust collect on the Holy Word? Pray meaningfully right now that you will be inspired to read it more often.

I can think of no other topic that intervenes in the life of every human alive than does the lesson topic for today—Making Life Adjustments. Just think about it for a moment. One of your most important life adjustments had to be made immediately at the moment you were born. You had been fed intravenously for the last nine months and you had to adjust to being fed orally. Oxygen is absolutely necessary; one can not survive even for a few minutes without its presence in the blood stream. It had been furnished by osmoses and instantly at birth the lungs must take over.

If you live a century, your last days will be filled with life adjustments as you decide on doctors, hospitals, care-giving homes and who will share in your last will and testament—even as to who will conduct your funeral and who will be the six that carries you those last few steps from the hearse. There are ninety-nine years between that are filled with instances where your life adjustments are as vital as life itself. It would literally take pages to list all the new adventures you will undertake. Just a few are; school, college, work, courting and marriage, salvation, church choice, where you will live, and time to move, and finally a retirement plan all of these interspersed with each and every call of the Master on your life.

God gives us one very good example of how Jacob, in old age, nearly blind, and living in Hebron—in the land of Canaan, which was promised to his father and grandfather, is now confronted with the necessity to make another life adjustment. It seems appropriate for us to go back and review the life of this man and at least a few of his many adjustments in order to see what it is that has made it possible for him to endure life and live to be more than one hundred years of age and still have his right mind.

Remember that Jacob was born with his first demise holding to one of his heals. He was the older of the two sons, but soon lost all rights to his birthright and his father’s blessing. He never blamed God and held on to the faith of his father. He was far from a perfect man because he used a scheme planned partly by his mother to cheat Esau out of his birthright and had to escape home to dodge his brother’s revenge.

He soon learned that others could play the cheating game when his father-in-law tricked him into working fourteen years for the wife he desired. You will note that he did not blame God and kept his faith until God started his faith to work again in his favor. He gained in family and goods, until he was able to escape bondage and start his journey homeward.

On his way back to his people we must never forget the one most important night in Jacob’s life. He had hills ahead to climb and knew it, and when God approached him, he held on to god…wrestled with God… all night and refused to let go until God made him promises that He would go with him and help him through the rest of his life.

Let me ask you a personal and very private question. Do not answer to me—but find the answer for yourself and see just how determined you really are to serve God with all your power and might and expect God to keep the promises he has made you through his Holy Word. When you have a serious problem that occurs in your life do you choose to work it out on your own? Do you fight your own battles independently and expect no one to help? Do you face a mad brother or other mad enemy and just handle it yourself? How many times in your life have you been in serious trouble when you went directly to God, and prayed and prayed, and then waited for God to help you through your problem? Jacob trusted God.

I remind all of us again, Jacob was far from being a perfect man, he had some real problems being the perfect father and his gang of evil minded boys proves that. But without failure when his times got rough he tore his clothes, or wept in sack cloth and ashes, sometimes feeling down but never defeated. He never turned his back on the God of his fathers, Abraham and Isaac. Oh, how we need to learn to fully TRUST God every day, all the way!

His family clan has grown to seventy in number and he is still the respected leader of the family. Even the ‘bad boys’ of his family have shown their honor for him and their dependence on him. They have now completed two dangerous journeys to Egypt obeying his commands for them to go. Especially the last time when they knew that Joseph had laid down some hard rules for them to follow. Now they have come to the time when Jacob says it is time for the entire family to leave the Promised Land and move to Egypt and there seems to be no objection coming from the older sons. With all the turmoil that has occurred in this family…how can this father, Jacob, still command such respect from family members that have not always loved him as a father should be loved? There can only be one answer. Jacob has always followed God and God has blessed him for this.

Jacob said, “I am convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” “So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.” Here in the first verses of chapter 46 we find that Israel [Jacob] is still close to God, for God appeared unto him and encouraged him to move on to Egypt. God said, “Go and I will go with you and I will bring you back.” Believing in the promises of god Israel and all that he had loaded into the wagons that Joseph had sent for his use, and they all made one more great adjustment in their lifetime. The remainder of this chapter gives the family tree, 66 in all went to Egypt; Counting Joseph and his family this made a total of 70 in the newly reestablished family.

The reunion in Goshen is one that brought tears of joy to Israel and his son Joseph, and no doubt the rest of the family felt safe and glad to have been led by this great man. There is a beautiful story unfolded in chapter 47. If you will only read it for yourself, you can see how God works in, through and for those he loves.

The famine still had the nations in its grips, but they all survived because of Joseph’s planning and God’s provision. Joseph appealed to the Pharos and his family was granted land in the most fertile part of Egypt. During the last years of the famine all of the Egyptians had to trade their lands and stock for food provisions, so that the Pharos owned all the land. He allowed Joseph to employ his brothers who were good and able workers and the family was soon one of the richest tribes in the land of Egypt.

When the rain returned and crops began to grow, every one was now working for the king and a precedent was set that contends until this day on the rental farms of America. Sharecroppers work the owners land and retain four fifths of the crops for their labor and they pay one fifth of the crop as rent. This is very interesting to me. And one more precedent was also established. The land of the priest did not become Pharaoh’s. In America, the property that belongs to the Church is not subject to government taxes.

Because of the fair deal allowed the Hebrews, they were able to gain wealth, and buy property for themselves, so that they became both the owners of the land and the owners of the land and this brought prosperity. What a beautiful way for Jacob to live out his last days on earth.

When Jacob was 147 years old, he realized it was his time to go home to Glory. His son Joseph promised to take him back to his home and bury him with the older members of this Godly family. Here is proof once more of what we must do to please God and keep his will in our lives. Too feeble to stand alone, Jacob leaned on his staff and spent some of his last moments on this earth worshiping God.

Many of the stories of the Bible, and this has been one of them, are very interesting to read, joyful and uplifting to those of us who believe. But really they are not written for the joy of reading. As the stories are written they continually unfold truths, facts, and plans for us to live by. It is only when we read between the lines…it is only when we make these truths applicable to our lives that we learn how to live with honor, and always pleasing to God. It is in these stories that we find the approved plan that God has to make our lives purposeful.

Never forget that God has a purpose for each of his children. There is a plan of action that will bring that purpose to it’s rightfully conclusion. There is only one place that you will find the guidelines or plans that let you know with assurance that you are on the right road every day. You will find that map in the Bible. Sometimes the road signs are hard to read, and even more difficult to understand and the only way you can make sure that you are not making a mistake is to keep your eye, heart and mind on God. You can see him tomorrow morning when the sun rises in the east, and again when the rain falls, and when the earth turns green in the springtime. You can see him each day you live through a glass dimly, but with absolute assurance when you study his word and apply it to your daily life. Accomplish this and you will be able to make ALL OF YOUR LIFE ADJUSTMENTS WITHOUT FEAR AND YOU CAN KNOW YOUR DESTINATION—hell or HEAVEN.

Work Toward Reconciliation - Genesis 43 to 46

My experience in the field of education included four years as teacher, four years as principal and twenty-nine years as Superintendent, all in public schools. During the expanse of the thirty-seven years one of the most troublesome problems was dealing with teachers, students and parents with broken relationships.

Human nature requires years to build strong relationships that require mutual trust and willingness to share. Even in the most stable of families there can always be problems; and in our society with so many broken homes the problem has grown in intensity. In order to prevent complete chaos in the smaller societies like the home, school or church there must be constant attention given toward reconciliation.

Because of doubts, fear, and distrust reconciliation of two or more adversaries or close friends is no easy task and it usually requires a third party to intervene and insist on some kind of compromise or an additional disaster or dire need to arise that forces one side or the other to seek reconciliation.

This is precisely what happened in Jacob’s family. Looking back to the close of Chapter 42 we find that Joseph did not trust his older brothers that he remembers as being heartlessly cruel in the way they had treated him. He wanted proof of some reconciliation on their part and he also wanted to be able to help his father and his younger brother in their dire need for food. He sold them the grain they needed and then returned their money by hiding it in the sacks of grain. He held Simeon in custody and demanded that they bring his little brother Benjamin back with them when they came to rescue Simeon. The chapter ends with Jacob’s refusal to trust his boys to carry out the deal that Joseph had made and he refused to budge until there was another greater need that forced him to reconsider. His grain supply was running low.

As we start the lesson today the first verse describes the need that had arisen. The famine was still severe in the land and Jacob had used all the grain that was purchased on the first trip to Egypt. Not only was he about to loose his live stock to starvation, but the family was also about out of the basic grain needed for human survival. Jacob directed the boys to make a second journey to Egypt to buy additional grain. They refused to go because of the conditions Joseph had established that demanded them to bring Benjamin with them when they returned to free Simeon.

The Bible has not said how much time had passed, but later we find that it had been two years since they made the first buy and Jacob [Israel] seemed to have forgotten that his boys were not to return without Benjamin. You must remember that neither Jacob nor his older sons knew that the man in charge of the granaries in Egypt was his son, Joseph. When they reminded him of the conditions set down by Joseph, he was leery again of their story and asked them how the man in Egypt even knew that there was a younger son in the family. Their explanation must have been somewhat convincing because he reluctantly agreed to go along with the deal.

Judah became the spokesman for the boys and assumed full responsibility for Benjamin’s return. Their condition had worsened and Judah explained that this was the only way for their father and all of their families to survive. It was a matter of life and death.

Jacob’s reaction proves that he wanted reconciliation with the man in Egypt because he directed that they take back the silver that had been returned and explain that it must have been a mistake…they did not steal the money; he also directed them to take additional silver to purchase the new load of grain.

Then to prove his caring attitude, he directed that they take some of the products that were produced locally and were still available from his land; such as a little balm, a little honey, some spices and myrrh and a few nuts. It is evident that these items were getting scarce, or the amount would have been more generous. This was an act of bartering because these were products that were very rare and expensive and not usually available in Egypt.

Jacob let them know that he was not completely happy with the idea of sending Benjamin as a hostage and that it grieved him greatly to be forced to let Benjamin go. We must read into this act more than barter, because the return of the money was a matter of integrity and honesty. This part of his trade sets an example for each of us today in that we should always be willing to return to others what they rightfully own and never take advantage of someone’s honest mistake. If a stranger should lose a great sum of money in your car or on your property…would you make an honest effort to see that it was returned to the owner? Assume that he did not know where he lost the money and did not seek to retrieve it would you keep it for your own use?

The second journey to Egypt hurriedly took place and Joseph noted that Benjamin was with them as they approached his king-like palace. He ordered that his brothers be taken to his house and that an animal be prepared for a feast to be shared with him at noon that day. They went as ordered, but were leery, even frightened when they were guided by guards to his home. They were expecting to be taken captive and accused of stealing the money that had been placed in their first trip grain bags. Do you see how we are so prone to hold on to our fears of others? It takes a lot more time to regain confidence than it does to lose it the first time.

In verses nineteen through thirty-two, you will find one of the most touching stories, a picture of a large family that has been broken, now approaching the gate of reconciliation. Joseph now knows all is well—even his aged father is still living and well—and he went to his own room and wept; he washed his face and returned to share his food with his brothers and his Egyptian staff that had prepared the meal.

Think about a comparison here with Jesus at Jerusalem. He said, “Oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, how oft would I have comforted you…as a hen does her chicks, and you would not.” Joseph, no doubt, was thinking about how often he would have guided, befriended, and stood by his brothers…and they would not allow him to do so…they had rejected him and literally thought they had destroyed him…as Jerusalem rejected Christ and had him crucified.

There may be a comparison here between Joseph and Jesus, but we still see flaws in Joseph’s life that lets us know that he was not perfect. One sticks out in plain sight when the plates were served at the noon feast—it was the helping of food that appeared on Benjamin’s plate as compared to the others. Joseph arranged for five times more food to be served to his youngest brother…the one who was not involved in his boy-hood persecutions. He may have forgiven them…but he had not forgotten. When Christ forgives us—he also forgets our transgressions and removes our sins to the other side of the earth where they are not visible any more.
Remember that Joseph now knows each one involved…but they have not recognized him as their younger brother. When the feast is completed, the steward was ordered to load their animals with all the grain they could carry. Again, as before, all their silver was replaced in their bags…now they have three times as much as they brought the first time. THERE IS ONE BIG DIFFERENCE! Joseph ordered that his silver cup of divination be hidden along with the silver that was in Benjamin’s sack of grain. This was a premeditated trap set to catch and prove that the cup had been stolen from Joseph’s table after the meal.

[Divination refers to an object {cup in this case} that is used to foretell future events.] It must have been a practice used by Egyptians, because Joseph knew that his divine ability to look into the future or explain the meaning of dreams came directly from God.

The caravan of pack mules moved slowly away from Joseph’s palace headed home. Guards were ordered to overtake them and search the sacks of grain for the cup. They started with the oldest son, and did not find it until they came to the sack belonging to Benjamin. All the boys were returned to face Joseph and the charge of stealing the cup. They were contrite, bowed down to Joseph and submitted themselves to be his slaves. But Joseph said that only the one who stole the cup should remain as his slave and the rest were free to go.

They explained that all would be willing to stay if he would only let Benjamin go because if he did not return it would mean the death of their elderly father. Joseph finally believed that reconciliation had fully come to all the older boys, that they were really concerned about his father, and he broke down in great sobs of joyful tears, and told them who he was…Joseph, their long lost younger brother.

The very heart of this story about Jacob’s family is found in the 45th chapter. Joseph explained that God had been working through them even when they sold him into bondage. He told them not to feel condemned, and to realize that they had been a part of God’s plan. He explained that God knew the time of famine would come, and prepared the way for him to work his way into the leadership role in Egypt so he could save his father’s family from destruction. RECONCILIATION was now completed, and they were directed to go back to their father and explain what had happened. The family made plans to return so Jacob could see his lost son before he died.

Joseph sent the grain, all their silver and he sent extra animals and carts for the women and children to ride in their journey to Egypt. All appeared so perfectly planned that Jacob believed and cooperated as the family left their home and went to be cared for by God through the influence of their son and brother Joseph.

Have you lost everything? Have you suffered beyond what seems to be fair and deserved? Should you give up? NO! God has a plan for each of us and he will not fail to work his plan…all we need is FAITH TO BELIEVE THAT HE WILL.

Acknowledge Broken Relationships - Genesis 42

If you want some first hand information about the troubles that face many of our elderly castaways, all you need do is spend a few days in a rehab anywhere across America today. If you want to develop a positive attitude and desire to pass it on to love ones, spend a day or two in a rehab. I needed a personal experience that would help me and you understand the broken heart of a parent that is shattered because of broken relationships with their children; and I picked up more examples than I have space and time to write about in the few days I spent in rehab. I will share two or three that fit in with our study today. As you read here, remember how Jacob’s boys treated him.

John is sixty-five, lived out west, was married and has several children, all grown now. He was divorced a few years ago and he moved to live alone in a remote part of central Arkansas. No one bothered to check on him until someone reported to one of his sons still living West, that John had suffered a severe stroke in his left side, leaving him completely dependent upon some one else to feed and care for him. His son finally came to see him in rehab and it was obvious that their relationship was strained.

On the son’s first visit, he asked to offer prayer at our table. Later when I complemented John for having a son that loves the Lord and him, his reply was that he was a pretty good son…but only when he was trying to manipulate things to his own advantage. This remark came through sobs and with tears streaming down his cheeks. The next day I asked the son where he attended church and he let me know that he did not belong to any organized church and felt sure that he was the better for his independence. He and John had an open argument while at our table exposing the long continuing bad relationship.

Then there was the self made mechanic, no schooling or financial backing and 83 years old. He was married and had children who forsook him when he married again after the first wife died. There are two or three children from the second marriage that ended in divorce late in life. His description of her was that she was mean spirited and very difficult to live with peaceably. Only one son cares enough to check on him while in bad health for years, in rehab with me and no place to go except a nursing home, if one will take him. The man has only two or three teeth that do not meet, more of a problem than help. He confided in me that he had been trying for years to save enough money to have the teeth pulled and buy dentures so he can eat ordinary food.

Jacob had four wives and twelve sons, ten by wives he neither loved nor wanted and only two by the wife he loved—Joseph and Benjamin. He had many reasons throughout his life to trust only the two youngest of his sons and he really believed that Joseph was dead. The seven year drought that started in Egypt spread out over all the lands of the descendents of Abraham and caught Jacob and his family with no food. Word got around that there was grain for sale in Egypt, so he sent his ten older sons to Egypt to buy grain. He did not fully trust his oldest sons and kept Benjamin behind in safety. When the ten arrived before their brother Joseph, he knew who they were but they did not recognize him.

He accused his brothers as spies who had come to find the part of his country that was not protected. They told him who they were and why they had come and it was all in good faith. He remembered his dreams as an 18 year old boy that told him this day would come when he would rule over the older men in the family. I think his main object was to find how they had treated his ‘own brother’—had they been as cruel to Benjamin as they were to him? Did they despise Ben because he was not their ‘own brother?’

When they arrived Joseph could only remember one day long ago when they had drug him from a deep hole and sold him away into slavery because of their hatred toward him. He was not sure he could trust them now and decided to try them by demanding that one remain in Egypt until the others could deliver the grain to his father and bring Benjamin back for him to see. He would then allow all to go free.

Grain was very valuable because it could be used in many ways. It could be stored and preserved—not like vegetables, milk, meat etc. that spoiled. It was even used for money… to barter in trade. Their father Jacob and the whole family was desperate for food and they really had no choice but to go along with what ever Joseph decide to do.

To prove his power over them he had them imprisoned for three days—then he revealed his plan that would test them to see if they were truthful and not spies. One brother was to remain in Egypt in prison while the others could return to their home, take the purchased grain, and then bring Benjamin back with them to prove that he was not being mistreated. In the end, if they all proved that they were to be trusted; they would be released to return to their father Jacob.

Reuben was the oldest and probably the wisest of the sons that were still at home. When they arrived back home from their shopping trip and found that their money had been given back to them, and the grain had cost them nothing, Reuben begin to realize that this was the hand of God still at work and that they were still being punished for the way they had treated their brother, Joseph.

The sad side of this whole story is that Jacob had ten sons that he did not trust. You talk about broken relationships—this has been a mixed-up family every since it became a polygamist marriage with one unwanted wife, and two unwanted slave girls that bore him children.

This chapter closes in doubt and fear in Jacob’s mind and heart. He was being asked to allow his youngest and most loved son to travel to Egypt as the pawn that would allow the release of his older brother. Of course, Jacob did not realize that his long lost son Joseph was at the other end of the line making the final decisions. He decided to refuse to let Benjamin go with his brothers to Egypt. We know that in later chapters, Jacob changes his mind and allows him to go; but as this chapter closes we see the height of mistrust that a family with broken relationships can bring to a family.

This brings back to our memory the command that was given by God to all children of men to HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER. There will always be enough sin in the lives of children to cause some misunderstanding; however there should never be a time when simple misunderstandings run the gamete and become broken relationships.

As I close this lesson at ten AM on Saturday, the Cleburne County area is under a severe storm warning. I am in my basement, the safest area of my home, taking the weather man’s best advice to avoid destruction. This is just a simple way of responding to a warning of danger. This is God’s simple way of warning all who study this lesson that we need to be willing to follow the instructions that God has given us if we want to prolong our lives. Honor our fathers and mothers, and trust God to preserve us from the storms of life. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. As I write, the thunder is close and the lightening is flashing and I am still and calm and have trusted all to the Father above. Oh, how I pray that each and every one of you who read this can find the peace and satisfaction that I have found in my complete trust of my personal Savior.

PS: I have had two good nights at home, little to no pain and will soon be able to enjoy the UNBROKEN RELATIONSHIPS that are present in my family. To God be the Glory!

One more PS: I will not take the time to proof read and correct errors, so please forgive my misspellings, and other errors.

When Presented With Challenging Tasks - Genesis 41:1-57

NOTE: It is Saturday, April 12, 2008, 10:45 AM, and this lesson for April 27 is the last early posting. All of the lab work and preliminary papers were completed last Thursday and my surgery is set for April 15, at 6:30 AM. Dr. McCoy says that I should be able to return home in three or four days at most. God willing, I will take up my blanket and walk again. I covet your prayers!

I have found from my study of the Bible that it is dangerous when we condemn any person for their deeds, actions or reactions. We also need to be careful about condemning those that are in authority for the way they judge the accused that come before them. It doesn’t matter how we think men in the Bible should have conducted their affairs; we must always remember that God was involved, and the situation is as it is because God has a plan and a purpose for each of his creation. Let us review the background that leads to today’s lesson.

God’s plan included the birth of Joseph into a family with eleven brothers that hated him so much that they kidnapped him when he was seventeen and sold him to Egyptian traders that in turn sold him to Potiphar, chief officer of the Pharaoh in Egypt. Joseph was trustworthy and became Potiphar’s most trusted servant. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph and he was cast into prison. He befriended a cupbearer that was in the same prison and it led to a pardon for the cupbearer who should have returned the favor, but he forgot Joseph. Add now the years of service and jail time and Joseph must be about twenty four years old.

Consider each person and event at the time it happened and it seems fair and natural to condemn several people. We may have condemned Jacob for his failure as a father in disciplining his sons. We could say that Joseph should have declined to brag about his future domination over his brothers. His brothers were far from Christians in their treatment of their brother. Anyone in the slave trade is in the wrong business. Potiphar’s wife committed lust and lied. And Potiphar should have been a better judge of people. These statements all seem to be the truth; however if any one of them had failed to do what they did, Joseph would not have grown into the strong man that he is today with an abiding faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The last one that failed to help Joseph was the cupbearer, and that was about two years before Pharaoh’s dreams in this lesson.

You should read the first part of chapter forty-one that describes the two dreams of Pharaoh regarding the seven fat and seven lean cows and the seven stalks with withered heads and seven stalks loaded with grain. He was troubled about the meaning of these dreams and he called in his wise men and magicians to interpret the dreams. In Egypt this was an accepted source of unknown information. Pharaoh’s wise men were not able to find the meaning of his two dreams.

The Bible confirms that there were wise men and magicians in those days that could perform miracles. They had surprising powers but they were demonic in nature and therefore always subject to the greater power of God. In Exodus 7: 11, a well known incident is recorded where the magicians were able to perform the same kinds of magic as the servants of God…but God’s works were more powerful and prevailed. These men could read the stars, predict the future, interpret dreams and do other magic.

Admittedly, I have misjudged people when I should not. I castigated the cupbearer for not helping Joseph two years ago when he helped the prisoner gain his release. It now seems evident that the cupbearer really did simply forget to tell the king about Joseph—because now he is reminded of that situation, and he immediately told the king that he knew a man that could interpret his dreams for him. Indications are that he told the king that the young Hebrew with this power was Joseph because the king called for him to be brought to the palace to help him understand his dreams.

Allow me to depart from the story to remind all of us that two years have passed. Joseph had been incarcerated in a dungeon with the usual inhuman surroundings all this time with no visible hopes of release. His faith had not failed him. Some-times we find ourselves entrapped by circumstances over which we have no control and we must depend totally upon our faith and prayers and God’s promises. It is not unusual for us to find the way out of our dilemma at a time or for a reason that is unexpected. That is the way God works in the lives of his people. It is our responsibility to be constantly ready to do that which is required of us in order to receive God’s help. This is known as being in the will of God. Do you daily seek the will of God for your life?

Was Joseph ready when the call came? Not physically, because he had to shave, shower and dress appropriately to meet the king. However, and more important, he was ready spiritually. He realized that he did not have the power to interpret a dream and was ready to depend upon God to do it for him. Said another way, he did not know how to interpret a dream but he knew a God that could do it. Hang on to this thought. It is not enough for you and me to know about God—but we must know God. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who will walk into your jail with you and sustain you while you are there WHEN YOU ARE PRESENTED WITH A CHALLENGING TASK of working your way out of your bad situation?

When Joseph appeared before the Pharaoh, the king said, “I have heard that you can interpret dreams.” Note Joseph’s answer. “I can not but I know the Holy God who can and will give you the answer HE desires.” It is important that we understand what Joseph said. God will always give us an answer for our problems, but it may not be the answer we want…it will be whatever God desires it to be in our lives. There is another very important concept here that we can not afford to overlook. Joseph was careful not to take credit for this super-natural power. The first thing he did was…give all the credit to God. We have some very successful business men in our class who have a great number of special talents that have sustained you. Do you constantly give God the credit for the successes you have enjoyed?

Pharaoh must have been impressed with Joseph because he told him about the two dreams and waited for the interpretation. As the saying goes, there was some good news and some bad news. Both dreams were the same and were only repeated to emphasize that God had already made up his mind and there would be reprieve. The seven fat cows and seven good heads of grain meant that there would be seven years of plenty in the land. The seven lean cows and seven withered heads of grain told him that there would be a seven year famine that would follow the good years. He then warned the king that he must use the good years to store up enough food and supplies to last the nation through the famine that would follow.

Joseph did not stop there. He gave the king a fourteen year survival plan by spelling out step by step what he must do. The only way the nation would survive was through this careful planning, which included one man to be the Commissioner of Agriculture who could supervise and increase the crops to be raised and plan and implement a storage system large enough to house the food that would be needed to feed the nation for seven years of growth.

And now, for the rest of the story! What happened is a well known Bible story that most of us have read about since we were in children’s church. I only hope we can find out more details about why things happened as they did and who was really responsible for the outcome. Pharaoh and his officials thought that they had heard the truth from a man that had a spiritual connection with a God that they had never known existed. They were not a converted people, but they became a convinced people; and they exercised a great amount of faith in Joseph, but also in God. The new assignment for Joseph made him the number one man in authority in all of Egypt—over the land and resources and the people, over everything but the king and his throne. I am no authority on the educational system of that day, but I have read no where that Joseph has been to school one day. Surely there was some kind of home schooling, or even organized programs to teach the elite and those who were in leadership roles. The one thing I do know: this was the day WHEN JOSEPH WAS PRESENTED WITH HIS MOST CHALLENGING TASK. He had demonstrated his abilities to get things done right and with integrity; but other than that why was he chosen?

What was the overriding circumstance that caused Pharaoh to choose Joseph? Let him tell us. “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.” Then he gave Joseph his signet ring which was the official stamp of authority that sealed any document that Joseph approved. He was second in command in Egypt with only the king as his superior. He was given the robe of fine linen and the king’s chariot—a Cadillac Stretch with an experienced chauffeur.

In the 46th verse we finally know for sure how old Joseph is; he was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh the King of Egypt. He went from prison walls to the palace; from a prisoner to second in command in the nation within a matter of days, maybe even a few hours. In seven years he saved Egypt from a famine that might have completely destroyed the nation. There had been famines before in that part of the world and it did not take seven years to make one catastrophic. It is difficult for us to imagine what the results could have been. There was no refrigeration so only dry storage could be made available. They had been living from year to year, and now enough storage for seven years was needed. Grain was most important for the people to eat and food for animals that would furnish milk and meat.

Joseph and Egypt were successful beyond anyone’s fondest dreams. The famine came, over Egypt and all surrounding nations. Joseph was able to sell food from the storage houses and keep the nation going. He even had excess that was sold to surrounding countries that came to him to buy food that kept others from perishing.

****One last thought is that world wars cause famine in many of the same ways that drought does. It robs us of our resources, able bodied men and women, and puts survival in jeopardy. The only way we can evade a third world war is for us to find a Joseph that is led by God, who will call on God to intervene in our behalf. And he can not do it alone…unless…and until…our people turn from their wicked ways and submit to the will of our Lord.