Everything in the Bible and human history is a result of what is recorded in Genesis 1--3. Biblical history points to and then flows from the fulfillment of God’s promises of a Savior, evident in the Gospels that record the life of Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit of the … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. in Hebrews

Jacob’s last words to his other sons are a reflection on each son’s history and character. We might also find it interesting to remember Jacob’s words about each son as we read their history in the rest of the Old Testament. Notice how much more time Jacob spends on Judah, from whom the promised Savior … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. 49:1-33

Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons, reversing birth order against Joseph’s complaint, impressing us again with the contrast between the less significant formalities of physical life and the truly significant substantiveness of the life that God works in us by means of His promises. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=25129941

The famine continues and Joseph’s wise service to Pharaoh is impressive.  Over the years, the people spend their money, livestock, lands, and then their own lives for bread; thus they are impoverished and Pharaoh is enriched. Still, Joseph lets the people live in their homes and on their lands and keep four-fifths of what they … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. 47

Joseph sends for Jacob, and Jacob journeys to Egypt. Jacob’s life is especially illustrative of the children of God (also known as children of promise, which is illustrative of our regenerate soul). Jacob’s sojourn in this world (in his physical body) includes time in Egypt. Jacob’s family is reunited and he receives Joseph back from … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. 46

Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.  Best of all, he explains how all this was God’s doing to make Joseph a servant/leader who could manage the grain to preserve life. Notice how Joseph sends provisions and carts for Jacob and the family, which is the physical evidence of the brothers’ report that Joseph was alive … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. 45:1-28

Joseph finishes working out his test for the brothers.  This test will bring Judah to confess the guilt of the brothers, how justice as a function of God’s creation found them out, and most of all, Judah’s intercession and offer of himself as substitute--all indicative and foreshadowing of the Son of God who will become … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. 44:1-34

Joseph’s brothers return with Benjamin. Note well how Judah is the speaker; his history is in exact contrast with that of the Savior that will come from his descendants.  Note also how Judah does indicate the nature of the Savior when he offers to sacrifice himself if necessary to return Benjamin to Jacob. https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=25048593

Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt and Joseph begins to test them. The brothers cannot possibly figure out what’s going on, but God by way of Joseph knows exactly what the purpose and result of this trial is--reconciliation! https://oembed.libsyn.com/embed?item_id=25045236

Pharaoh’s butler and baker are in prison and they both have dreams.  Joseph interprets their dreams; the butler is restored but the baker is hanged. Joseph makes clear that interpretation belongs to God, as 2 Peter 1 says, “No prophecy is of any private interpretation” and Luther taught, “The Bible interprets itself.” My experience has … Continue reading Podcast: Gen. 40:1-23