Submitted by: Minister L. Deadwyler
Related Scriptures: Genesis 44:18-47:27 & Ezekiel 37:15-28
When we surrender to YHVH and his plan our identity changes (2 Corinthians 5:17 & 20)
Identity is defined as the set of characteristics by which a person or thing is recognizable or known.
Joseph had to reintroduce himself to his brothers because they did not recognize him and that’s because the Lord had changed him from the person that he once was. So Joseph was not only revealing his identity to his brothers but he was introducing them to the Lord at that moment. This should be our focus; it should always be at the forefront of our minds of how the Lord wants to introduce himself to the person standing before us no matter if it is a stranger or someone who thinks that they have familiarity with us. The reputation of our Lord is the only thing that matters!
We must constantly examine ourselves and determine whose characteristics we are displaying. That in which we once were, we are no longer (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 3:7-8; 4:22-24 strip off old nature),
This is based on fact not feeling (Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me), so the only character that should be seen in believers of Yeshua is his.
When the unity of heaven is reflected amongst YHVH’s people, unbelievers will be able to see Him (John 17:23)
Verse 13b states that Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. Now the word ‘known’ here is Strong’s G5318 (phaneros- ‘faneros’) which means apparent; manifest; evident. So at the time when YHVH was reconciling Joseph to his brothers he was also making his presence known to Pharaoh
When the people of G-d come into agreement with his truth and his plan, it will be hard for unbelievers to deny him. His presence will be clear.
When YHVH ‘sends’ we are not to delay (Genesis 45:9)
The word ‘sent’ in verse 14 is Strong’s G649 (apostello) which means “to send away” which is translated “to set at liberty”. The same word is used in Luke 4:18- “The Spirit of Adonai is upon me because he has anointed me to announce Good News to the poor; he has ‘sent’ me to proclaim freedom for the imprisoned and renewed sight for the blind”.
When Joseph ‘sent’ for his father and family he was freeing them- of famine, and from the pain and grief of losing his son. The very message of Joseph being alive did just that. As does the message that ‘YESHUA IS ALIVE’; it sets us free! So no longer will there be a lack of or spiritual death for those who put their hope and trust in Yeshua, because the Word has gone forth
Whether we are the one receiving the rescue (as Jacob and his family) or we are the one whom the Lord is using to deliver it we cannot afford to delay or procrastinate or rely on our own timing. Adonai has a timing for everything and it is perfect!
“Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose”. For Stephen and Ya’akov G-d’s providence was shown, Stephen spirit was received by Yeshua and Ya’akov was able to see his son Joseph again. True contentment is being happy and satisfied with the L-rd and what He provides and with that his providence guides us to the end goal being with Him in the Kingdom.