The sons of Leah:

(1) Reuben,
(2) Simeon,
(3) Levi,
(4) Judah,
(5) Issachar,
(6) Zebulun:

The sons of Rachel:
(7) Joseph, and
(8) Benjamin:

The sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid:
(9) Dan, and
(10) Naphtali:

The sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid:
(11) Gad, and
(12) Asher:
(Genesis 35:23-27)

The names shown in Exodus 1:2-5 are as follows:
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for
Joseph was in Egypt already.

The names shown in Numbers 1:20-43 are as follows:
Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, Naphtali

Here, Levi's name is not shown, and also, Joseph's name is not seen, but his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh are shown as two different tribes.

According to 1 Chronicles 2:1-2 These are the sons of Israel;
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.  (Here, Ephraim's name is not shown).

The names shown in Revelation 7:5-8 are as follows: Of the tribe of
Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of
Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand

Revelation Chapter 7 Vs8 to 10 list the exact 144,000 witnesses from the Twelve Tribes of Israel sealed. Here Joseph is listed as a tribe along with Manasseh, and with exclusion of Ephraim. It is interesting to note that Reuben is listed but not Dan, probably because Dan is considered as serpent as recorded in Genesis 49:17 "Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward". Every place in the Bible, where the twelve tribes are shown, the names of Judah, Gad, Simeon, Naphtali, Issachar, Zubulun and Benjamin are shown. There are some other reasons why the names are rearranged by God, who is final authority to do so to suit to different occasions. The listed 144,000, whose names are sealed for the Kingdom of God, are in Revelation Chapter Vs. 8-10.

After having been released from the slavery under Laban, Jacob with his wives, Leah, and Rachel, and their children were journeying from bethel, when Rachel had great labor pain when she conceived for the second time and gave birth to her second son, Benjamin. She had her last breath after giving birth to Benjamin. (Gen. 35:16-20).  Jacob loved Rachel, more than he did love Leah, and, therefore, he loved Jacob and Benjamin more than he did love his other children through Leah.

From turbulent days when he was sold in to Egypt for interpreting Jacob's dreams that not only Jacob disliked but all other brothers also disliked, to the times when he became a great ruler in Egypt, his life journey was very interesting one. He faced what appeared as insurmountable problems of being sold in to Egypt, put in Jail, on false charges of molestation, which he never attempted, to the times when he had to take up an important assignment of managing the situation during famine, his life events bring in us new thoughts as to how God will be with his children. He had a humble beginning and suffered troubles and trials; nevertheless, God was with him always. He surrendered himself to the will of God, and, therefore, had a successful life in the end. God led him from a humble life to an important place.

Later in his life, Joseph was restored to his honor after being released from prison, and was made a ruler in Egypt. The honor was so great in the land of Egypt was so great that Pharaoh took his ring off his hand and put on Joseph's hand and said, "...And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." Genesis 41:44.

CHAPTER - 2
JOSEPH'S DREAMS AND HIS INTERPRETATIONS

Joseph's Dreams:

Joseph's first dream was recorded in Genesis 37:5-8. Joseph's brothers hated him because Jacob loved him more than any of Jacob's children. Another child, whom Jacob loved as much he loved Joseph, was Benjamin. Joseph and Benjamin were born to him through his most loved wife, Rachel, whereas all other children were born to him through Leah or through his handmaids.

The success in Joseph's life journey to reach the final destiny of a very high position on this earth as the second in Egypt next only to Pharaoh, started not with his own efforts but by God's blessings on him. It all started with his dreams and the interpretations thereof. Dreams in ancient days were taken very seriously and the dreams Joseph dreamed were easily discernable that provoked every one in his family, especially his brothers to hate him. The first dream he saw was recorded in Genesis 37:7 “For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.” Here, Joseph saw in his dream that when he and his brothers were in the field, his sheaf arose and stood upright while the sheaves of his brothers made obeisance to his sheaf. A quantity of stalks bound together is called, 'sheaf'. This dream came true as we read in Genesis 42:6; 43:26; 44:14, 19. This is one indication how every knee will bow to Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:10 reads, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" and in Colossians 1:18 "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence". Joseph's life and his sufferings remind us the sufferings of Lord Jesus Christ for the sake of every one. Jesus is Lord and every knee will bow to him. When Joseph’s brothers heard this dream from him they inferred the meaning of the dream and called him 'dreamer' and conspired to harm him. Their hatred toward him grew gradually.

In the meanwhile Joseph saw another dream, which is recorded in Genesis 37:9 “And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.” Sun and Moon refer to his parents and eleven stars refer to his eleven brothers. When Joseph talked to his father, Jacob, about this dream he rebuked Joseph and wondered, “Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?” These dreams came true as we read in Genesis 43:28; 44:14; 45:9; 46:29; 47:12; 50:15-21; and Acts 7:9-14. In Acts 7th Chapter we read Stephen, who had great faith and did miracles, explaining the plight of Joseph and his subsequent elevation as the great ruler. One of the brothers of Judah suggested that Joseph should not be put to death as his other brothers planned, but he be sold to Egyptians and make money out of the deal. All other brothers of Joseph agreed to Judah's plan and sold Joseph to Egyptians. They cast him in to a pit so that he may die but later pulled him out of the pit and sold him to Ishmaelites. It was a long journey of troubles and trials for Joseph from his place in pit to Potiphar's home, and then to prison on false charges, and then from prison to the very high position in Egypt.

Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh in Egypt bought Joseph, and he found grace in the sight of the officer Nevertheless, Joseph had to undergo an ordeal there from escaping from sinning against Potiphar’s wife, who tried to molest him, who is of good looking and fairly built man, but when she did not succeed in her plans, she charged him that he tried to molest her, and, that was the reason, why Joseph was put in prison. Potiphar's wife sees Joseph as a man well built and lusts after him. Joseph, being the righteous man, and honest and sincere to his master refuses to yield to the pressure of Potiphar's wife, and tells her that her husband trusted him and made in charge of the house, and asks her would it not be wickedness if he committed the breach of trust reposed in him. Joseph escapes from the lustful advances made by Potiphar. But when enters Potihar's home for his normal business, when Potiphar is gone away, Potiphar's wife seduces and catches him by his clothes and asks him to lie with her. A Christian may fall in to sin by yielding to lustful thoughts generating in him or converting in his/her mind the ordinary thoughts generated in to lustful thoughts. A sin is violation of what God has forbidden us to do, and not by just looking at it, or passing by it. It is not by just looking at the beauty that one becomes sinner, but he becomes sinner when he converts his thoughts in to lustful thoughts. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" God does not leave a Christian without help when he is trouble, but he provides a way to escape from sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it". There is no scope for a Christian to say that he was helpless and, therefore, committed sin, because the Word of God is clearly says that God provides a way to escape from sin. Yielding to sin will not only make a person sinner, but also will consume him with the consequence of sin. Every sin brings with it not only physical suffering but also mental agony. Every time a person is tempted to commit sin, he also finds a way to escape from it. It is for the Christian to seek and find what that way is. Some times, the escapement may not bring immediate good results, but will bring good results in the long run. Here, Joseph does not yield to sin even though he could have pleased Potiphar's wife, in order to retain his job, by committing sin with her and escaped from her wrath temporarily, but that sin would not have gone concealed for a long time. When that sin comes to light he would have faced more serious punishment than that he faced when he was alleged to have molested her. Joseph escapes the trouble but gets in to another trouble, when she cries out loudly, saying Joseph tried to molest her, and calls for men around to catch him. He is caught and put in prison on the orders of his master.

In Genesis Chapter 39 we read that Potiphar trusted Joseph and made in charge of his house. Joseph was made overseer of his house and all that he had, and because of Joseph, God blessed Potiphar and his house. Many times in our lives also it so happens that even though we do not deserve something good, or some blessing, God shows mercy on us for helping some body in our lives. In Ecclesiastes 11:1 we read, "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days". What does it actually that verse mean? Yes! If we show mercy on some poor man, who is in need of some mercy, or food, God recompenses, us with his riches. In Matthew 25:34-40 we read, the King, (Lord Jesus Christ) sitting upon his thrown, showing mercy toward righteous. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me". Salvation is not by works, but by faith alone and through the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, yet there comes a time when Lord Jesus Christ sitting upon his thrown judges righteous and wicked for their good works and bad works also. Here is that time, when some are made righteous by the King through his grace, and solely through his power as King.

But God was with Joseph. In Genesis 40:1 we read, “And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.” Look the providence of God how bring things to come to the benefit of his children. Pharaoh was offended and he put the chief of the butlers and the chief of the bakers in prison, where Joseph was also there. Next we see how Joseph is found grace in the sight of God.

Joseph’s interpretations:

When things seem to be going wrong God paves another way for escapement from troubles and trials. God is almighty and his ways are not known to us. All those who are purposed according to his will find that everything works for good When we work for the Lord; we find that our needs are met by God himself, through his own plans. At the time when Joseph was put in to prison on false charges, God was working for his release from prison in a different but sure way. Here is how we see God working in the life of Joseph and his family members, for their security and for their material needs when there would be great famine in the land for seven years. None of the family members of Joseph, nor did Joseph know how God was working for the security of his loved ones. Joseph would have felt great deal of disappointment and dejection in his life when he was put in the pit by his own brothers, and later sold him to Ishmaelites, who sold him to Potiphar. Now from Potiphar's place he was cast in to prison on false charges. In Noah's life we see how God worked for the security of his family during the deluge. In Abraham's life we see how God worked and gave him a son when he was nearly one hundred years of age. Yes! there is hope in believing in eternal and omnipotent God, through his Son Jesus Christ, who laid his life for our sake.

In Genesis Chapter 40 we read that "...that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt". Vs. 1 Here we see how God is working for Joseph, through people, who occupied very low positions in their lives. The king of Egypt got furious with two of his officers, over the offences caused by the butler and his baker. Consequently, these two men were put in to the prison, where Joseph was bound. The providence of God works in a manner that we can not perceive his final actions and the favorable results for us. This was the starting point from where Joseph's way for release from the prison works out. In a surrounding where Joseph would have felt a great deal of desperation for being thrown in to prison on false charges, how comforting would it have been when two of very close workers of Pharaoh were sent to prison and were put in the same place where Joseph was bound. The two workers, one butler, and another a baker, who were charged on offending Pharaoh were there with Joseph. Interestingly, we see how God delivered Apostles from prison. In Acts Chapter 5 we read how they were released from the prison, in spite of high security and surveillance was imposed on them. But the angel of the Lord opened the prison for him, and le them go. [Acts 5:19-20 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.] Who can stop God doing miracles in the lives of his children? When God does work in our lives he works it to be for his glory.

As the days passed by the chief of the butlers and the chief of the bakers dreamed one dream each. The chief butler narrates his dream in Genesis 40:9-14 The dream of the chief of the butler was that he saw a vine before him, and in the vine there were three branches. It appeared that the vine budded and her blossoms shot forth, and the clusters of it brought forth ripe grapes. When all this was happening Pharaoh's cup was in his hand, and he took grapes and pressed them in to Pharaoh's cut and gave the cup in to the hands of Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted the dream, and it was favorable to the chief butlers. Joseph said, the three branches that were in the vine, represented three days, and within those three days Pharaoh will honor him and restore him to his position that held before being cast in to prison. How interesting and hopeful this interpretation was for the butler, who would have been grateful to him and very happy to hear the interpretation. Taking this opportunity, Joseph, made an ardent request to him to remember him when he is in the court of Pharaoh, and make mention about Joseph, so that Pharaoh may have compassion on him and release him.

The Chief of the bakers, who was in prison, along with Joseph, also dreamed a dream that was explained by him, to Joseph. His dream was recorded in Genesis 40:16-19. The dream was like this: The chief of the bakers had three white baskets on his head and the uppermost basket there were different kinds of bake meats for Pharaoh. Before he could serve the dishes to Pharaoh, the birds ate them all from the uppermost basket that had on his head. It was indeed, a bad dream, yet Joseph, for the sake of gaining favor, would have perhaps, gave him some good interpretation, but he did not do so. Joseph, being righteous man, saw the bad element that was present in the dream and rightly gave the true interpretation, irrespective of what his interpretation would bring for him. Joseph, said, in three days, Pharaoh, will deliver the chief of the baker from the prison, not for good thing, but for a very bad thing. Joseph said, in three days, Pharaoh will hang him on a tree and cut off his head, and birds will eat his flesh of his body.

The interpretations of the dreams of the chief of the butler and of the chief of the bakers came true. It was on the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday that Pharaoh, made a feast that the chief of the butler was restored to his position, and he handed over the cup to Pharaoh, as interpreted by Joseph. Likewise, it was on the same day, that the Chief of the baker was hanged as Joseph interpreted the dream. Even though the dream of the chief of the butler came true and he was restored to his former position, he did not remember Joseph, nor did he make a mention about him to the Pharaoh. The chief butler forgot Joseph but God was with Joseph. What a great truth is in Psalms 118:8! The psalmist wrote, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man". Unless the Lord works in our lives, no body can help us. It is the Lord, who works in our lives and in the hearts of those, whom we approach. In every success we achieve, we should acknowledge the fact that it was because of the Lord working for us and on behalf of us

God did not leave Joseph helpless but he had to wait patiently for two years still in the prison for God's purpose to be fulfilled. It was after two years that Pharaoh of Egypt dreamt two dreams and was desperately in need of interpretations of the dreams. It was at this time that the chief butler remembered Joseph’s interpretation of his dream while he was in prison. The butler commended the capability of Joseph to Pharaoh, who called him and had the interpretation of his dreams. Pharaoh’s dreams and Joseph’s interpretations were recorded in Genesis 41:17-33 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, In my dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river: And, behold, there came up out of the river seven kine, fat fleshed and well favored; and they fed in a meadow: And, behold, seven other kine came up after them, poor and very ill favored and lean fleshed, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for badness: And the lean and the ill favored kine did eat up the first seven fat kine: And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them; but they were still ill favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke. And I saw in my dream, and, behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good: And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them: And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears: and I told this unto the magicians; but there was none that could declare it to me. And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill favored kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the east wind shall be seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken unto Pharaoh: What God is about to do he sheweth unto Pharaoh. Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Even though God’s children face problems temporarily He looks after his children and as we read in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

In Acts 5th Chapter we read the way Apostles were released from the prison by the power of God, when the Angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them forth to go into the temple and speak all the words of this life.  The high priest was filled with indignation and called for the council to inquire in to the release of the Apostles despite highest security and surveillance enforced on them.  The prison officers testified that they knew nothing about the way the Apostles were released from the prison and said; when they opened the doors they did not find them in there. One of them came running and said that he saw the Apostles teaching the people in the temple. Who can work against God's work?  No one can stop the work of God irrespective of what restraints were enforced.  The release of the Apostles from the prison by God's own power, shown through an angel is evident in the thwarting away the human efforts to stop the proclamation of Gospel, to which end, God had shown the high priest and his companions a miracle and helped them to gain ground of their courage in spreading their doctrines.  Joseph's imprisonment also did not last for ever, but ended in honor to him and in turn led to God's glory.

CHAPTER - 3
JOSEPH ELEVATED BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Genesis 41:41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

In the forgoing chapters we have seen how Joseph, who was most loved one of his father, Jacob, was hated by his brothers, and sold in to Egypt, where he was elevated in to a very high position and died at the age of one hundred and ten years old, full of age. Yet, when another king arose in Egypt, he knew not who Joseph was! His past days were filled with sorrow, when his brothers threw him into a waterless pit, and later sold him to Midianites, who pulled out Joseph from the pit and sold him to Ishmaelites. Joseph’s brothers dipped Joseph’s coat of colors in the blood of a goat and showed to Jacob to give an impression that Joseph was killed by wild animal. Genesis 39:1 “And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, which had brought him down thither”. Joseph became an important figure in Potiphar’s house. Joseph was well built and handsome so Potiphar’s wife lured him but Joseph flew from that wicket act. Potiphar’s wife acted as if Joseph tried to seduce her, and so Potiphar put him in prison. There were to cup bearers of Potiphar also in prison. Joseph had dreams which he interpreted saying that they will be restored to their old positions. He requested one of the cup bearers to remember him before Potiphar, when he is restored, but the cup bearer forgot him.

We go on, now, to Genesis Chapter.41
It was after two full years that Pharaoh’s chief cup bearer remembered Joseph when Pharaoh had two dreams and desired someone interpret his dreams. Pharaoh was very much disturbed after seeing these two dreams one after another. In one of the dreams he saw seven sleek and fat cows grazed on the banks of Nile and there came out of the Nile seven other cows ugly and gaunt and ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. In the next dream he saw seven heads of grain healthy and good were growing good and then sprouted other seven thin heads of grain, which swallowed up seven healthy heads of grain. Not a single magician or wise man in the land could interpret the dreams Pharaoh had. This was the time when the chief cup bearer remembered Joseph, who was with him in the prison, and interpreted for him his dream that came true and was restored to his position as chief cup bearer. The chief cup bearer told Pharaoh about Joseph’s interpretations of his dream that came true. Pharaoh was delighted to know about Joseph and he immediately called for him. Joseph was brought from the dungeon and when he had shaved and changed clothes he was presented before Pharaoh. Pharaoh explained to Joseph the dreams he had and asked him to interpret. Joseph gave the preeminence to God and said that it was not through his own capability that he interpreted the dreams but by God's help.  He also acknowledged that he can not do any thing himself without God's help. He said it was God who will interpret the dreams for him.

After hearing from Pharaoh his dreams, Joseph with the help of God, interpreted the dreams to Pharaoh, and told him that the two dreams are one and the same. God revealed that there will be seven years of abundance in Egypt and then will follow seven years of famine. Pharaoh was very much pleased with Joseph’s interpretations of the dreams and, therefore, made him in charge of the land of Egypt. Joseph managed everything well with the help of God. He filled the garners with food during the seven years of abundance to meet with the needs of people during the seven years of famine.

When we offer ourselves in to the hands of God, give preeminence to God, and allow Him to lead us He will elevate us. Though at present it may appear that we are in bad position, yet it should be noted that it is God who puts down one and it is He who elevates a person. "Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods" Psalm 40:4 At this point we may ponder on two verses. Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Jesus Christ, preaching about, the hypocrisy of Pharisees and Scribes, who were full of pride of their education, law, worldliness, etc. warns severely, that whoever exalts himself shall be brought low, but whosoever humble himself shall be exalted. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Let us not evince pride, haughty attitude, but be willing to take low profile, so that God may elevate in his own time. There is certainly hope that our living God will not leave us in a low profile for a long time, but elevate us in due season, and according to his plan. Joseph was not left behind in prison, but he was not only released from prison, but he was made ruler in Egypt.

As we read through the life history of Joseph, we see that he was elevated while his offenders were thrown in to insecurity and fear for future. God's child, will not be left to be without hope, but will be elevated, while his offenders will be thrown in to insecurity and fear for their future. God assures his children that when they seek the Kingdom of God; all their needs will be fulfilled. (Matt. 6:33)

We see how insecure Joseph's brothers and Jacob were feeling because of their worry about future, even though they are the children of God. Seeing the circumstances around them, they were worried. Joseph's brothers felt insecure, because of their guilt feeling that God is punishing them for selling their own brother. Jacob, in his old age was worried about his children and his own future. God's children have a great hope in Matthew 6:34, where Jesus expressly, says, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof". In fact, as we read through the story we find that everything works for good for those who are called according to his purpose. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 It was God’s plan that there should be abundance for seven years and famine for the next seven years that should follow immediately the seven years of abundance. It was, in His plan that someone, whom he loved and thought would best fit for the disposition of food for seven years of famine, should be one from Jacob’s family and that was Joseph. It was in His plan that the blessed one, Jacob, whom He called, Israel, should survive the severe famine. It was His plan that during that period of seven years of famine, some one from the family of Jacob should be in Egypt to provide food for Jacob’s family.

Even when all this was happening at the behest of God, the children of Israel were worried about their survival, future, and, therefore, indicted themselves of having sold their brother, Joseph, many years ago. They did not know that their food was already stored for them by God many years before they knew about it. They were worried as to what their destiny would be. It was God, who was taking care of Israelites and their future, when Joseph was put in the waterless pit and when he was pulled out by Midianites and sold to Ishmaelites, who in turn, sold him to the Egyptians. Joseph proved himself worthy of calling by escaping from the seduction of Potiphar’s wife. Joseph remained true and honest to Potiphar. Things did not seem to be going in favor of Joseph, when he was trying to escape from the trouble. He actually got in to the trouble when Potiphar's wife accused him of molesting her. Pharaoh gave credence to his wife and sent Joseph in to prison. There, in the prison Joseph came in contact with two other prisoners, who were in very close circles of Pharaoh. Because Joseph’s interpretations of their dreams came true, one was hanged to death, and another was restored to the position as Chief Butler. While Pharaoh was searching for an interpreter of his dreams, the Chief Butler, who forgot Joseph, for two full years, remembered him and commended him to Pharaoh. Earlier in the prison, Joseph had made a request to the chief of butler, who was imprisoned along with him, but he did not remember him when he regained his position. When Joseph interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh, he was given the position as governor of the land of Egypt. It was God, who planned the redemption of Jacob (Israel) from the famine that was going to come, and it was also the God, who planned redemption of Joseph from the troubles even from the prison, and placement as the governor of the land of Egypt. In the later part of Joseph’s story we read how Joseph acknowledges God’s providence for Israel.

--
As we read through the life of Joseph, we see how Benjamin is brought to Egypt and presented before Joseph. Joseph weeps because of his love toward his brethren. Later he forces them to bring their father, Jacob, from Canaan to Egypt and the brothers bring Jacob also to Egypt and they all settle there. In the brothers of Joseph coming to Egypt and falling obeisance to Joseph, and in Jacob coming to Egypt and falling obeisance to Joseph, the dreams of Joseph were fulfilled. In chief baker being released from the prison and being executed the chief baker’s dream as interpreted by Joseph is fulfilled. In chief butler being released from the prison and in his restoration as the trusted servant of Pharaoh his dream as interpreted by Joseph was fulfilled. This is how Jacob, whom God blessed by calling him as Israel, settles down in Egypt and there starts the beginning of Israelites becoming slaves to Egyptians. Later as the years pass by there comes on the scene Moses, sent by God to deliver Israelites from the bondage of slavery under Pharaoh of Egypt. The chosen generation, Israelites, are redeemed by God through his servant Moses and brought back to the blessed land Canaan.

CHAPTER - 4
SIGNIFICANT HAPPENINGS IN JOSEPH'S LIFE

Genesis 41-39, 40 “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, Since God has made all this known to you, there is no-one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you. Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said it was because God had made him forget all his trouble and all his father's household. Genesis 41:51, 52 “The second son he named Ephraim and said, It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

In the four verses above we read three things. 1. We read how Pharaoh an idolater acknowledging Joseph’s God as the true one. 2. We read how God raised Joseph from a very humble place to a very high position. 3. We also read how Joseph named his children, one to signify his intention to forget his bad life, and the other to signify his intention to remember the blessings that were showered on him after his sufferings. Pharaoh acknowledged the God has made known to Joseph the interpretations of the dreams he had and, therefore, he made Joseph in charge of his place, and ordered that everyone should submit to his orders restricting him at only place that in throne Pharaoh will be greater than Joseph. Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put on Joseph’s finger and changed his robes. He also gave Joseph the privilege of riding in chariot as his second-in-command. Joseph was placed so great in power that no one in the land was able to do anything if it was not pleasing to him. Joseph was thirty years old when he became the ruler of the land of Egypt. Pharaoh gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, Priest of On, to be his wife. During the seven years of abundance Joseph collected a great deal of food and stored them to meet with the needs of the people in the famine days. After the seven years of plenty were over, the famine started and lasted for seven years. Before the seven years of famine started Joseph had two sons through Asenath. He named the first born as Manasseh, to signify that he forgot all the troubled he faced before he became the ruler. He named the second born as Ephraim, to signify that he remembers the love of God, in making him fruitful and blessed. Sufferings will not last for ever. It is through sufferings that we learn. Let us praise God in all the circumstances, forget our past fruitless life, or cursed life, and thank God for the blessings he showered on us.

The Psalmist writes in Psalms 75:6 "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south".

Men may think that it is by their own wisdom and efficiency that they have gained promotion or elevation in position and seldom they realize that it the providence of God and his will alone that works in every one's life.  Pharaoh said to Joseph, that his people will submit to Joseph's orders and in addition there he issued great order as we read in Genesis 41:44 "And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt".  Such powers are not vested in any body unless they come from God alone in heaven above.  Pharaoh recognized that the Spirit of God was in Joseph. Nothing in this world happens by chance, no matter what the authority of Satan is, nor how does he works in anybody's life.  It is God without whose powers Satan can not touch a child of God. This is evident from Job's life Satan asked permission from God to touch him, and even though he got permission to touch his body, he did not get permission to touch his soul.  Satan can not do any thing to any child of God unless God himself permits him to touch the child of God, for the purpose of chastisement or teaching the child of God a lesson, or to strengthen him in faith.  Yet, God never tempts any body.  The Word of God clearly says that God will not tempt a child of God; rather he provides a way for escapement from the temptation.  1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. True, the promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the east, but it is God, who elevates one or demotes another.   On the contrary, the promotion of fools is their shame.  The wise will inherit glory. Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.  David ascribes in Psalm 75 the rise of nations and their fall to the Almighty God.  Though 'north' is not mentioned in this verse, it is generally believed that 'north' refers to 'secret' and the power and promotion comes secretly from the 'north'.  When nations win in wars they claim the glory to their own efficiency, power, and intelligence, but in fact, it is God, who always works in everything.  Nothing that happens in the world happens without his knowledge and permission.

Genesis 41:50-52 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Joseph’s piety deserved every approbation for having showing his care toward his domestic affairs in spite of his pressing needs in his official duties.  He loved his wife Asenath, and his two children born to him before the famine began in the land of Egypt.  His naming of his children also had great significance in his life.  He did not name them casually, but named them with all care and bestowing great meaning to their names. He named his first born son as 'Manasseh', which means that God helped him to forget all the toil he suffered in his life, and all his father's house. His father's house was the true blessed ones of God, and he belonged to them, yet the toil he suffered all along to reach a noteworthy position in the land of Egypt made him forget all his house, and sufferings he encountered on his way to eminence.  In due course of time, when his father and his brothers came to him he remembered everything and forgave his brothers.  He named his second son, as ‘Ephraim’, which means fruitful Joseph is blessed in the land of Egypt.  He overcame several problems in his life and reached this height of eminence, and, therefore, forgot all the toil he faced en route his successful life. The fruitful life he received now made him to name his second sons, 'Ephraim'. God can make a person feel happy even in the midst severest trials and tribulations.  The blessed life he received in Egypt was greater than the affliction he had to undergo in his own land of Canaan.  Yet, we see in the end, Joseph preferred burial of his bones in his father's blessed land, Canaan. It is not unusual in our lives also that we face afflictions, troubles, and trials, and when encountering such an ones becomes inevitable we need to depend upon God and cast all our problems on him so that he takes care of us.  Hebrews 10:35 "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward".  The word of God exhorts us to face the problems boldly and bear them with courage.  Our confidence should be in our living God, who sustains us in troubles.  When we take up the burden upon ourselves it will be hard for us to bear, but when we depend upon God to resolve the problems and face them boldly with courage trusting that Jesus is powerful and mighty one to get us out from the troubles we are rewarded with success.  1 Peter 5:7 reads "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you".

CHAPTER - 5
GOD UNITES BROTHERS

From Genesis Chapter 22

God’s ways are unique and can not be understood by man. His thoughts are high and more than what man can fathom. In Isaiah 55:8-9 we read, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”. His providence for the children of Jacob, blessed one of God, was not immediately understood by any body not even by the sons of Jacob when they harassed their own brother Joseph and sold them to Ishmaelites. When Pharaoh’s dreams came true and it was time for Joseph to execute the plans of distributing the food for the people of not only Egypt but also for the people of neighboring nations. Joseph gathered all the food during the seven years of abundance and stored them in the fifth of the land of Egypt. Seven years of abundance in Egypt were over and there commenced then seven years of famine. The famine was very severe. People exhausted their food and cried to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh directed them to Joseph, who was the governor of the land of Egypt. Joseph wisely distributed the food for all the people as they needed. It was then that Joseph’s father Jacob, who was in Canaan, came to know that there is plenty of food in the land of Egypt. Jacob called his ten sons and asked them to go the land of Egypt to fetch food for them. Jacob loved very much his two children Joseph and Benjamin from Rachel. He believed the words of his ten other children that Joseph was dead, so he thought of keeping back Benjamin with him while they all leave to Egypt to fetch food for them.

As they approached Joseph he realized that they were his brothers, but they did not recognize Joseph. When they came to him and bowed down to Joseph and asked from him food, Joseph remembered his dreams, which then came true. He spoke to them deliberately spoke to them harsh, so that they may not recognize him. Joseph accused them of saying they came to the land of Egypt for spying and they were spies. They denied and spoke the truth that they were the sons of one father and they also have one brother at home, and one is dead. Joseph repeated the accusation but they denied again. Joseph put them in prison for three days and later he asked one of them to be bound as prisoner and rest of them carry food for their father and bring their brother and present before him. In the meanwhile he ordered filling of their sacks with food and asked them to take the food for themselves and their father.

It was once these brothers were united in the land of Egypt, when all the brothers had to leave their home land, Canaan, in search of food, and to bow down to Joseph. After generations past in this land of Egypt, they had to leave this same land to go back to Canaan, under the leadership of Moses. The present condition of these twelve tribes is of much concern. They are all scattered. It will be in God's time that they will all be united. The ten tribes of Jews are lost and scattered all over the world. The plan of salvation God had for us, as revealed to us John 3:16 was to send Jesus, his one and only Son, who came to this world to save sinners and his coming primarily was to seek the lost from the Jews. Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Salvation was for Jews first, and then for the gentiles. It was for the "lost sheep" of his own bloodline that he came to seek first, and then when they refused to accept him as, "messiah", the salvation was extended to the gentiles. It was like 'crumbs' fallen from the table of the rich man, where 'dog' and had his share. The Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ, who was incarnation of the Father in heaven himself, was sent in to this world, as a result of provisions the eternal living God made for all of us. The plan of salvation was envisaged by God for every one of us even before the foundation of the world. Jesus came in to this world, so that whoso ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The question arises on few verses which say that he was sent unto the lost sheep of Israel. Does it mean that others were excluded from this plan of salvation? In the following few paragraphs I am expounding few facts from the Holy Bible.

Predominantly the coming of Lord Jesus Christ was to seek the lost from Jews, who were his own people. Jesus himself was a Jew. The offer of salvation, was, therefore, was first to the Jews, and then to the gentile. It was indeed a prioritization. Firstly, we read that in Matthew 15:24 "But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel". But the offer of salvation did end there. Matthew 15:26-27 speaks of this fact, when a woman whose daughter was sick, and she prayed for help, Jesus said, "But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs". And she said, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table". Then, Jesus had compassion on her and helped her. Matthew 15:28 "Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour".

There are few more facts that we may need to ponder over to learn about this truth that Jesus not only came for JEWS, but also for Gentiles. John 21:25 reads, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." This verse indicates to us, that there were many things that Jesus did, and many miracles that he did were not recorded in the Bible. Many Christians get confused on the point as to who the 'Jews' are who the 'gentiles' are. If we read the following verse, we see that there was a war among Israelites themselves, the descendants of Jacob, who was blessed as Israel. Jacob's children were twelve in number and they were called twelve tribes. These twelve tribes were generally called, Jews, and all those who do not belong to these twelve tribes were called, Gentiles. But then, if we study more about the details, based on this verse, 1 Kings 12:21 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, we realize that the Kingdom of Israel, which consisted of 12 tribes of Israel was divided further into two: Northern kingdom that had 10 tribes and Southern kingdom that had 2 tribes. Rehoboam was the grandson of King David and son of King Solomon. He was responsible for the division of the whole kingdom of Israel in to two. Rehoboam's tough attitude restricted his people's freedom when he offered them a "take it or leave it" choice. All those who did not pay heed to his way of dealing the things were asked to leave Southern part of Israel, which he ruled. Many Israelites, who did not like his reign left southern part of Israel and moved to the Northern part of Israel. His tough attitude toward the people, led to many to leave him even forgoing their homes and property. The tribes that moved to Israel were ten in number. Rehoboam ruled over the two tribes of Israelites, who lived in the cities of Judah. This is the reason why whole Israel is in rebellion with the house of David until this day. The twelve sons of Jacob are the twelve tribes of Israel. The names of the sons of Jacob through his two wives and two handmaids are mentioned in Genesis 35:23-27

One of the tribes, the tribe of Levi formed into Priesthood, and they got dispersed in to all other eleven tribes. Some of the known ones from this Levi's tribe were, Moses, Aaron, and John the Baptist. Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, then became individual tribes, making the total number of tribes as twelve. An important tribe from among these twelve tribes was the tribe of Judah, whose descendants alone is only the true "JEWS". Included in this JEWS was also the tribe of Benjamin. Inasmuch as the tribe of Levi was loyal to the tribe of Judah, they were also called, JEWS. All others, who were not Jews, were called, Non-Jews. From the tribe of Judah, came the very important descendants, King David, and Jesus Christ. Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 721 BC and the ten tribes that were in the region were taken into exile to Assyria (2 Kings 17:1-23). These are known as, "Lost Ten Tribes", who never returned to the Northern Kingdom again. When Jesus took birth on this earth, these lost ten tribes were already scattered all over the world. The descendants of Judah, in the southern kingdom that had the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were only called, 'Jews'. The tribe of Levi was later, added to be called as 'JEWS', because they were loyal to the southern kingdom, especially, to king David. In the general sense all of them are Israelites.

The Ministry for Jesus:

Jesus is called the "Lamb of God" because he is the one, who takes away the sins of the world, and was the one to be crucified on the cross of Calvary. John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness pf Judea, saying, "...Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 3:2) John was not the light but he was the one, who was sent to bear witness of the light, the true light. The true light was Jesus, who came for his own, but his own people did not receive him, so he gave the power to become the sons of God to all those who received him. He was the WORD that became flesh, and dwelt among us. "The law was given by Moses, but the grace and truth came by Jesus Christ". (John 1:17)

John saw Jesus come to him the next day, and he testified about Jesus as follows: "...Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. After having been baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus started his ministry. The ministry of Jesus was greatly around the Sea of Galilee and in the Galilee. The sea of Galilee flows from the Northern part of the Israel to the South and exits there. Tyre and Sidon were the ancient cities in the North. Sidon was oldest city, but Tyre surpassed Sidon in prosperity. Tyrians and King David had friendly relation with each other. Jesus referred to this city of Tyre and spoke in Matthew 11:21-22 as follows: “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.” Even before Jesus said these words, Tyre was ruined (Isaiah 23:1, Jeremiah 25:18,22, Ezekiel 28:1-10, Amos 1:9-10, Zechariah 9:2-4). Decapolis was a group of city located around the sea of Galilee. Although the native place of Jesus was Nazareth, he left that places and went to Capernaum and Decapolis and ministered there. Capernaum came under the wrathful words of Jesus, who said, in Matthew 11:23-24 "And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. These cities were in the northern province of Israel, from where the ten tribes were gone in to captive under King Assyria, and very few returned to Northern part of Israel. Greater part of these ten tribes were scattered all over the world, and never returned to Israel. That would mean, Northern part had Non-Jews, who are also called, Gentiles, and Southern province had Jews, from the tribe of Judah, from the tribe of Benjamin, and from the tribe of Levi. Also was Samaria toward southern part of Israel

Jesus saved Samaritan woman, in the southern province of Israel, and many in the northern part of Israel. Although we can not say specifically, we can derive our thoughts greatly based on the fact that the ten tribes were lost from northern part of Israel; Gentiles were there in that region. That would also give us an understanding that Jesus saved Gentiles in that region. He healed, in the region of Decapolis, a demon-possessed man near Gadara (Mark 5:9-13), a deaf man (Mark 7:31-35), and people suffering from various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics (Mark 7:31-35). The healing was also done on the borders of Tyre, Sidon, and Decapolis in the northern region of Israel, where there were no Jews. One Woman's daughter was healed as we read in Mark 7:24-30) We read in Mark 7:26 “The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.” The Jews called all persons Greeks who were not of their nation. Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Jews are not Greeks, and Greeks are not Jews. Jesus granted this woman her desire as "crumbs" to "dogs". But that does not mean the gentiles were equivalent to 'dogs'. No doubt, Jesus came to save sinners, and to seek the lost, but he also had compassion on Gentiles. His ministry was prioritized to take care of Jews first and then Gentiles. True to his own words, Jesus was sent to seek the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  

Healing Peter's Mother-in-law

Matthew 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Mark 1:30-31 “But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them”.

Luke 4:38-39 “And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them”.

This miracle is a very short narration of the mercy shown by Lord Jesus Christ. It is mentioned in just two verses in the Bible, yet carries great truth and important lessons for us to learn. Six points can be seen within these two verses, which describe the healing of the mother of Simon's wife. Simon is the Simon Peter, a resident of Bethsaida and a disciple of Lord Jesus. Although he was a disciple of Lord Jesus, he was a married man, and his wife's mother lived in Capernaum. His disciples did not consider marriage as an hindrance to Lord's work. Hebrews 13:4 reads, "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge". The six points that need to be pondered on are:

·         There was a description of who the Simon Peter was, and what his family background was.

• Peter's marriage did not hinder his service to the Lord.
• Peter loved his wife and his wife's mother and had his wife's mother taken care of by the Lord, when she was ill.
• Christians do suffer from illness, and it needs our Savior's touch.
• Peter's mother-in-law was healed as soon as Lord Jesus touched her.
• Peter's mother-in-law arose and ministered unto them.

In addition, there is a question here for section of Christians to answer. They consider Apostle Peter as the head of their Church, and their top most leader as the successor of Apostle Peter, yet the parody is that the leader rejects married life for a priest! This is against the scriptures. If married life was prohibited to serve Lord Jesus Christ, he would have immediately rejected Peter to be his disciple, but he did not do so; rather he used Peter to be the rock on which the Church was to be built. Matthew 16:18 "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".

The illness Peter's mother-in-law was suffering from was 'great fever'. That is an indication to us that even Christians, suffer from illness. The healing of the woman, who was the mother of Apostle Peter's wife, was complete, when Lord Jesus Christ took her by the hand, stood over her and rebuked the fever. Jesus had the power to rebuke illness, and upon rebuke, the fever left. She arose and ministered unto them. The fever was completely healed. Christians should learn from this point that after getting healed of any sickness, they should minister unto the Lord and his servants.

Lord Jesus heals sick and casts out demons at evening on Sabbath:

Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

Mark 1:32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

Luke 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

In the foregoing three verses written by three Gospel writers at different times the common theme was that Lord Jesus Christ healed persons possessed with devils. The very first thing that was emphasized here was the fact that it was evening, when sun was setting. It was on the Sabbath day, when every one is supposed to take rest; nevertheless, we read Jesus, who said, he came to keep the law of the Old Testament, doing miracles on Sabbath day also. Leviticus 23:32 reads, "It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath". But then, we may note, here, that Jesus said, in Matthew 5:17 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill". Pharisees and Scribes were always watching for a situation, when Jesus would break the law. But they were defeated in their schemes, when Jesus asked them, as to who would leave one sheep that a person has, which has fallen in to pit leave it there and not lift it. Matthew 12:11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? Jesus was the Lord of the Sabbath, and it is not wrong to do good thing on Sabbath. Jesus said in Matthew 12:8 "For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day". Therefore, people did not bring to Jesus, sick and suffering; on the Sabbath until it was evening, inasmuch as he did miracles in the evening at Simon's home on Sabbath.

Many, who were possessed by the demons, were and those suffering from other diseases were brought to Lord Jesus Christ, for healing. When Jesus was on this earth, the Satan worked with great zeal. Satan tempted Jesus himself. The devils mentioned here should not be confused with the fallen angels mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6, where specific mention was made of those, who have fallen, and not having kept their first estate. Demons are fallen spirits, who are Satan's agents and who represent Satan himself. At several places in the New Testament mention about the demon spirits is made. Few References are as follows: Matt. 4:24; 8:16,28; 9:32; 12:22; Mark 1:32; 5:15-16,18; Luke 8:35; Acts 8:7; 16:16 Matt. 8:31-32; Mark 1:24; Ac 19:15; James 2:19. It would be interesting to note that if a person keeps sinning against the will of God, he may allow Satan to take control of the life of sinner. When sinner is taken control by Satan, the demons, who are his agents, may torment that person in several ways. We may see in the following references, how these demons trouble torment people, who go against God. These evil spirits, however, tremble before Lord Jesus Christ, who has absolute control over them and can cast them out of a person.

Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Matthew 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.
Luke 13:16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour

A person, possessed by demons, might experience troubles and torments in his/her life, just as Job experienced in his life, but then, Satan has no control over God's children, unless God Himself, allows such a thing to happen, just as in the case of Job. Job did not sin, but was tested and was proved to be holy and honest, upright, and worshipped God even in his troubles. He was blessed double in his later life, than he was before afflicted of troubles and trials.

Jesus healed the sick and those possessed by evil spirits. Here, Jesus was benevolent in his dealing with the situation and also evincing his divine powers over devil. Jesus had not only shown his divine power but he also depicted his act of kindness, as an example for all human beings, to show the same kind of love and affection toward all. In our case, when we repent of our sin, and accept Lord Jesus Christ as our personal savior, Holy Spirit dwells in us and the evil spirits leave us Through the power of Lord Jesus Christ, a person, possessed by demons, overcomes the power of demons, and they leave the person. Demons torment people with sickness and, troubles, but they have no power, unless God permits such thing to happen in his/her life.

 Stilling the Storm: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22

Matthew 8:23-27 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Mark 4:35-41 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Luke 8:22-25 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the sea. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the sea; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

In all the three references from three gospels a great miracle and the power of Lord Jesus Christ is shown, not only to his disciples, but also to others who were sailing in the small ship, in to which Jesus entered as they were about to go to the other side of the ship. It was after his ministry that when he was sailing he was tired and laid his head on a pillow and was sleeping. This shows even though he was divine, and was from above, his human nature here on the earth in his incarnation was shown. He was tired and was taking rest. At this time there arose a great tempest (Mark and Luke called it as great storm). The storm was so great that it could damage the ship and the inmates could perish in the waters that gradually entered in to the ship, which would soon drown in to the sea. The way Lord Jesus was sleeping and taking rest at the hinder part also shows how a person can have peaceful mind if one's conscience is clear and how much we can trust on God when we lay our burden on him. In the midst of the great tempest the disciples could not feel secure, and their fear led to seek refuge in some trustworthy one, who could rescue them from the peril they were about to encounter. They did not call for any other assistance, or help, other than rushing to Jesus, the Son of God, whom they trusted as their savior. Disciples came to him and cried aloud, "Lord, save us: we perish".

Here is a lesson for Christians to seek the help of the Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ, when they are in trouble. Except for the Son of God, Lord Jesus Christ, there is none that can help rescue from the divine wrath shown toward people through heavy tempests and great storms.

In the next verse (Matt 8:26) Jesus admonishes them saying, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Even when Jesus was on board the disciples sailing on the same boat were afraid they would perish. This is something many Christians face in day to day life. When Lord Jesus Christ is in us and with us, there is nothing to be afraid of. No demon can attack us, nor can any body trouble us. No tempest or storm can trouble us. There should no fear of disease, danger, or death in a true Christian, who believe that Jesus is all powerful and has control over every situation. The disciples did not realize that when Jesus was on board, the ship can not sink, but the storm was so great and fearful that they failed in their full trust on Jesus. That is the reason why they had to rush with fear to the Lord, crying aloud, 'save us, we perish'.

Lord Jesus arose and rebuked the storms and the sea calmed down. What a great proof that this Son of Man, called Jesus, who incarnated to save us, showed his divine power here, and there prevailed a great calm in the sea. Truly, he was The Son of God, very God Himself. Jesus said, in John 10:30 "I and my Father are one".

"I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mat 15:24).”
Yes! It comes under the purview of prioritization. The coming of Jesus and offer of salvation was first to JEWS and then to Gentiles.

Jesus said,
Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

An interesting issue comes in hand for pondering over the reunion of the twelve tribes of Israel, especially of the lost ten tribes, which are not usually called as, Jews, and those of the two tribes, one of Judah, whose descendants alone are the real, 'Jews' in every essence, and the tribe of Joseph, along with those loyalist tribe of Levi, who got assimilated in to the southern part of Israel, as priests.   Here is an important prophecy, which is often discussed and disputed. Is there any 'gap' between 69th and 70th week in Daniel's 70-Week Prophecy as described in Daniel Chapter 9:24-27 "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate".

Daniel’s seventy week prophecy is highly controversial subject. The dispute arises when one seeks to find, whether or not there is a gap between 69th and 70th week of Daniel’s Prophecy. Covenant Theology asserts that 70 weeks have already been fulfilled, while Dispensationalists believe that 69 weeks have already been fulfilled and 70th week is yet to commence. We are in the time period between 69th week and 70th week of Daniel’s 70 week prophecy in this church age under the mercy of God to have salvation. Scholars differed in interpreting the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 “Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah, the Prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Not a single word in this passage is clearly understood by my many. One section of the Scholars, depended on Macaabean period just around 160 B.C. believed that the desolation was caused by Antiochus, and the anointed one is Onias III, which eliminated Messiah altogether, while the second section interposed a gap between Daniel’s 69th week and 70th Week. This again takes away the reliability on the atoning sacrifice of Lord Jesus Christ, and the third section believed there is absolutely no gap between Daniel’s 69th week and 70th week.

The first opinion can be ruled out because it totally eliminated Messiah. The dispute is between the section of Scholars and the third section. None could say until now, which one is right. Second view is from dispensationalists, who claim that there is a gap in 69th and 70th week of Daniel's 70-week prophecy.  This is right but according to those, who believe in Covenant Theology, this view eliminates the six deeds described in Vs. 24-27 of Daniel Chapter 9.  The six deeds as claimed by those, who believe, in Covenant Theology are that these are the six things achieved by Jesus Christ. The six things are:  1. To finish transgression. 2. To make an end of sins. 3. To make reconciliation for iniquity. 4. To bring in everlasting righteousness. 5. To seal up vision and prophecy. 6. To anoint the most holy. (as in Dan. 9:24).

Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

Daniel 9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

They often quote the covenants that God made as follows:   The covenants God made in the Old Testament are:
(1) One with Noah (Gen. 6:18, 9:9); (2) two covenants with Abraham (Gen. 17:2, 10; 15: (3) the covenant of salt (Num. 18:19; Lev. 2:13); and (4) the covenant of the everlasting priesthood (Numbers 25:13). The New covenant described in Heb. 8:6-7, is "new covenant" in contrast to what is called "the first covenant," or "the old covenant,” According to this belief the new covenant replaces the covenants made with Old Testament saints.  The new covenant, therefore, according to them, is extensive and comprehensive, and eventually, this replaces entire religious system of the Jews, who had in their worship, the tabernacle, priesthood, the sacrifices, and the temple. This belief goes further in asking us to identify which covenant was annulled and replaced by the new.  Obviously, according to them, the Old covenants were replaced with “new covenant that was made upon the cross of Calvary when Lord Jesus Christ became the "propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world."

The three Old Testament covenants were (1) The Decalogue, which consists of set of rules which are binding in authority. (2) The covenant made with the "house of Israel and with the house of Judah" and, (3) one made with Moses (Exodus 34:2, 28) It is so true that God does not have two classes of people in his church.  The new covenant includes all the covenants of the Old Testament.  The supposition that there exists a distinction between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians in the Church/Assembly is utter impossibility.  Before the crucifixion of Jesus, his calling for repentance inasmuch as the 'kingdom of God' was at hand, for primarily for Jews first, and gentiles next, but after crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection, the disparity ended.  On the day of Pentecost, when the body of Christ was formed the Kingdom of God was established.

In the death of Jesus the law of sacrifice was fulfilled. The law of circumcision is no more there (Colossians 2:11). Lord’s Supper replaced the Passover.
Matthew 24:15-17 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

The existence of space between 69th and 70th prophetical weeks, which usually, is called, 'gap' and the belief that there exists a 'gap' between 69th and 70th week in Daniel's 70-week prophecy is not a fanciful idea; rather it could be considered real, inasmuch as the ones who do this, do try to describe the six things mentioned in Daniel 9:24, and straight go one to verses 25, 26 and then interpret ‘He’ in Verse 27 as 'Jesus'.

God desired that the work that he did on the cross for the purpose of saving the sinners needed to be fulfilled before the second coming of Jesus. This is described in Acts 3:19-21 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began".  Until and unless a number of souls that is known to God alone, have been redeemed the second advent of Lord Jesus Christ does not happen.  The sorrow that Jesus had in his heart on the happenings at Jerusalem because of their willful rejection of him is noteworthy.  If the Jews had recognized Jesus as their messiah, the expansion of Christianity would have been greater than what it is now, and God's purpose would have been achieved much before than now.  Jews rejected Jesus as their messiah and that resulted in the increase in agony for mankind.  Eventually that resulted in multiplication of generations and the increase of sorrow for women in their conception because of the curse that fell upon Eve, on her sinning in the garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:16).  The human race continually blows away the opportunity to get saved and thwarts away the good news of salvation that was made available free of cost by Jesus Christ, who died upon the cross of Calvary for the remission of our sins.  No wonder, Adam and Eve also fell from the grace of God when they ate the forbidden fruit.  Apostle Peter pleads to everyone to accept Jesus Christ as their savior.  John the Baptist was sent as messenger before Jesus came in to this world, and then later Jesus himself preached of the kingdom of God, that was at hand, but many rejected him.  The spiritual sacrifices are, ’in righteousness' (Phil. 2:17), the love of the Father in heaven, (Mark 12:33), baptism in to Christ (Romans 12:1), our contributions (Philippians 4:18), our praise (Hebrews 13:15), our songs (Colossians 3:16).  The Mosaic law is replaced by these spiritual sacrifices. In Malachi Chapter 3:1-2 we read how Jews, who were expecting messiah to come, rejected Jesus, because they could not tolerate the sublime spiritual teaching of Jesus.

Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Those who believe in Covenant Theology say that the destruction of Jerusalem was included in the seventy-week-prophecy and that Jesus cursed the city to utter destruction.  According to them, this prophecy was fulfilled after forty years of Christ speaking about the destruction of Jerusalem. In AD 70 Titus, the Roman General destroyed Jerusalem, which forms an important point for them to assert that 70 week prophecy is already fulfilled. Those who believe in Covenant theology and those who are dispensationalists agree to the fact that the total period of 70 weeks is equivalent to 490 years in accordance to the numbers provided in Leviticus 25:8, Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:46, where a week is expressed as seven years, thus it amounts to 70x7=490.  However, both the groups differ when it comes to the fulfillment of the prophecy. Although no one is inducing presumptions on these two thoughts, yet it is evident from the practical point of view that both these thoughts involve points of disagreement, and that God has not revealed this mystery to any body. It is not right to breathe in to God's Word, our words, and make presumptions. However, in the light of the events that are taking place in the world now, it is clear that these twelve tribes of Israel are not yet united. A woman may not know the exact time when her child takes birth in natural way, yet she knows that the hour is near, after nine months of her pregnancy. Similarly, when we look at the events happening around such earth quakes, rumors of wars, etc. we know that the second coming of Jesus is near. Before that, the twelve tribes of Israel will be united. The twelve tribes, the brothers, the children of blessed Jacob, Israel are not united, which means, in God's sight there still exits a time period between 69th and 70th week of Daniel's seventy week prophecy, which we still await to fulfill.

CHAPTER - 6
INSECURE FEELINGS AMONG
JOSEPH'S FAMILY MEMBERS

These thoughts are from Genesis 42nd Chapter.

It was during these dire famine days that Egypt had abundant food and Jacob saw that there was no food in his place and, therefore, he called his children and told that there is food in Egypt. Jacob's ten children went to Egypt to buy food.  Jacob did not send his last son, Benjamin, fearing that some misadventure might fall upon him. Jacob was filled with sorrow because his son, Joseph was not with him, and in addition famine caught him in severe pangs of mental agony. He loved Benjamin very much.  This is the commencement of all the twelve tribes of Israel slowly but surely getting in to the land of Egypt, where they become in their later days slaves under Pharaoh.  This is the beginning of the plight of the ten brothers of Joseph to go to him without realizing that the ruler in the land of Egypt for disbursing the food was their own brother.  Their trauma of feeling insecure starts here with their going to Egypt falling obeisance to Joseph and praying for food.  The dreams of Joseph are fulfilled in the land of Egypt when all his brothers and his parents fell unto ground in obeisance to the powerful Joseph.  Even though Joseph recognizes his brothers he does not reveal that he was Joseph, their own brother.  He conceals his identity and speaks to them rash and in strange language that had to be interpreted in their own tongue.

Joseph ordered putting back in the sacks of each brother all the money they paid for the food. When Joseph saw his brothers coming to him for food and bowing down to him he remembered his dreams and yet without taking any pride in the fulfillment of the dreams, he turned aside and wept. He loved his brothers and he had strong desire to see youngest one, Benjamin, besides having a desire to see his parents. Joseph’s brothers made all the convincing points to prove their innocence and pursued him to believe that they were not spies but true children of Jacob. Just as any God’s child would have the love toward his/her brothers, Joseph had love toward his brothers and because of his ardent desire to see his brother Benjamin he, as the governor of the province with full authority, ordered placing the money back of each of his brother in each one’s sack and asked them to go and bring Benjamin. In the meanwhile he held Simeon captive to make sure that his brothers go to their native land of Canaan and come back with Benjamin. However, why on their way to their home, Joseph’s brothers stopped and one brother opened his sack and found his money in the sack. He was afraid to see the money. Then they left for their home and each one opened his sack to see surprisingly everyone’s money in the sack. They thought Joseph would misunderstand them if he came to know about the money that they found each in his sack and they were all afraid as to what would happen to them if Joseph comes to know of the fact. Their father Jacob was also afraid. Because famine was growing too severe to bear Reuben the eldest brother requested Jacob to send Benjamin with them to Egypt in order to present him before Joseph to verify their statements as true and also fetch food for their future. Jacob was reluctant to send Benjamin with them, even when Reuben requested to hold his two sons as captive until they return from Egypt with food and Benjamin. Then Judah pursued Jacob to yield to their request, which finally Jacob conceded. It is not uncommon that we all have insecure feelings in our lives at almost every step in our lives, but the providence of God for us is so great that we hardly understand His plans before they are fulfilled.

There is no necessary for a child of God to feel insecure. These insecure feelings creep in to one's mind from the moment one starts falling in to the clutches of Satan and his evil activities. Joseph's brothers felt such insecurity in the presence of Joseph, because of their guilt feeling that they had caused affliction to come upon him. But for a God's child, there is always hope which makes him to be triumphant in all his actions when he bases them on the will of God. David inquired of the will of God when he had to face major challenges in life. One such challenge was to defeat Philistines, who were a great threat to Israelites, the children of God. In II Samuel 5th chapter we read God asking David to take a back step so that he can be the leader in the war front against Israelites. II Samuel 5:22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 23And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. 24And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 25And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer. In the few verses cited above, it is evident that God's presence will be with his children who depend upon him for victory. David faced victories in his life. This time, when Philistines came upon yet again to fight against David, God tells him that his presence will be with him, but David should withdraw from the front line of battle field and compass them from behind the mulberry trees, for God promises that He will be in the front line for battle for him. God tells David that He will walk before him and when David hears the sound of God walking before him on the top of mulberry trees, he should bestir himself and then smite the host of the philistines. David did as the Lord commanded him and smote the Philistines from Geba until Gazer. In verse 19 we read the dependence of David on God, when he inquired of the Lord, “And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines?” David not only obeyed God's commandment o the strategy that needs to be adopted in the battle against Philistines, but also acknowledges the leadership of God after he won the battle over Philistines.“...The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim...” He once tore apart a lion and had slain a bear with courage, but this time the strategy he had to adopt was a different one. Had he acted on his own reasoning and judgment of the past victory, he would have faced utter defeat. But in every instance David knew what God wanted of him and how His plan differed each time. Since David had his mind receptive to knowing God's will, he did not find it cumbersome to work in compliance with His will, each time. He continued doing His will. And every time he did it, he proved himself a victor. Therefore, God could testify of him even before his ordination as king of Israel. "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will" (Acts. 13:22).

The insecure feelings in the brothers of Joseph remind of a person, who felt so insecure of himself, that he was about to kill himself. It was the Jailor in charge of the prison, where Apostles, Paul and Silas, were bound and kept as prisons, but were not found when he opened the doors of the prison.

Acts 16: 27And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

The Jailor drew out his sword and would have killed himself, thinking that the prisoners had fled. Apostle Paul cried with loud voice asking Jailor not to harm self, but they were there in the prison. The Jailor believed the powerful works of God in freeing them from the prison, and, therefore, asks the Apostles what he needs to do to be saved. The Apostles gladly answered Jailor's question and asked him to believe in Lord Jesus Christ and that upon doing so, the resultant will not only that he will be saved, but his house as well. Here is a thought for the reader that if he believes in Lord Jesus Christ as Lord, and accept Jesus as his/her personal savior, not only he/she will be saved but his whole house will be saved. The inference in the later part of this verse should be construed as saying that the saved person will proclaim the good news about Jesus to the members of his house and they will believe in Jesus.

Who has known the thoughts of God?  His thoughts and plans for us can not be understood by us.  We need to wait to see what is in store for us and what works out best for us according to God's providence.  Like Psalmist says in Psalms 139:17 "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!"  We can surely say that everything he does for his children, who believe in him, will be for their good.  Joseph was sent ahead of Joseph's brothers and his parents in to Egypt for their security and for food when severe famine was to come in that land.

CHAPTER - 7
JOSEPH'S LOVE

Genesis 50:19-21

“But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid, I will provide for you and your children…” In the light of the above verse let us consider how great our Lord Jesus is, in comparison to Joseph, a human being. In Genesis chapter 41:44 we read, “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift your hand or foot in all Egypt.” The status Joseph held in Egypt was very high. Without the word of Joseph, no one could do anything. Even though Pharaoh was in the highest place in Egypt, he designated a very coveted and important position to Joseph. Joseph had great authority in that land. Joseph was one of the twelve brothers born to Jacob. Jacob loved Joseph and Benjamin more than any body else. Joseph was cast in to a waterless cistern; he was the one who was sold to Midianites for certain number of pieces of silver; he was thrown into prison, on false accusation; he was the one elevated from that position to the highest authority next only to Pharaoh, in Egypt. Now this person, acknowledges God, fears him, respects him, humbles himself, and says, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid, I will provide for you and your children…” Joseph acknowledged in Chapter 45:8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but god. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.” May be we are in lower or better status than Joseph and have the capacity to forgive others. Nevertheless, can we emulate Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into this world to save sinners?

Let us turn to Luke Chapter 23 verse 34 Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”

How great is the love of Jesus Christ, the Savior of this world. While chief priests and the teachers of the law, who were standing near the cross of Calvary, accusing the Son of God, Jesus Christ, he says, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” While Herod and his soldiers were ridiculing him and mocked him, saying if you are Son of God, come down save yourself, and save others, he was saying, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” While people were crying release Barabbas, and “Crucify him! Crucify him!’ he was saying, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” The people standing there represented you and me too. We were all crucifying Jesus on the cross of Calvary. We all nailed his palms to the hard cross, and crowned him with crown of thorns. Oh! Then, Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”

What if really Jesus came down from the cross and saved himself and went back to heaven, the place he came from leaving the eminent position he had there. What if he punished with his mighty power those who crucified him? What if he asked his Father in heaven to send legions of army to kill those who tried to kill him? If that really happened we would not have salvation to day. It is because of that great love Jesus had shown on the cross of Calvary, that we have salvation today. It is because his hands were nailed, our hands that committed sin, are free from sin. It is because he bore shame on behalf of us, and did not say a word in opposition while head was crowned with crown of thorns, that our heads are standing upright with righteousness. It is because his feet were nailed that our feet are striding ahead happily into heaven. It is because of the love and great heart he had towards us, that he said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…” In spite of the fact that he was insulted and hung between two thieves, in an attempt by people there, to project him equivalent to those thieves, he said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”

Jesus was also sold for thirty pieces of silver just as Joseph was sold for certain pieces of silver. Jesus was sent in to this world to save sinners. Joseph forgave his brothers, while acknowledging the plan of God in sending him ahead in to Egypt in order that his family may be saved. Even though Joseph occupied a very high place in Egypt, he humbled himself and acknowledged God as the doer of everything. Are we greater than Joseph? If not, why do we accuse God while troubles overcome us? Even while Joseph was forgiving his brothers, he acknowledged God’s greatness. Do we humble ourselves and acknowledge the love of God shown in sending His one and only son, Jesus Christ. Do we acknowledge the forgiving attitude Jesus had? Joseph’s forgiveness extended to his own brothers and his family. Jesus forgives every one who comes to him with repentance of his/her sins. Even while we were crucifying Him, said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”

Let us acknowledge the love of God in sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins. Thanks are to our God and praise is to Him in the name of His son Jesus Christ. Salvation is available freely for all who believe in Jesus Christ, and confess his/her sins to Him, and accept Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior and also acknowledge Him as his/her Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ deserves our worship, true worship, worship in spirit and truth.  In Luke 10th Chapter we see the way Mary worshipped Jesus. 

Luke 10:38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her".

Two sisters and a brother lived in Bethany, a village near Mount Olives, in Israel. The two sisters were, Mary and Martha, and their brother was Lazarus. Jesus had a close friendly relationship with them. Martha probably was a widow and was looking after the household and domestic affairs. Martha received Jesus kindly and extended to him great hospitality. She also cooked food for him, when he was at their home. When Jesus was at their home, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to him, as he taught her the Word of God. Sitting at the feet recalls great humble attitude of a person, as a learner from the teacher. In Acts 22:3 we read how Apostle Paul sat down at the feet of Gamaliel and learnt the word of God. It reads, "I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day". This attitude shows a very humble posture of the person, who can be called a "student". It can also be seen how a person freed from the devils, at the command of Jesus, sat at the feet of Jesus. Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Martha was busy cooking food and taking care of domestic affairs, and thought that was the best way of serving Jesus, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus to learn from him the Word of God and also letting Jesus feel that he was not left alone. While Martha cooked food for him, Mary gave all the reverence to Lord Jesus as he deserved in their home as a guest; yet, Martha's anxiety grew greater, perhaps, as she was employed to please the Lord by worldly food, while Mary did not care about what Martha was doing. Martha was rather annoyed on Mary, who was not helping her in taking care of domestic affairs, and, therefore, came down to Jesus and talked to him in a complaining tone, that he did not care for Mary's non-helping attitude and leaving the entire household and domestic affairs to her. Lord Jesus knowing the thoughts of Martha, said to her, that she was obsessed with many things; nevertheless, Mary chose the right thing, which shall not be taken from her.

Holy Bible says, in 1 Timothy 4:8 "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come".

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

It is seeking the Lord's will and seeking the Kingdom of God that pleases our Lord Jesus more than the worldly things that one seeks after. The seeking after worldly things may indirectly point to serving Lord Jesus, yet, they are not the things, that God wants from us. It is seeking him and him alone and working for him alone that pleases our Lord. God will not allow his children to be plucked away from his hands. John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

• It is dangerous to concentrate our efforts more on worldly things, and seeking God in a worldly way.
• It is very important that we give our utmost attention to the Word of God, than seeking the world.
• It may require us to forego worldly employment or pleasures for the sake of the Kingdom of God
• Neglecting the World of God will lead to dangerous situations. Mary rightly thought of serving Jesus.
• Nourishing the soul and its needs are more important than the worldly things that are transient.

·         The greatest ornament a woman can aspire for is piety and love for Lord Jesus - Mary did that.

Dear Friend,
Believe in Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Savior. Be born again to receive eternal life. What does it mean to be born-again? John 3:3-5 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". Let us acknowledge the love of God in sending His one and only Son, Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins. Thanks are to our God and praise is to Him in the name of His son Jesus Christ. Salvation is available freely for all who believe in Jesus Christ, and confess his/her sins to Him, and accept Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior and also acknowledge Him as his/her Lord.

CHAPTER 8
EVERY MAN FACES HIS LAST DAYS

It indeed surprises to read the following two verse. Acts 7:18 “Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph”.  This verse is a reference from Old Testament as we read in Exodus 1:8 “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph”. Joseph died of full age in Egypt. Joseph was so famous in the land of Egypt that hardly any body forgets him or his deeds, yet here is a king, probably another Pharaoh, (just as any Caesar of Roman empire), who knew not Joseph.  If we take the literal meaning of the verse, probably he was totally ignorant of Joseph, and his great rule in Egypt, but that is not exactly meant here.  It means the ingratitude shown by the next Pharaoh over the good works of Joseph, who managed so well the distribution of food in the land of Egypt during the seven years of famine. Joseph was next only to the erstwhile Pharaoh, and was second in rule in Egypt, yet his good works were forgotten and neglected.  The next Pharaoh did not recognize the benefits Joseph conferred on that nation. It is not uncommon that we see in the reigns of the great rulers that such happenings do take place. The successors either willfully make endeavors to obliterate the works of the former rulers, so as to gain popularity and fame for themselves, or they neglect to give importance to the benefits they reaped from their predecessors.  

Genesis 50:26 “So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt”.

Joseph was indeed a great man of many good qualities, which included honoring his father, loving his brothers, who had put him in to troubles to the extent of his becoming a slave in the hands of strange men from another nation. His life was, therefore, increased and he lived for one hundred and ten years (Gen.50:22) Proverbs 22:4 "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life." He feared God and lived a saintly life. He even escaped from the seduction of Potiphar's wife, and served a prison term, yet praising and honoring God in all aspects of his life. From him came forth two distinct heads of two tribes, one of 'Manasseh' and another of 'Ephraim', and he lived to see his grand children. True are the promises of God toward his children.  Psalms 128:6 "Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel".  Few of his brothers died even before his death, yet he comforted his brethren and their children.  Genesis 50:24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. He showered his blessings on his brothers.  Genesis 48:21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. 

This indeed is a great lesson for the children of God, that even at their last moments they should bless their children, brothers, and their children.  One should take cognizance of the weakness of his/her parents in their old age, so that their lives on the earth may increase and they be fruitful in all works they do. There is end for everything and even for man there is an and that end in one's life inevitable.  When God visits us to ask for our end we should gladly surrender to his will and when some one in our family breaths his/her last, we should console the bereaved family with love and gracious words from the Word of God.

Joseph took a promise from his brothers that when he dies his bones will be carried to the blessed land of Canaan. Genesis 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.  If Joseph desired to have a pompous funeral parade in magnificent Egyptian style at Egypt, the land where he ruled next to Pharaoh, he would have certainly got one; nevertheless, he preferred an ordinary burial of his bones, in his own land of Canaan. His corpse was very carefully preserved in Egypt until their exodus took place under the leadership of Moses.  Hebrews 11:22 "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones". We may see God's hand here clearly in the life of Joseph that even though Joseph died in Egypt, his body was embalmed; he was put in coffin, and was not buried until all of Jacob's children received their due share in Canaan.  Joshua 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

CHAPTER 9
PRECIOUS WORDS

In the parables Jesus told his listeners, which included, publicans and sinners, as described in Luke 15th chapter we read the love of God shown over a repentant sinner. Firstly, it was about a shepherd rejoicing on finding one lost sheep from his fold of one hundred sheep. The shepherd leaves all the ninety nine sheep, goes in search of one lost sheep until he finds it. When he finds the lost sheep, the joy he receives is immense. Second parable was about a woman seeking to find the lost coin described in Luke 15:8-10. Jesus tells us the joy felt in heaven over a sinner repenting of his/her sins is greater than the woman felt in finding her lost coin. The joy described in Luke 15:10 "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" shows that our Lord Himself rejoices in the presence of angels of God over a sinner repenting of his/her sins. The description of the parable starts with a woman, who had ten pieces of silver, which in itself was paltry amount and from it a piece of silver coin is lost. The concern for the lost coin the woman had and her efforts made to find it were great. When she finds that lost coin she rejoices. The search for the coin is so great that the woman lights up a candle, sweeps the whole house and seeks diligently to find it. The joy she receives after finding the coin is great in her that she does not confine that joy to herself, but calls her neighbors, and proclaims what she found it. The lost coin that she found it is so great for her that she shares her joy in finding that coin with her neighbors as well. In the same way, when God finds one lost soul, he diligently seeks for that lost soul, and when he finds it, there is joy that he shows in the presence of angels. Would you, my friend accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, so that God rejoices over you in the presence of angels? When you find that joy of Christian life please do not confine it yourself, but share with your neighbors. Thirdly there is a narration about the prodigal son, who claimed his share of the property from his father and went to a far off country. He spent entire money and when he had nothing with him, he satisfied his hunger, “with the husks that the swine did eat”. However, when he repented of his sin and came to his father, he was received in to his father's house with great love. The prodigal son said to his father, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants”. Nevertheless, his father's love was greater than the sinner-son repented of his sin. The Father, had compassion on him, and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Our Father in heaven is greater than any father on this earth. Our Father in heaven forgives any sin that we may have done, provided we confess our sins to him. When such confession takes place, the joy that is felt in heaven in the presence of angels is immense.   God diligently seeks for each lost soul, and when he finds it, there is joy that he shows in the presence of angels.  Would you, my friend accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, so that God rejoices over you in the presence of angels?  When you find that joy of Christian life please do not confine it yourself, but share with your neighbors.

God is Trinity. He is the "Father", the "Son", and "the Holy Spirit. They co-exist, they are co-equal, and though their functions are different, yet they are One God and not three Gods. Jesus Christ is the "Son of God" and he is the creator. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the very God Himself, came to this world to redeem man kind from the bondage of sin. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. "For there are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one". 1 John 5:7 

Who is Jesus Christ?  The writer of Hebrews says that the Son is the exact representation of God the Father and is the radiance of the God the Father. Who is he that he is talking about? Yes! he is talking about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Who is Holy Spirit: John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, w