Thoughts on the readings for January 25th (Genesis 41; Psalm 45; Matthew 27)

In Genesis 41 we have Joseph's elevation from prison to be the highest ruler in Egypt after Pharaoh. The butler had been restored to Pharaoh's service so that he might be there at the time of Pharaoh's double dream. Joseph, however, had to be patient for 3 more years before God would bring him out of the prison house - just as our Lord spent 3 days in the grave and was dependent on His Father to bring him back to life. One troublesome night Pharaoh dreamt two disturbing dreams. The number 7 was a most significant common factor in both dreams. The first was of 7 fat cows being eaten by 7 lean cows, who were no fatter after having eaten the fat cows. The second dream concerned 7 fat ears of wheat being devoured by the 7 withered ears; which ears grew no larger for their efforts. In the morning Pharaoh summoned all his magicians and wise men to try to interpret his disturbing thoughts. They had no idea and it was then the butler remembered Joseph and related the dreams and their accurate interpretation by the young Hebrew house slave. He told Pharaoh and Joseph was shaved and clad in robes befitting one who was to stand before the god-king that Pharaoh claimed to be. Pharaoh told Joseph that he had heard that Joseph was able to interpret dreams. Joseph rightly deflected the disused from himself to the Almighty; who alone would be able to calm the king's mind. Compare how Daniel virtually repeats Joseph's words when interpreting to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2. The 7s were years. There were to be 7 years where the land would produce plentifully; followed by 7 years of severe famine. After having unfolded the meaning of the doubled dream from Yahweh Joseph gave advice to Pharaoh of a wise plan for storing the surplus. Pharaoh's response was to declare that it would be difficult to find a wiser advisor than Joseph. Joseph was declared to be the best person for the job and immediately made Prime Minister. Joseph was given splendid robes of office and a golden chain showing his authority over Pharaoh's people. Joseph's name was changed to Zaphenath-Paneah (which meant "the Saviour of the World"). He was given lands in Goshen, where Pharaoh's priests dwelled, to go with his status. Joseph was also granted Asenath the daughter of Potiphera the priest of On to be his wife. Joseph was 30 years old when all this happened - just as our Lord Jesus Christ was 30 when his ministry began. Psalm 45 is written be Solomon to celebrate his marriage to the beautiful princess daughter of Pharaoh king of Egypt to himself. Solomon's marriage becomes typical of the Lord Jesus Christ's union with the faithful believers. The writer commences the song be declaring that he was writing about a theme which delighted him. The beautiful character of the Lord Jesus Christ was that sweet them (compare John Thomas' comments about 2 Samuel 23 verses 1; which he says speaks of our Lord as the sweetest theme of Israel's Psalms). The word "indicting" in verse 1 (AV) signifies "bubbling over with enthusiasm". In verse 2 the bride speaks of her groom being handsome. She tells of "grace pouring from his lips" (see Luke 4 verse 22). We are truly "saved by his life"; but, it can equally be said that, we are saved by his words (John6:63). His teaching tells us how to live as he lived; that we might have life abundantly (John 1 verse12-18; 10 verses10; 14 verses 6-7; 17 verses 3). The bride acknowledges her groom as her head, but also shows reverence to the Father, as her bridegroom's head (verses 2 and 6 and 7 - compare with our Lord Jesus Christ's endorsement of these words, after his resurrection by quoting them to Mary Magdalene in John 20 verses 17. Verses 3-5 speak of Messiah's prowess as a mighty warrior (El Gibbor Isaiah 9:6 translated there by the term "mighty God"). As the righteous king Jesus is qualified to rule forever (2 Samuel 23 verses 3-7; Ezekiel 21 verses 25-27; Jeremiah 23 verses 5-6; Luke 1 verses 30-35; Revelation 5 verses 9-14). The character of the king (verse 7) has two essential components - 1) a love of righteousness; and, 2) a hating of wickedness. Paul tells in Romans 7 that our inner man delights in the law of God; but sadly there is another competing force within our bodies, which makes our hate for evil harder to show (since wickedness and folly are natural to us). Note that the oil of joy (immortality in a body inclined to righteousness) is poured upon our Lord in greater abundance, than upon us. That is because he is the worthy Lamb, who has overcome and offered himself (see Hebrews 1 verses 8-9). Verses 9 and 12 of this Psalm tells of the guests at this wedding. Verses 10-11 contain words of counsel to the bride in order for her to wholeheartedly give herself to her new husband and his realm. Verses 13-15 describe the splendour of the bride. Her great beauty is within her and speaks of a developed faithful character (cp 1 Peter 3verses 1-7; and 2 Corinthians 11:2). We are told that, the bride together with her bridegroom will be remembered for generations forever (Ephesians 5verses 22-33). Matthew 27 starts with Judas hanging himself when he saw that Jesus would not take his kingdom then, but would wrongfully suffer and submit to death. Then follow six sham trials- three before Jewish authorities and three before Roman officials. The marvel of our Lord's submission, his care and compassion for others is evident in the brief record of his crucifixion. He was buried in the unused tomb of a rich man, Joseph of Aramithea, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah 53 verse 9. A guard of four temple soldiers was placed at the mouth of his tomb. This would contribute to the incontrovertible evidence that would accompany his resurrection. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-25th-genesis-41-psalm-45-matthew-27/?feed_id=83459&_unique_id=6793615d5eb3d