WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.980 at verse 15. When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, 00:00:07.660 --> 00:00:12.280 what if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him? 00:00:13.679 --> 00:00:19.000 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, your father left these instructions before he died. 00:00:20.260 --> 00:00:25.879 This is what you are to say to Joseph. I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and wrongs 00:00:25.879 --> 00:00:32.299 they committed in treating you so badly. Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the 00:00:32.299 --> 00:00:41.719 God of your father. When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw 00:00:41.719 --> 00:00:50.099 themselves down before him. We are your slaves, they said. But Joseph said to them, don't be afraid. 00:00:50.100 --> 00:00:58.000 Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:07.359 now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your 00:01:07.359 --> 00:01:17.240 children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Joseph stayed in Egypt along with all his 00:01:17.239 --> 00:01:24.539 father's family. He lived 110 years and saw the third generation of Ephraim's children. 00:01:25.979 --> 00:01:31.799 Also, the children of Machir, son of Manasseh, were placed at birth on Joseph's knees. 00:01:33.560 --> 00:01:42.019 Then Joseph said to his brothers, I am about to die, but God will surely come to your aid and take you up 00:01:42.019 --> 00:01:51.039 out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And Joseph made the 00:01:51.039 --> 00:01:58.199 Israelites swear an oath and said, God will surely come to your aid and then you must carry my bones 00:01:58.199 --> 00:02:08.900 up from this place. So Joseph died at the age of 110. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a 00:02:08.900 --> 00:02:10.219 coffin in Egypt. 00:02:23.960 --> 00:02:28.560 Thank you very much, Chris. And thank you, Ralph, for leading. 00:02:28.560 --> 00:02:41.259 I'm just going to adjust this. So bear with me a moment. Talk amongst yourselves. 00:02:50.939 --> 00:02:55.099 The eyes are going. Can't see so well. 00:02:55.099 --> 00:03:07.840 Well, let's have our Bibles open at Genesis chapter 50. Let's pray together. 00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:27.180 Our Father God, we come to you as the maker of heaven and earth. You spoke the universe into existence. 00:03:27.180 --> 00:03:38.840 And by your word, you sustain it and keep it. And it is that same word that we listen to now. 00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:49.719 Asking that you would change us, sustain us and give us strength as we seek to follow you. 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:54.439 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 00:03:57.080 --> 00:04:02.419 So we've come to the end of Genesis and what a journey it's been. 00:04:03.159 --> 00:04:10.319 We started all the way back in Eden and here we are now in Egypt. 00:04:11.599 --> 00:04:18.139 Eden, of course, was the place where God's people lived, enjoying God's presence and his blessing. 00:04:18.139 --> 00:04:22.240 But we know from the story the blessing didn't last. 00:04:22.399 --> 00:04:30.039 The people rebelled against God and they were removed from Eden out of God's presence. 00:04:31.339 --> 00:04:37.439 But the rest of the Bible story, all the way from Genesis through into Revelation, 00:04:37.919 --> 00:04:44.120 is all about the story of going back to Eden. 00:04:44.120 --> 00:04:52.079 A better Eden, where God's people will be with God and enjoy his blessing forever. 00:04:53.439 --> 00:05:02.519 So as we come to the end of Genesis, the big question is, are we going to make it? 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:07.860 Will we reach the eternal destination? 00:05:07.860 --> 00:05:16.220 Well, we get a chance to listen in to Joseph's final words to his brothers. 00:05:17.020 --> 00:05:24.060 And as we listen to what Joseph says, we are given assurance, confidence and hope 00:05:24.060 --> 00:05:33.259 that God's people will make it in the journey to that better and greater Eden. 00:05:33.259 --> 00:05:37.039 Three comforting words, if you're taking notes. 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:38.159 Here we go. 00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:42.740 Provision, providence and promise. 00:05:44.139 --> 00:05:45.719 So here's the first one. 00:05:45.959 --> 00:05:51.000 God's provision for our past sins. 00:05:51.599 --> 00:05:54.680 God's provision for our past sins. 00:05:55.199 --> 00:06:00.379 It seems that Jacob's death has raised an old fear for the brothers. 00:06:00.379 --> 00:06:01.500 Look at verse 15. 00:06:02.620 --> 00:06:05.600 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:13.439 what if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him? 00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:19.839 Now, 40 years have passed since the brothers had sold Joseph as a slave. 00:06:20.399 --> 00:06:23.159 That's a lot of brooding time for Joseph. 00:06:24.180 --> 00:06:26.600 Lots of time to plan your revenge. 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:31.960 The brothers are terrified of what Joseph might now do to them. 00:06:33.140 --> 00:06:37.400 You see, the brothers fear judgment. 00:06:38.720 --> 00:06:41.160 So they come up with a plan, don't they? 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:42.040 Verse 16. 00:06:42.780 --> 00:06:44.780 They sent word to Joseph saying, 00:06:45.420 --> 00:06:48.920 your father left these instructions before he died. 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:51.660 This is what you are to say to Joseph. 00:06:51.660 --> 00:06:58.760 I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly. 00:06:59.580 --> 00:07:05.860 Now, please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father. 00:07:07.520 --> 00:07:08.740 Sounds good. 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:16.240 But the problem is, there's no suggestion anywhere that Jacob had ever said such a thing. 00:07:16.240 --> 00:07:25.319 In fact, they are so desperate that they tell a few lies to try and force forgiveness from Joseph. 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:31.180 That's what happens when we try to deal with our own guilt. 00:07:31.699 --> 00:07:33.259 We run into fear. 00:07:33.660 --> 00:07:37.360 Fear of others and fear of God. 00:07:37.360 --> 00:07:42.139 But the point is, they don't need to fear. 00:07:43.199 --> 00:07:47.120 Because there is assurance of forgiveness. 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:51.620 Look at how Joseph responds to the brothers. 00:07:52.860 --> 00:07:55.139 Verse 17 at the very end. 00:07:56.580 --> 00:08:01.139 When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 00:08:01.139 --> 00:08:09.039 Now, I think Joseph's weeping here is a weeping of sadness and disappointment. 00:08:10.419 --> 00:08:12.879 Joseph isn't angry with his brothers. 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:18.620 He feels for them because they're still carrying their guilt and shame. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:20.979 They're still living in fear. 00:08:22.560 --> 00:08:24.839 You see, as far as Joseph is concerned, 00:08:25.319 --> 00:08:28.139 the past, well, that's in the past. 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:30.759 It's water under the bridge. 00:08:31.139 --> 00:08:36.220 Their sin had been confessed and had been dealt with. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:39.639 Look back with me to chapter 45. 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:50.699 In the previous chapter, they had admitted their guilt before God. 00:08:53.699 --> 00:08:58.840 And now Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. 00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:01.740 Let's pick it up in verse 4. 00:09:03.240 --> 00:09:05.040 Then Joseph said to his brothers, 00:09:05.180 --> 00:09:06.180 Come close to me. 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:08.840 And when they had done so, he said, 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:11.860 I am your brother Joseph, 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:14.180 the one you sold into Egypt. 00:09:14.980 --> 00:09:18.899 And now do not be distressed. 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:21.940 Pick it up in verse 14. 00:09:21.940 --> 00:09:27.940 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept. 00:09:28.080 --> 00:09:31.060 And Benjamin embraced him weeping. 00:09:31.280 --> 00:09:36.240 And he kissed all of the brothers and wept over them. 00:09:37.280 --> 00:09:40.840 Afterwards, his brothers talked with him. 00:09:40.840 --> 00:09:44.420 Tears of reconciliation. 00:09:44.420 --> 00:09:48.080 They had come back together again. 00:09:48.080 --> 00:09:49.980 And if that was not enough, 00:09:50.480 --> 00:09:53.759 Joseph had ensured that the brothers in the time of famine 00:09:53.759 --> 00:09:55.940 had received the best of food, 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:59.060 that they had got land for all their livestock, 00:09:59.440 --> 00:10:02.259 and the best of housing in all of Egypt. 00:10:02.780 --> 00:10:04.960 Joseph had held no grudge. 00:10:06.160 --> 00:10:08.200 He wasn't looking for payback. 00:10:08.200 --> 00:10:11.379 The sins had been confessed and forgiven. 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:13.879 So there was no need to fear. 00:10:16.379 --> 00:10:18.560 Let's go back to chapter 50. 00:10:21.060 --> 00:10:23.120 Well, it seems these brothers 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:26.620 are having a hard time accepting this. 00:10:27.300 --> 00:10:28.500 Look at verse 18. 00:10:29.980 --> 00:10:33.440 His brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. 00:10:33.879 --> 00:10:36.620 We are your slaves, they said. 00:10:36.620 --> 00:10:39.639 But Joseph said to them, 00:10:40.159 --> 00:10:42.080 Don't be afraid. 00:10:43.000 --> 00:10:45.320 Am I in the place of God? 00:10:46.659 --> 00:10:49.960 Can I take God's place 00:10:49.960 --> 00:10:53.139 and bring judgment upon you? 00:10:54.620 --> 00:10:58.620 You see, Joseph knows that God must judge all sin. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:01.600 The sins of the brothers can't be ignored. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:03.060 It must be dealt with. 00:11:03.060 --> 00:11:06.299 Yet Joseph is confident that where sin 00:11:06.299 --> 00:11:08.139 has been judged, 00:11:09.359 --> 00:11:13.199 then forgiveness can be received. 00:11:14.579 --> 00:11:16.799 But the sad reality is 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:18.979 the brothers have not yet grasped 00:11:18.979 --> 00:11:21.659 the once and for all forgiveness of God. 00:11:21.839 --> 00:11:24.179 They're still carrying around with them 00:11:24.179 --> 00:11:25.759 their guilt and their shame. 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:28.000 They're living in fear. 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:33.279 Now, how often are we like the brothers? 00:11:35.080 --> 00:11:36.980 You know what it's like, don't you? 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:40.919 You confessed some past sin. 00:11:42.259 --> 00:11:44.519 You know God has forgiven you of it. 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:48.559 But yet we still have this nagging fear 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:51.679 that somehow God is going to punish us. 00:11:51.679 --> 00:11:55.699 We fear that God is just biding his time 00:11:55.699 --> 00:11:58.839 and he's just waiting to pounce and remind us. 00:11:59.139 --> 00:11:59.620 You see? 00:12:00.259 --> 00:12:01.559 You remember those sins? 00:12:02.059 --> 00:12:03.059 Now I've got you. 00:12:05.419 --> 00:12:08.159 Well, it seems we impose on God 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:09.939 how we respond to each other 00:12:09.939 --> 00:12:11.139 in our own relationships. 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.799 You see, I can say, 00:12:12.799 --> 00:12:14.339 I forgive you, 00:12:15.339 --> 00:12:17.859 but I know full well in my heart 00:12:17.859 --> 00:12:19.579 I can still hold a grudge. 00:12:20.899 --> 00:12:23.599 I know I can take subtle revenge. 00:12:25.199 --> 00:12:26.919 But that's not God. 00:12:27.859 --> 00:12:30.019 He doesn't hold grudges. 00:12:30.359 --> 00:12:32.939 He doesn't pay back evil with evil. 00:12:34.139 --> 00:12:36.559 You see, the Bible is crystal clear on this. 00:12:37.079 --> 00:12:40.179 God has judged sin 00:12:40.179 --> 00:12:43.719 through the death of his son Jesus on the cross. 00:12:43.719 --> 00:12:46.379 It's been dealt with. 00:12:47.599 --> 00:12:50.579 So where there is now true repentance, 00:12:51.719 --> 00:12:56.159 there is in its place forever forgiveness. 00:12:57.719 --> 00:13:00.399 Now we need to drive this truth home 00:13:00.399 --> 00:13:02.339 time and time again. 00:13:02.919 --> 00:13:04.679 Listen to what scripture says. 00:13:04.679 --> 00:13:10.899 As far as the east is from the west, 00:13:12.079 --> 00:13:15.819 so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 00:13:16.620 --> 00:13:17.959 From all eternity, 00:13:19.039 --> 00:13:21.099 he has removed our sin. 00:13:22.339 --> 00:13:24.379 Or what about this one from Micah? 00:13:26.099 --> 00:13:29.819 Who is a God like you who forgives sins? 00:13:29.820 --> 00:13:33.120 You will again have compassion on us. 00:13:33.540 --> 00:13:35.760 You will tread our sins underfoot. 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:37.640 That is, he will judge them. 00:13:38.620 --> 00:13:39.760 And when he's done so, 00:13:40.420 --> 00:13:42.879 he will hurl our iniquities. 00:13:43.100 --> 00:13:43.340 Where? 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:47.480 Into the depths of the sea. 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:51.640 Never to be brought before us again. 00:13:52.900 --> 00:13:55.760 You see, God doesn't forgive sins twice. 00:13:56.560 --> 00:13:57.900 Or three times. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.980 Or four times. 00:13:58.980 --> 00:14:02.519 God forgives your sin once. 00:14:04.079 --> 00:14:07.340 And he remembers them no more. 00:14:09.139 --> 00:14:13.179 So first, let's see God's provision 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:16.319 for our past sins. 00:14:18.199 --> 00:14:20.600 Second word from Joseph. 00:14:22.179 --> 00:14:25.980 God's providence in our present suffering. 00:14:25.980 --> 00:14:29.519 There's something else he needs to share with them. 00:14:29.700 --> 00:14:30.980 So look at verse 20. 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:35.779 You intended to harm me, 00:14:36.820 --> 00:14:39.759 but God intended it for good 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:43.200 to accomplish what is now being done, 00:14:44.279 --> 00:14:46.019 the saving of many lives. 00:14:47.460 --> 00:14:49.539 Now that's a big statement, isn't it? 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:53.819 It's what theologians call providence. 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:58.139 It simply means, you can see it there on the screen, 00:14:58.839 --> 00:15:01.779 God's active rule in the world 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:04.279 to accomplish his plan 00:15:04.279 --> 00:15:06.620 and achieve his purposes 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:08.799 for his glory 00:15:08.799 --> 00:15:11.500 and for our good. 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:27.799 You see, look what Joseph, 00:15:27.799 --> 00:15:30.600 look what they said to Joseph. 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:34.379 Or sorry, what Joseph said to the brothers. 00:15:34.600 --> 00:15:35.299 Verse 20. 00:15:35.299 --> 00:15:38.639 You intended to harm me. 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:43.259 Well, harm is what the brothers caused to Joseph, isn't it? 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:46.219 It was an evil, wicked act what they did. 00:15:46.479 --> 00:15:48.120 At the age of 17, 00:15:48.719 --> 00:15:51.899 they threw their brother Joseph into a pit 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:55.079 and then sold him off as a slave. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:57.919 And then they went and told their father 00:15:57.919 --> 00:16:00.799 that he had been killed by some wild animal. 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:05.439 And things were only to get worse for Joseph. 00:16:06.039 --> 00:16:08.299 Soon afterwards, having been sold off, 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:10.639 he was thrown into the pit of a dungeon 00:16:10.639 --> 00:16:13.979 where he spends 13 years of his life. 00:16:15.939 --> 00:16:17.479 Joseph suffered terribly 00:16:17.479 --> 00:16:20.259 through the evil actions of his brothers. 00:16:20.879 --> 00:16:22.500 They intended harm 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:25.399 and harm is what they did. 00:16:26.979 --> 00:16:29.939 And harm is what Joseph experienced. 00:16:30.799 --> 00:16:33.199 But yet in it all, 00:16:34.199 --> 00:16:35.479 God's providence 00:16:35.479 --> 00:16:37.299 was at work. 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:40.059 Look at verse 20 again. 00:16:41.899 --> 00:16:42.839 He says, 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:44.659 You intended to harm me, 00:16:45.799 --> 00:16:48.419 but God intended it 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:50.279 for good. 00:16:52.079 --> 00:16:52.740 You see, 00:16:52.919 --> 00:16:54.559 in and through the wicked actions 00:16:54.559 --> 00:16:55.339 of the brothers, 00:16:55.959 --> 00:16:57.740 God was working good. 00:16:57.740 --> 00:17:00.759 trace the story with me, 00:17:00.840 --> 00:17:02.759 the outline of the story of Joseph. 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:05.839 Joseph was sold as a slave to Egypt, 00:17:06.120 --> 00:17:09.480 but Joseph became the ruler 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:11.099 over all of Egypt. 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:14.240 Famine came on the land. 00:17:15.440 --> 00:17:16.539 There was no food, 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:19.120 but Joseph had stored up food 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:20.279 for distribution. 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:22.779 His brothers, 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.720 years later, 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:25.440 on the verge of dying, 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:27.240 travelled down to Egypt 00:17:27.240 --> 00:17:28.320 looking for food, 00:17:28.820 --> 00:17:29.799 and lo and behold, 00:17:30.220 --> 00:17:32.279 who provides for all of their needs? 00:17:33.420 --> 00:17:34.019 Joseph. 00:17:35.279 --> 00:17:35.660 You see, 00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.960 this isn't coincidence. 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:39.580 This is providence. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:42.620 This is God's active rule 00:17:42.620 --> 00:17:44.759 in the suffering of Joseph 00:17:44.759 --> 00:17:47.100 to accomplish God's plan 00:17:47.100 --> 00:17:49.279 and to achieve God's purpose. 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:49.399 purpose. 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:51.819 And what was the plan 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:52.539 and purpose? 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:53.460 Well, 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.819 look at the end of verse 20. 00:17:56.899 --> 00:17:57.720 To accomplish 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:59.700 what is now being done, 00:18:00.859 --> 00:18:01.619 the saving 00:18:01.619 --> 00:18:03.940 of many lives. 00:18:05.139 --> 00:18:06.619 Out of suffering 00:18:06.619 --> 00:18:09.019 came salvation. 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:11.500 Now, 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:12.319 we've come across 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:13.460 this theme before. 00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:15.559 You might remember it. 00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:16.399 Go back again 00:18:16.399 --> 00:18:17.759 to chapter 45. 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:22.579 chapter 45, 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:23.700 and we'll pick it up 00:18:23.700 --> 00:18:25.039 in verse 5. 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:36.519 Chapter 45, 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.440 verse 5. 00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:39.680 So, 00:18:39.759 --> 00:18:40.619 Joseph is speaking 00:18:40.619 --> 00:18:41.440 to his brothers, 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:43.579 and he says, 00:18:43.640 --> 00:18:45.640 and now do not be distressed, 00:18:45.640 --> 00:18:48.160 and do not be angry 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:48.980 with yourselves 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.680 for selling me here, 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:53.740 because it was to save lives 00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:55.860 that God sent me ahead of you. 00:18:56.840 --> 00:18:57.620 Verse 7. 00:18:58.660 --> 00:19:00.920 But God sent me ahead of you 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:02.259 to preserve for you 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:03.660 a remnant on earth 00:19:03.660 --> 00:19:06.100 and to save your lives 00:19:06.100 --> 00:19:07.720 by a great deliverance. 00:19:08.100 --> 00:19:08.720 So then, 00:19:08.780 --> 00:19:09.759 it was not you 00:19:09.759 --> 00:19:11.180 who sent me here, 00:19:11.840 --> 00:19:13.280 but God. 00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:15.539 Now, 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:17.240 do you see the two actions 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:18.500 that are in those verses? 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:20.920 On the one hand, 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.519 the brothers 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:23.220 sold Joseph 00:19:23.220 --> 00:19:24.259 into Egypt, 00:19:24.960 --> 00:19:26.940 and then on the other hand, 00:19:27.420 --> 00:19:28.539 God sent 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:29.200 Joseph 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:30.460 into Egypt. 00:19:30.619 --> 00:19:31.059 The brothers 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:31.920 sold him, 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:33.920 God sent him. 00:19:34.480 --> 00:19:34.759 Now, 00:19:34.839 --> 00:19:35.579 you tell me 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.960 which one is right. 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:39.539 Did the brothers 00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:40.019 sell him, 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:40.980 or did God 00:19:40.980 --> 00:19:41.599 send him? 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:43.319 Well, 00:19:43.480 --> 00:19:44.679 both actions 00:19:44.679 --> 00:19:45.219 are true, 00:19:45.299 --> 00:19:45.740 aren't they? 00:19:46.719 --> 00:19:47.480 The suffering 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.619 Joseph endured 00:19:48.619 --> 00:19:49.879 was caused 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:50.819 by the brothers. 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.559 They are responsible. 00:19:53.899 --> 00:19:54.219 Yet, 00:19:54.279 --> 00:19:55.399 at the same time, 00:19:55.679 --> 00:19:56.899 it is all planned 00:19:56.899 --> 00:19:57.719 and purposed 00:19:57.719 --> 00:19:58.500 by God. 00:19:58.899 --> 00:20:00.199 You sold me, 00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:02.859 but God 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:04.359 sent me. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:05.919 You see, 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:07.039 Joseph's life 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:07.659 from beginning 00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:08.240 to end 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.179 is in 00:20:09.179 --> 00:20:10.519 God's control. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.920 Joseph 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:13.240 suffered terribly, 00:20:13.819 --> 00:20:14.139 but yet 00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:15.279 God was at work 00:20:15.279 --> 00:20:16.019 to accomplish 00:20:16.019 --> 00:20:16.740 his plans 00:20:16.740 --> 00:20:17.579 and to achieve 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:18.339 his purposes. 00:20:19.500 --> 00:20:20.519 And that means 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.759 your life 00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:22.859 and my life 00:20:22.859 --> 00:20:23.940 are in 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:24.980 God's hands. 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:26.460 There are no 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:28.039 chance circumstances 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:28.980 that we face. 00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:29.859 There are no 00:20:29.859 --> 00:20:31.000 random events 00:20:31.000 --> 00:20:32.000 in our lives. 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.819 Every second 00:20:33.819 --> 00:20:34.879 of your life 00:20:34.879 --> 00:20:37.139 is designed 00:20:37.139 --> 00:20:38.980 and orchestrated 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:39.779 by God. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:41.440 Even 00:20:41.440 --> 00:20:43.740 our suffering. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:45.799 Go back 00:20:45.799 --> 00:20:46.140 with me 00:20:46.140 --> 00:20:47.180 to chapter 50. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.539 You see, 00:20:51.620 --> 00:20:52.539 when we suffer 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:54.559 and we can 00:20:54.559 --> 00:20:55.000 all have 00:20:55.000 --> 00:20:55.759 our stories 00:20:55.759 --> 00:20:56.579 of trials 00:20:56.579 --> 00:20:57.420 and struggle, 00:20:58.420 --> 00:20:59.200 in the midst 00:20:59.200 --> 00:20:59.460 of it, 00:20:59.519 --> 00:21:00.180 we can feel 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:00.700 abandoned 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:01.519 by God. 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:02.839 That he's 00:21:02.839 --> 00:21:03.779 ignoring me. 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:04.900 That he's 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:05.420 forgotten. 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:07.060 And we can 00:21:07.060 --> 00:21:07.660 even ask 00:21:07.660 --> 00:21:08.100 God to 00:21:08.100 --> 00:21:08.680 take all 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:09.200 the suffering 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:09.620 away. 00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:11.140 But it's 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:11.759 still there. 00:21:11.880 --> 00:21:12.480 We still 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:12.920 have to 00:21:12.920 --> 00:21:13.300 live with 00:21:13.300 --> 00:21:13.460 it. 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:14.100 And our 00:21:14.100 --> 00:21:14.820 experience 00:21:14.820 --> 00:21:15.940 is dark 00:21:15.940 --> 00:21:17.500 and difficult. 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:19.820 Well, 00:21:19.860 --> 00:21:20.400 the account 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:21.060 of Joseph 00:21:21.060 --> 00:21:22.160 reminds us 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:23.000 that our 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.519 suffering 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:25.120 is not 00:21:25.120 --> 00:21:25.600 some 00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:26.400 random 00:21:26.400 --> 00:21:27.340 chance 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:27.840 event. 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:29.140 No, 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:29.860 God is in 00:21:29.860 --> 00:21:30.860 control of 00:21:30.860 --> 00:21:31.340 your life. 00:21:31.820 --> 00:21:32.220 God is 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.840 actively 00:21:32.839 --> 00:21:33.439 ruling 00:21:33.439 --> 00:21:33.859 over 00:21:33.859 --> 00:21:34.419 every 00:21:34.419 --> 00:21:35.299 circumstance 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:35.819 and event. 00:21:36.199 --> 00:21:36.480 He is 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:36.919 working 00:21:36.919 --> 00:21:37.559 in 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.119 and 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:38.659 through 00:21:38.659 --> 00:21:39.240 your 00:21:39.240 --> 00:21:39.819 suffering 00:21:39.819 --> 00:21:40.579 to 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.179 accomplish 00:21:41.179 --> 00:21:41.959 his 00:21:41.959 --> 00:21:42.539 plans 00:21:42.539 --> 00:21:43.119 and 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:43.319 to 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.919 achieve 00:21:43.919 --> 00:21:44.559 his 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:45.379 purposes. 00:21:47.299 --> 00:21:47.980 Now, 00:21:48.039 --> 00:21:48.539 we mightn't 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.319 always see 00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:49.659 it. 00:21:50.899 --> 00:21:51.720 We can 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:52.119 be sure 00:21:52.119 --> 00:21:52.559 we don't 00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:53.519 always feel 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:53.939 it. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.599 But yet, 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.240 this is what 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.059 God's word 00:21:58.059 --> 00:21:58.679 is saying 00:21:58.679 --> 00:21:59.279 to us. 00:21:59.639 --> 00:22:00.119 Look again 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:00.519 at verse 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:00.980 20. 00:22:01.079 --> 00:22:01.539 Let's read 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:01.980 it all. 00:22:01.980 --> 00:22:03.099 You 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:03.740 intended 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:04.319 to harm 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:04.680 me, 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.500 but God 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:07.000 intended 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:07.420 it for 00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:08.360 good to 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:08.920 accomplish 00:22:08.920 --> 00:22:09.480 what is 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:10.099 now being 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:10.539 done, 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.579 the saving 00:22:11.579 --> 00:22:12.079 of many 00:22:12.079 --> 00:22:12.860 lives. 00:22:15.900 --> 00:22:16.519 Now, 00:22:16.599 --> 00:22:17.000 let's get 00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:17.660 this clear. 00:22:19.160 --> 00:22:20.000 It doesn't 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:20.420 say 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:22.120 God 00:22:22.120 --> 00:22:23.500 turns 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:24.079 our 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:24.620 suffering 00:22:24.620 --> 00:22:25.140 into 00:22:25.140 --> 00:22:25.539 good. 00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:26.640 I know 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.000 we've got 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:27.440 a song 00:22:27.440 --> 00:22:28.000 about that, 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:28.360 don't we? 00:22:28.380 --> 00:22:28.980 We sometimes 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:29.420 sing it. 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:30.120 Whatever 00:22:30.120 --> 00:22:31.160 the enemy 00:22:31.160 --> 00:22:31.840 means for 00:22:31.840 --> 00:22:32.320 evil, 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:34.440 he turns 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:34.960 it for 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:35.620 our good. 00:22:36.620 --> 00:22:37.000 Well, 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.340 I want to 00:22:38.340 --> 00:22:38.800 say that's 00:22:38.800 --> 00:22:39.120 kind of 00:22:39.120 --> 00:22:39.700 half right. 00:22:39.800 --> 00:22:40.160 It's not 00:22:40.160 --> 00:22:41.420 fully right. 00:22:42.500 --> 00:22:42.960 God 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:43.400 doesn't 00:22:43.400 --> 00:22:44.360 turn our 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:44.759 suffering 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.420 into good 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:46.100 as if 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:46.720 God were 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:47.620 responding to 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:47.900 some 00:22:47.900 --> 00:22:48.580 calamitous 00:22:48.580 --> 00:22:49.560 event that 00:22:49.560 --> 00:22:50.200 he couldn't 00:22:50.200 --> 00:22:50.820 prevent and 00:22:50.820 --> 00:22:51.340 he's playing 00:22:51.340 --> 00:22:52.220 catch up. 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:53.620 No, 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:54.500 God means 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.900 all our 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:56.759 suffering for 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:57.220 good, 00:22:57.840 --> 00:22:59.259 to accomplish 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.839 what is 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.440 now being 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:00.900 done, 00:23:01.859 --> 00:23:02.799 the saving 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:04.140 of many 00:23:04.140 --> 00:23:04.879 lives. 00:23:07.079 --> 00:23:07.980 Last week, 00:23:08.059 --> 00:23:08.319 you may 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:08.759 remember, 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:09.400 we prayed 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:10.539 for Yaroslav, 00:23:11.420 --> 00:23:12.099 a pastor 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:12.500 and his 00:23:12.500 --> 00:23:13.180 family in 00:23:13.180 --> 00:23:13.740 Ukraine. 00:23:15.220 --> 00:23:16.180 Right now, 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:16.660 in that 00:23:16.660 --> 00:23:17.359 situation, 00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:17.839 in his 00:23:17.839 --> 00:23:18.319 home and 00:23:18.319 --> 00:23:18.720 where he 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.019 lives, 00:23:19.539 --> 00:23:20.039 there is 00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:20.779 terrible 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:21.480 evil 00:23:21.480 --> 00:23:22.079 happening. 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:23.619 Drones 00:23:23.619 --> 00:23:24.379 and missiles 00:23:24.379 --> 00:23:25.140 are flying 00:23:25.140 --> 00:23:25.640 through the 00:23:25.640 --> 00:23:25.879 air. 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:27.120 harm is 00:23:27.120 --> 00:23:27.800 intended 00:23:27.800 --> 00:23:29.900 and harm 00:23:29.900 --> 00:23:30.480 is being 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.000 done. 00:23:32.720 --> 00:23:33.540 Yaroslav and 00:23:33.540 --> 00:23:34.040 his church 00:23:34.040 --> 00:23:34.540 family, 00:23:34.740 --> 00:23:35.580 they've lost 00:23:35.580 --> 00:23:36.560 loved ones. 00:23:37.520 --> 00:23:37.920 They live 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:38.660 in fear. 00:23:39.640 --> 00:23:40.280 Any day, 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:40.820 he says, 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:41.460 could be our 00:23:41.460 --> 00:23:42.260 last day. 00:23:43.560 --> 00:23:44.060 But yet, 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:44.900 in their 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:45.640 suffering 00:23:45.640 --> 00:23:47.280 and through 00:23:47.280 --> 00:23:48.300 their suffering, 00:23:49.640 --> 00:23:50.460 people are 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:51.720 trusting Christ 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:53.060 and finding 00:23:53.060 --> 00:23:53.740 hope and 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.200 peace in 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:54.400 him. 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:55.860 Lives are 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:56.479 being 00:23:56.479 --> 00:23:57.659 saved. 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:59.059 Not just 00:23:59.059 --> 00:23:59.899 physically and 00:23:59.899 --> 00:24:00.519 temporarily, 00:24:00.959 --> 00:24:02.059 but spiritually 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:03.359 and eternally. 00:24:05.679 --> 00:24:06.579 And so, 00:24:06.679 --> 00:24:07.219 in the same 00:24:07.219 --> 00:24:07.619 way, 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:09.379 in each of 00:24:09.379 --> 00:24:09.979 our lives 00:24:09.979 --> 00:24:10.399 today, 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.399 whatever the 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.319 suffering you 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:13.099 are going 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.539 through, 00:24:14.459 --> 00:24:15.439 it is not 00:24:15.439 --> 00:24:16.099 a random 00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:17.000 chance. 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.099 God is 00:24:19.099 --> 00:24:20.079 working in 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:20.500 it and 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.199 through it. 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.819 He means 00:24:22.819 --> 00:24:23.939 it for 00:24:23.939 --> 00:24:24.899 your good. 00:24:25.859 --> 00:24:26.479 for your 00:24:26.479 --> 00:24:27.179 best. 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.459 It can 00:24:29.459 --> 00:24:30.279 keep you. 00:24:30.479 --> 00:24:30.899 It can 00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:31.919 change you. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.419 It can 00:24:33.419 --> 00:24:34.099 lead you 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:34.899 to Christ. 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.059 And in 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:36.919 your testimony 00:24:36.919 --> 00:24:37.619 as you look 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.139 to God, 00:24:38.479 --> 00:24:38.959 it can 00:24:38.959 --> 00:24:40.199 lead others 00:24:40.199 --> 00:24:41.359 to Christ. 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:43.899 So, 00:24:43.979 --> 00:24:44.279 second, 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.059 God's 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:45.839 providence 00:24:45.839 --> 00:24:47.500 in our 00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:47.959 present 00:24:47.959 --> 00:24:48.579 suffering. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.579 God's 00:24:49.579 --> 00:24:58.899 promise for 00:24:58.899 --> 00:24:59.559 our future 00:24:59.559 --> 00:25:00.319 salvation. 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:00.379 salvation. 00:25:01.559 --> 00:25:02.159 Joseph has 00:25:02.159 --> 00:25:02.939 one last 00:25:02.939 --> 00:25:03.879 closing word 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:04.359 for his 00:25:04.359 --> 00:25:04.759 brothers. 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:06.579 We pick 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:07.000 it up in 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.980 verse 24. 00:25:10.419 --> 00:25:11.339 Joseph said 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:11.720 to his 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.159 brothers, 00:25:12.659 --> 00:25:13.819 I'm about 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.500 to die, 00:25:15.599 --> 00:25:16.599 but God 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.200 will surely 00:25:17.200 --> 00:25:17.819 come to 00:25:17.819 --> 00:25:18.460 your aid 00:25:18.460 --> 00:25:19.839 and take 00:25:19.839 --> 00:25:20.319 you up 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:20.899 out of 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:21.659 this land 00:25:21.659 --> 00:25:22.859 to the 00:25:22.859 --> 00:25:23.339 land he 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:24.099 promised on 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:24.659 oath to 00:25:24.659 --> 00:25:25.220 Abraham, 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.460 Isaac, 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:27.640 and Jacob. 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.319 God had 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:30.880 promised 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:32.759 that his 00:25:32.759 --> 00:25:33.400 people 00:25:33.400 --> 00:25:35.319 would have 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:36.019 a place 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:36.500 where they 00:25:36.500 --> 00:25:37.120 could live 00:25:37.120 --> 00:25:38.240 and enjoy 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:38.740 God's 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:39.299 presence 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:40.180 and blessing. 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:41.900 And that 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:42.579 promise was 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:42.900 given, 00:25:43.059 --> 00:25:43.380 do you see 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:43.840 the end of 00:25:43.840 --> 00:25:44.440 verse 24, 00:25:44.620 --> 00:25:45.279 to Abraham 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:46.660 and to 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:47.220 Isaac 00:25:47.220 --> 00:25:48.480 and then 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.059 to Jacob. 00:25:50.140 --> 00:25:50.600 So, 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:51.440 right the way 00:25:51.440 --> 00:25:51.900 through the 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.539 story of 00:25:52.539 --> 00:25:52.940 Genesis, 00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:54.019 we've been 00:25:54.019 --> 00:25:54.700 tracing it 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.100 as we've 00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:55.519 been going 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.039 through it. 00:25:56.039 --> 00:25:56.819 there's a 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.680 longing for 00:25:57.680 --> 00:25:58.319 and a 00:25:58.319 --> 00:25:59.059 looking forward 00:25:59.059 --> 00:26:00.099 to this 00:26:00.099 --> 00:26:01.240 promised land 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:01.879 that God 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:02.359 would give 00:26:02.359 --> 00:26:02.799 to his 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.220 people. 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:05.579 But yet 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:06.119 when we 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:06.799 read this 00:26:06.799 --> 00:26:07.859 story carefully, 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:08.819 we get 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:09.480 hints that 00:26:09.480 --> 00:26:10.259 this promised 00:26:10.259 --> 00:26:11.420 land is 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:11.799 actually 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.319 something 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:13.079 future 00:26:13.079 --> 00:26:14.079 and 00:26:14.079 --> 00:26:14.539 something 00:26:14.539 --> 00:26:15.220 eternal. 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:18.079 Go back 00:26:18.079 --> 00:26:18.440 with me 00:26:18.440 --> 00:26:19.019 please to 00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:20.119 chapter 47. 00:26:21.980 --> 00:26:22.839 Trace the 00:26:22.839 --> 00:26:23.500 theme in the 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.200 story here 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:24.740 with me. 00:26:24.740 --> 00:26:26.339 Genesis 00:26:26.339 --> 00:26:27.640 chapter 47. 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:30.319 Here 00:26:30.319 --> 00:26:31.099 Jacob is 00:26:31.099 --> 00:26:32.059 talking with 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:32.700 Pharaoh 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:34.779 but look 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.200 how he 00:26:35.200 --> 00:26:36.000 describes 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.960 his life 00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:38.299 and the 00:26:38.299 --> 00:26:38.740 life of 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:38.940 his 00:26:38.940 --> 00:26:39.460 fathers. 00:26:39.859 --> 00:26:39.940 We'll 00:26:39.940 --> 00:26:40.259 pick it 00:26:40.259 --> 00:26:40.579 up in 00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:41.200 verse 9. 00:26:44.279 --> 00:26:45.000 So he's 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:45.319 telling 00:26:45.319 --> 00:26:46.099 Pharaoh all 00:26:46.099 --> 00:26:46.620 about his 00:26:46.620 --> 00:26:47.240 life and he 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:47.920 describes it 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:48.579 like this. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.839 Jacob said 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:50.400 to Pharaoh, 00:26:50.400 --> 00:26:51.759 the years 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.259 of my 00:26:52.259 --> 00:26:53.160 pilgrimage 00:26:53.160 --> 00:26:56.100 or sojourn 00:26:56.100 --> 00:26:57.500 are 130. 00:26:58.259 --> 00:26:59.019 My years 00:26:59.019 --> 00:26:59.320 have been 00:26:59.320 --> 00:26:59.880 few and 00:26:59.880 --> 00:27:00.540 difficult and 00:27:00.540 --> 00:27:00.980 they do 00:27:00.980 --> 00:27:01.560 not equal 00:27:01.560 --> 00:27:02.140 the years 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.660 of the 00:27:02.660 --> 00:27:03.680 pilgrimage 00:27:03.680 --> 00:27:04.800 or the 00:27:04.800 --> 00:27:05.460 sojourn 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:05.840 of my 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:06.440 fathers. 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:08.200 You see, 00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:09.380 they saw 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:09.940 their life 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.500 as a 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.060 pilgrimage. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:11.759 They were 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:12.720 passing 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.300 through. 00:27:13.860 --> 00:27:14.660 Their home 00:27:14.660 --> 00:27:15.259 was not 00:27:15.259 --> 00:27:15.720 here. 00:27:16.120 --> 00:27:16.400 They were 00:27:16.400 --> 00:27:17.200 looking forward 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:17.920 to something 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:19.300 beyond this 00:27:19.300 --> 00:27:19.820 life. 00:27:23.820 --> 00:27:24.660 Now look 00:27:24.660 --> 00:27:25.120 at chapter 00:27:25.120 --> 00:27:25.880 48. 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:29.500 Here, 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:29.960 Jacob 00:27:29.960 --> 00:27:30.640 remembers 00:27:30.640 --> 00:27:31.220 God's 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:31.880 promise of 00:27:31.880 --> 00:27:32.380 a land 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:33.880 but again 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.420 look how 00:27:34.420 --> 00:27:35.300 he describes 00:27:35.300 --> 00:27:35.680 it. 00:27:36.620 --> 00:27:37.180 Chapter 00:27:37.180 --> 00:27:37.920 48, 00:27:38.080 --> 00:27:38.740 verse 4. 00:27:43.500 --> 00:27:44.340 And God 00:27:44.340 --> 00:27:44.920 said to me, 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:45.460 I am going 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.220 to make you 00:27:46.220 --> 00:27:47.019 fruitful and 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:47.660 increase your 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:48.200 numbers. 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.480 I will make 00:27:49.480 --> 00:27:49.779 you a 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.560 community of 00:27:50.560 --> 00:27:51.820 peoples and 00:27:51.820 --> 00:27:52.560 I will give 00:27:52.560 --> 00:27:53.380 this land 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:54.240 as a 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:55.740 everlasting 00:27:55.740 --> 00:27:57.060 possession 00:27:57.060 --> 00:27:58.519 to your 00:27:58.519 --> 00:27:59.040 descendants 00:27:59.040 --> 00:27:59.860 after you. 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:01.660 It was to 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:03.100 be everlasting, 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.560 not just for 00:28:04.560 --> 00:28:05.720 a time here 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.279 on earth. 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:07.759 The promised 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:09.900 land was 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.600 actually a 00:28:10.600 --> 00:28:11.440 foretaste 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:12.700 of a 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.279 future 00:28:13.279 --> 00:28:14.820 and eternal 00:28:14.820 --> 00:28:15.360 land. 00:28:15.580 --> 00:28:16.200 A land 00:28:16.200 --> 00:28:16.820 that's 00:28:16.820 --> 00:28:17.460 everlasting. 00:28:17.460 --> 00:28:17.660 everlasting, 00:28:18.079 --> 00:28:18.900 a forever 00:28:18.900 --> 00:28:20.259 home for 00:28:20.259 --> 00:28:20.720 God's 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:21.120 people. 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:23.519 Now let's 00:28:23.519 --> 00:28:24.140 go back to 00:28:24.140 --> 00:28:24.980 chapter 50. 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:27.880 So when 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:28.819 Joseph tells 00:28:28.819 --> 00:28:29.539 his brothers, 00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:31.819 God will 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.680 take you 00:28:32.680 --> 00:28:33.480 to the land 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:33.920 that he 00:28:33.920 --> 00:28:34.579 promised, 00:28:36.000 --> 00:28:36.539 he's saying 00:28:36.539 --> 00:28:36.940 to them, 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:38.019 it's not just 00:28:38.019 --> 00:28:38.579 about the 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.079 here and 00:28:39.079 --> 00:28:39.500 now, 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:41.279 it's something 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.240 future and 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.680 eternal. 00:28:42.680 --> 00:28:43.560 it's the 00:28:43.560 --> 00:28:44.060 land of 00:28:44.060 --> 00:28:44.480 God's 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:45.019 eternal 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.480 kingdom, 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:46.460 the new 00:28:46.460 --> 00:28:47.140 and better 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:47.640 Eden 00:28:47.640 --> 00:28:48.580 promised 00:28:48.580 --> 00:28:49.799 to all 00:28:49.799 --> 00:28:50.259 God's 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:50.660 people. 00:28:54.000 --> 00:28:54.900 Now to 00:28:54.900 --> 00:28:55.500 assure them 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:56.000 of what's 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.580 to come, 00:28:58.539 --> 00:28:59.340 Joseph makes 00:28:59.340 --> 00:28:59.759 a very 00:28:59.759 --> 00:29:00.660 strange 00:29:00.660 --> 00:29:01.960 request. 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:04.700 Verse 25, 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:08.920 And Joseph 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:09.720 made the 00:29:09.720 --> 00:29:10.259 Israelites, 00:29:10.440 --> 00:29:11.140 his brothers, 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:12.539 swear an 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:13.039 oath and 00:29:13.039 --> 00:29:13.480 said, 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:15.480 God will 00:29:15.480 --> 00:29:16.620 surely come 00:29:16.620 --> 00:29:17.100 to your 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:18.700 aid and 00:29:18.700 --> 00:29:19.259 then you 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:19.960 must carry 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:20.920 my bones 00:29:20.920 --> 00:29:21.559 up from 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.539 this place. 00:29:23.660 --> 00:29:24.440 What a 00:29:24.440 --> 00:29:25.080 strange 00:29:25.080 --> 00:29:25.759 request. 00:29:27.059 --> 00:29:27.759 Why the 00:29:27.759 --> 00:29:28.779 insistence 00:29:28.779 --> 00:29:30.000 that his 00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:30.559 brothers 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:31.980 would bring 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.980 his bones 00:29:32.980 --> 00:29:34.019 up to 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:34.220 the 00:29:34.220 --> 00:29:34.620 promised 00:29:34.620 --> 00:29:35.160 land. 00:29:36.440 --> 00:29:37.339 Why doesn't 00:29:37.339 --> 00:29:37.660 he just 00:29:37.660 --> 00:29:38.259 stay buried 00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:38.779 in Egypt? 00:29:39.900 --> 00:29:40.240 What 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:41.200 difference 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:41.640 would it 00:29:41.640 --> 00:29:42.500 make whether 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.039 his bones 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:43.620 stay in 00:29:43.620 --> 00:29:44.539 Egypt or 00:29:44.539 --> 00:29:44.980 whether they 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:45.360 go to 00:29:45.360 --> 00:29:45.860 the promised 00:29:45.860 --> 00:29:46.319 land? 00:29:47.460 --> 00:29:48.059 What's 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.660 the point? 00:29:50.440 --> 00:29:51.059 Well, 00:29:51.380 --> 00:29:52.160 it's not 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:52.380 going to 00:29:52.380 --> 00:29:52.860 make any 00:29:52.860 --> 00:29:53.559 difference, 00:29:54.279 --> 00:29:55.000 but it's 00:29:55.000 --> 00:29:55.680 symbolic. 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:57.299 You see, 00:29:57.400 --> 00:29:57.779 look at the 00:29:57.779 --> 00:29:58.680 language Joseph 00:29:58.680 --> 00:29:59.759 uses here in 00:29:59.759 --> 00:30:00.640 verse 24 00:30:00.640 --> 00:30:02.099 and 25. 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:03.960 verse 24, 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.259 God will 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.860 surely take 00:30:06.860 --> 00:30:07.720 you up 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:08.640 out of 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:09.360 this land. 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:11.039 And 00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:12.039 verse 25, 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:13.640 carry my 00:30:13.640 --> 00:30:14.900 bones up 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:15.940 from this 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.599 place. 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:18.360 You see, 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:18.759 it's the 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:19.660 language of 00:30:19.660 --> 00:30:20.839 resurrection. 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:23.000 Moving 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:23.960 Joseph's 00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:24.640 bones from 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:25.380 this land 00:30:25.380 --> 00:30:25.900 of Egypt 00:30:25.900 --> 00:30:26.720 up to 00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:27.339 the promised 00:30:27.339 --> 00:30:28.339 land is 00:30:28.339 --> 00:30:28.940 a picture 00:30:28.940 --> 00:30:29.799 of a 00:30:29.799 --> 00:30:30.400 resurrection 00:30:30.400 --> 00:30:31.240 to come. 00:30:31.839 --> 00:30:32.079 One 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:32.579 day, 00:30:34.299 --> 00:30:34.679 the 00:30:34.679 --> 00:30:34.980 risen 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:35.359 Lord 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:35.740 Jesus 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:36.059 will 00:30:36.059 --> 00:30:36.480 come 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.859 and 00:30:37.859 --> 00:30:38.119 he 00:30:38.119 --> 00:30:38.399 will 00:30:38.399 --> 00:30:38.799 take 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.099 you 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:39.439 up 00:30:39.439 --> 00:30:40.000 out 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:40.220 of 00:30:40.220 --> 00:30:40.579 your 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:41.339 grave 00:30:41.339 --> 00:30:42.240 and 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:42.480 he 00:30:42.480 --> 00:30:42.740 will 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:43.139 carry 00:30:43.139 --> 00:30:43.500 you 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:43.799 up 00:30:43.799 --> 00:30:44.319 out 00:30:44.319 --> 00:30:44.500 of 00:30:44.500 --> 00:30:44.819 this 00:30:44.819 --> 00:30:45.359 place 00:30:45.359 --> 00:30:45.980 to 00:30:45.980 --> 00:30:46.480 your 00:30:46.480 --> 00:30:47.220 forever 00:30:47.220 --> 00:30:48.419 eternal 00:30:48.419 --> 00:30:48.960 home. 00:30:50.639 --> 00:30:51.339 You see, 00:30:51.419 --> 00:30:51.720 if the 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:52.299 bones 00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:52.919 of a 00:30:52.919 --> 00:30:53.379 dead 00:30:53.379 --> 00:30:54.299 Joseph 00:30:54.299 --> 00:30:56.119 can 00:30:56.119 --> 00:30:56.480 give 00:30:56.480 --> 00:30:57.039 just a 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:57.439 glimmer 00:30:57.439 --> 00:30:58.119 of hope 00:30:58.119 --> 00:30:58.539 of what 00:30:58.539 --> 00:30:58.919 is to 00:30:58.919 --> 00:30:59.339 come, 00:30:59.339 --> 00:31:00.519 how much 00:31:00.519 --> 00:31:00.939 more 00:31:00.939 --> 00:31:01.339 then 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:01.859 does 00:31:01.859 --> 00:31:02.059 the 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:02.519 empty 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:03.079 tomb 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:03.679 where 00:31:03.679 --> 00:31:03.939 a 00:31:03.939 --> 00:31:04.339 dead 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:05.119 Jesus 00:31:05.119 --> 00:31:05.779 was 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:06.279 laid 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:07.199 make 00:31:07.199 --> 00:31:07.439 to 00:31:07.439 --> 00:31:07.720 us 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:08.220 today? 00:31:09.740 --> 00:31:10.699 You see, 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.119 we are 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:11.699 buried, 00:31:11.879 --> 00:31:12.259 aren't we, 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.699 when we 00:31:12.699 --> 00:31:13.099 die? 00:31:14.559 --> 00:31:14.899 Not 00:31:14.899 --> 00:31:15.439 just to 00:31:15.439 --> 00:31:15.659 be 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:16.299 remembered, 00:31:17.339 --> 00:31:17.740 but 00:31:17.740 --> 00:31:18.319 God's 00:31:18.319 --> 00:31:18.919 people are 00:31:18.919 --> 00:31:19.299 buried 00:31:19.299 --> 00:31:20.199 in the 00:31:20.199 --> 00:31:20.899 sure and 00:31:20.899 --> 00:31:21.279 certain 00:31:21.279 --> 00:31:21.759 hope 00:31:21.759 --> 00:31:22.659 that one 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.039 day 00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:23.559 the 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:23.939 risen 00:31:23.939 --> 00:31:24.339 Lord 00:31:24.339 --> 00:31:24.759 Jesus 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.079 will 00:31:25.079 --> 00:31:25.399 come 00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:25.799 again 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:26.319 and 00:31:26.319 --> 00:31:26.599 we 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:26.859 will 00:31:26.859 --> 00:31:27.079 be 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:27.519 raised 00:31:27.519 --> 00:31:27.799 with 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.119 him 00:31:28.119 --> 00:31:28.659 and 00:31:28.659 --> 00:31:28.959 we 00:31:28.959 --> 00:31:29.179 will 00:31:29.179 --> 00:31:29.399 be 00:31:29.399 --> 00:31:29.699 given 00:31:29.699 --> 00:31:30.219 new 00:31:30.219 --> 00:31:30.779 bodies 00:31:30.779 --> 00:31:31.319 for 00:31:31.319 --> 00:31:31.659 our 00:31:31.659 --> 00:31:32.379 everlasting 00:31:32.379 --> 00:31:33.279 future 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:33.719 home. 00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:39.199 Just 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:39.519 as 00:31:39.519 --> 00:31:40.240 Joseph's 00:31:40.240 --> 00:31:40.579 bones 00:31:40.579 --> 00:31:40.859 were 00:31:40.859 --> 00:31:41.439 carried 00:31:41.439 --> 00:31:41.979 up, 00:31:42.939 --> 00:31:43.299 well you 00:31:43.299 --> 00:31:43.759 can check 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:44.199 out the 00:31:44.199 --> 00:31:44.559 rest of 00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.240 that story 00:31:45.240 --> 00:31:45.939 in Joshua 00:31:45.939 --> 00:31:46.459 and see 00:31:46.459 --> 00:31:46.679 what 00:31:46.679 --> 00:31:47.099 happened, 00:31:48.019 --> 00:31:49.279 so we 00:31:49.279 --> 00:31:49.799 can be 00:31:49.799 --> 00:31:50.399 sure 00:31:50.399 --> 00:31:52.059 of God's 00:31:52.059 --> 00:31:52.639 promise 00:31:52.639 --> 00:31:53.539 of salvation. 00:31:54.159 --> 00:31:55.019 It is 00:31:55.019 --> 00:31:55.679 guaranteed 00:31:55.680 --> 00:31:56.360 and it 00:31:56.360 --> 00:31:56.580 is 00:31:56.580 --> 00:31:57.060 assured. 00:31:59.340 --> 00:32:00.240 So here 00:32:00.240 --> 00:32:00.720 we have 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.039 it, 00:32:01.779 --> 00:32:02.620 we come 00:32:02.620 --> 00:32:03.000 to the 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:03.420 end of 00:32:03.420 --> 00:32:03.880 Genesis, 00:32:05.539 --> 00:32:06.019 comforting 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:07.000 words, 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:08.539 not just 00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:08.920 for the 00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:09.320 brothers, 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:11.160 but for 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:11.720 us. 00:32:12.900 --> 00:32:13.440 As we 00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.039 make our 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:14.580 journey 00:32:14.580 --> 00:32:15.480 forward, 00:32:15.920 --> 00:32:16.420 let us 00:32:16.420 --> 00:32:17.240 remember that 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:18.000 our past 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:19.200 sins are 00:32:19.200 --> 00:32:20.120 all forgiven. 00:32:21.400 --> 00:32:21.720 Our 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:22.200 present 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:22.840 suffering 00:32:22.840 --> 00:32:24.080 is not 00:32:24.080 --> 00:32:24.779 wasted. 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:26.299 Our 00:32:26.299 --> 00:32:26.860 future 00:32:26.860 --> 00:32:27.620 salvation 00:32:27.620 --> 00:32:28.920 is sure 00:32:28.920 --> 00:32:29.900 and certain, 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:30.900 comforting 00:32:30.900 --> 00:32:32.140 words that 00:32:32.140 --> 00:32:32.779 God's 00:32:32.779 --> 00:32:34.299 people will 00:32:34.299 --> 00:32:35.519 make it. 00:32:36.580 --> 00:32:37.120 God 00:32:37.120 --> 00:32:38.180 will ensure 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:38.980 that we 00:32:38.980 --> 00:32:39.759 get to the 00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:40.340 ultimate 00:32:40.340 --> 00:32:41.799 promised land, 00:32:42.840 --> 00:32:43.580 the new 00:32:43.580 --> 00:32:44.779 and better 00:32:44.779 --> 00:32:45.299 Eden. 00:32:47.060 --> 00:32:47.519 Thank 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:48.100 God 00:32:48.100 --> 00:32:49.620 for his 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.220 promise. 00:32:51.360 --> 00:32:52.620 Thank God 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:53.079 for his 00:32:53.679 --> 00:32:53.879 providence 00:32:53.879 --> 00:32:56.099 and thank 00:32:56.099 --> 00:32:56.459 God 00:32:56.459 --> 00:32:56.939 for his 00:32:56.939 --> 00:32:57.459 provision. 00:32:58.619 --> 00:32:59.279 Let's 00:32:59.279 --> 00:32:59.519 pray. 00:32:59.519 --> 00:33:29.500 Thank you.