The story of Joseph is one of the most comparable shadows of Christ in the Old Testament. If you haven't taken time to saunter through and feast on the similarities, I bid you to do so this weekend. You will be blessed! In Joseph’s journey, we discover the importance of presence, proximity, and provision, which is God’s way.
I am not sure we notice this place of grace. Often, we can be so busy with life happening to us and around us that we don't relish that it is the Life Who has called us to Himself and caused us to dwell—and indeed dwell well.
“You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have.
There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.” Genesis 45:10-11.
I want us to consider verse 11 and how poverty is associated with distance from the Source. Don't miss that. It's not that we are far from God, but often we don't realize where we are! We don't realize Who we have! We don't esteem the work as of value for our daily lives. Yes, we consider the work of Jesus as salvation from hell; yet He is much more! He saves us daily in this life–if we allow Him. The question is, will we?
In verse 11 notice it is “there” in Goshen, which means nearness, provision is found. I love this and as I soaked further in this verse I realized when we enjoy our nearness to God, we grow in grace coming to realize it’s not the things or a change in our lives externally but that the provision is Him, which changes us internally.
As I continued to venture in the word, I was led to meditate on the Lamb, and this verse came to mind👉🏾 “And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb.” Exodus 12:4.
I smile because, God’s provision is always greater than our need, however we often miss that our greatest need in every situation is Him. “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30.
I was so thrilled in my quiet time with the Lord because He led me here👉🏾“Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:8.
I hope your heart is thrilled like mine. In this passage of Scripture, we see God pointing through Abraham to the Sacrifice to come–His Son, the Son of His love. It was here that something clicked once again, demonstrating that provision always begins with Him.
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“He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”Genesis 22:2.
It’s all about Jesus!! I can't say it enough. Look at the language in Genesis 22:2, which is reminiscent of, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. And, 👉🏾 “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”1 John 4:10.
Oh friends, we have been amply supplied for. If we have not its because we don't see Him as our portion.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24.
When we do—we will see that no matter what the situation Jesus is enough!
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32.
Finally, remember, blessings come in nearness to God❥
“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” Psalm 65:4.
Meditation❥
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6
Journal Prompts: "Goshen… “There is your provision”
*Boldface and Italics within the Bible Verses, Mine
Goshen Journal Prompts
Drawing Near to God
❥Reflection on Goshen:
❦Reflect on a time in your life when you felt particularly close to God. How did His provision manifest in your life during that period?
❦What does the land of Goshen symbolize for you personally in terms of God's provision and nearness?
❥God's Provision:
❦How do you see God providing for your needs today? Write about specific instances where you felt God's provision, whether it was material, emotional, or spiritual.
❦In what areas of your life are you currently seeking God's provision? How can you draw nearer to Him in these areas?
Jesus as the Ultimate Provision
❥Meditating on the Lamb:
❦How does the concept of Jesus being the Lamb of God shape your understanding of God's provision for you?
❦Reflect on Exodus 12:4 and Genesis 22:8. How do these scriptures deepen your appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice?
❥Recognizing Jesus in Every Situation:
❦Consider a challenging situation you're facing. How can you see Jesus as sufficient and enough in this circumstance?
❦Write about a time when you felt that Jesus was not only your provision but your greatest need. How did that realization change your perspective?
Trusting in God's Provision
❥Seeing Jesus as Our Portion:
❦Reflect on Romans 8:32 and Lamentations 3:24. How do these verses encourage you to trust in God's provision?
❦Write a prayer or meditation asking God to help you see Him as your portion and to trust in His provision, especially during difficult times.
❥Scriptural Connections:
❦How do the stories of Joseph, Abraham, and Jesus' sacrifice connect and reinforce the message of God's provision?
❦Reflect on how God’s provision in these biblical stories has inspired your faith and trust in Him. Write about how you can apply these lessons to your current life circumstances.
Personal Application
❥Applying the Message:
❦What practical steps can you take to draw nearer to God and recognize His provision in your daily life?
❦How can you share the message of God's provision and nearness with others who might be struggling to see it in their own lives?
❥Thankfulness and Praise:
❦Write a list of things you are thankful for that demonstrate God's provision in your life.
❦Spend time in prayer, thanking God for His provision and asking Him to continue to reveal Himself as your ultimate provider and portion.
Use these prompts to dive deeper into the message of God's provision and His presence in your life. Let them guide you in recognizing Jesus as your ultimate source of all that you need.
Happy Weekend🫶🏾
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