Jan 27: Gen 44, 45 | Psa 49 | Rom 1, 2

Reading 1 - Gen 44; 45

"The record of Joseph provides wonderful portrayals of the work of our Master. In Gen 44 and 45 he adopts further methods for the reconciliation of his brethren: in this he is a type of the ultimate redemption of natural Israel, at the return of the Lord.

"The drama of the situation is the way in which Joseph acts with superb understanding and careful examination. He sought to discover whether Benjamin would be delivered because of the envy of the brethren, as he himself had been -- or had they redeemed their consciences? Joseph's test determines the answer! The brethren failed to recognize their brother in the imperious ruler of Egypt (as do Jewry of the Lord Jesus), dressed in his resplendent robes of authority (as the Lord Jesus is in immortality). Ultimately Joseph manifested himself plainly to his family -- as the Lord Jesus will reveal the signs in his hands (Zec 13:6). When he declared: 'Come near to me' (Gen 45:4), he anticipates the message of Christ (Mat 11:28; Eph 2:13) which will be offered to Israel in the future" (GEM).

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Mat 11:28).

Reading 2 - Psa 49:20

"A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish" (Psa 49:20).

Ignorance is an obvious characteristic of beasts (Psa 73:22), as is sensuality (Tit 1:12; 2Pe 2:12). Those believers who turned away from Christ and back to the Law of Moses are called "dogs" by Paul (Phi 3:2)!

And like the beasts they perish! This verse recalls Nebuchadnezzar, and his behavior and his judgment from God -- to be made like the beasts of the field for seven years (Dan 4). This verse and the Nebuchadnezzar incident provide the script