Magazine for September 2011
JOSEPH – more than a coloured coat
As I write this article, I sit in a field, with mud splattered up to my knees, soggy hair, damp clothes and insects buzzing all around – but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m sitting in our marquee at the Royal Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, at Week B of the Soul Survivor 2011 gathering – having a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoying good food, good fellowship and great opportunities to grow closer to God. Though we’d really like to bring lots more people along next year, it’s been a good chance for us as a small group to get to know one another better. So far, we’ve eaten together, been to some excellent main meetings together, and wound down together at the end of each busy day. This year’s morning meetings have focused on the Old Testament story of Joseph.
We’ve thought about how
Joseph shows us so much of who Jesus is:
How Joseph shows us Jesus’ love, grace and mercy.
How Joseph shows us Jesus’ faithfulness and compassion.
How Joseph shows us the presence of Jesus’ strength and love through suffering, and the plan of God through life.
Jesus is hidden within so many Old Testament stories and in particular within the story of Joseph. (Genesis Chapters 37-50)
Like Jesus, Joseph is his Father’s favourite . (Gen 37:3)
Like Jesus, Joseph is disliked because he hears the voice of God and proclaims it in the land. (Gen 37:8)
Like Jesus, Joseph is persecuted, and treated like a slave. (Gen 37:28)
Like Jesus, Joseph resists temptation. (Gen 39:8)
Like Jesus, Joseph is punished with two other men alongside him. (Gen 40:3)
Like Jesus, Joseph is not helped by one of those men, but the other believes in him. Gen 41:12)
Like Jesus, Joseph prophesies and what he says will come to pass. (Gen 41:53)
Like Jesus, Joseph becomes the right hand man of the King. (Gen 41:41)
Like Jesus, Joseph shows mercy and love to his brothers who betrayed him. (Gen 45:4)
Like Jesus, Joseph in a time of suffering remains focused on God the Father. (Gen 39:20)
Like Jesus, Joseph feeds those who are hungry. (Gen 45:11, 47:12)
Like Jesus, Joseph welcomes back with open arms those who return to him. (Gen 45:14)
Jesus is hidden in the story of Joseph, the same Jesus who cries out to us today to return to him, to embrace him, to accept his offer of love, forgiveness and grace. I wonder what it is that we can learn from the Jesus hidden in the Old Testament as well as the Jesus revealed in the New? Perhaps that through it all he is there; that through our lives when he seems missing, all we need do is look more closely to find him.
Our God in heaven says we are his favourite. (Jer 31:3, Zeph 3:17)
Our God teaches us that we are likely to be disliked when we proclaim the word of God in this land. (Psalm 22:7-8)
Our God tells us that when we follow Jesus we will face persecution. (2 Tim 3:12)
Our God tells us to resist temptation. (1 Pet 3:11, Luke 22:40)
Our God tells us we deserve to be punished for our sin, but Jesus has paid the price. (John 3:16)
Our God tells us that many will ignore the Word of God, but that some will believe. (Matt 13:1-9)
Our God tells us that he will be with us to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:20)
Our God tells us that we will stand in heaven before the His throne. (Rev 7:15)
Our God shows us love and mercy no matter how many times we betray him. (James 2:13)
Our God shows us how to remain faithful to Him in times of suffering. (1 Cor 4:12)
Our God calls us to feed those who are hungry. (Matt 25:35-40, Isa 58:6-7)
Our God welcomes us back to himself, every time we turn to Him, with His arms wide open Luke 15:20)
And so, I look forward to another mud filled, soggy, damp and ‘insectful’ day tomorrow, and I’m already starting the count down for next year!! The Soul Survivor week we’ll be attending next year will be 7th -11thAugust 2012. Put it in your diary, or book a place today – and do encourage any young person you know (12+ years) to join us – it’s a fantastic opportunity!
Gemma Willis (Youth Pastor) Tel/Text: 07779 407832