Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1913-06-05

Irhugnt WIN greater dramatic inter-
est than that which is presented to-
day. Let US get the setting of the pic
ture. An opulent oriental court; that
man who next to Pharaoh exercised
more power than any congress or as
sembly, and into whose hands had
been placed the destinies Of king
dom by earthly power and the out
working of the plan of redemption
by divine power. Servants. power.
resources. all at Joseph's command.
Before him his brothers who long ago
gave him up as being dead Out
side great calamity resting upon the
people, and none prepared to meet 1t
except these of Egypt whose provi-
sion was the result of the work OF
this man Of God. Il. Tim. 4:S). Be-
fore this man, as humble supplicants.
we see those who .sentreated him de-
spitefully." Judah's speech was
revelation to Joseph, 1t satisfied him,
and what need. therefore, for further
delay In revealing himself In hts true
character?
Saving Love.
I. Revelation, w. f-3.-Exciuding
all from his presence, saving his broth
ers, Joseph gave full vent to hts Joy
, and rejoicing. Il am Joseph; doth
my father yet liver" Their astonish-
ment was SO great as to leave them
speechless, and again haunting memo
ries condemn them to fear and fore
boding for they were troubled In his
presence" We have here beautiful
picture of forgiveness and saving love.
The exaltation of Jesus was to
give repentance to Israel through the
forgiveness OF sins. Acts 5:31. Even
so did Joseph bring repentance to his
brothers and forgiveness OF their
wrongs toward him % years before.
Joseph's severe dealings with his
brothers aroused them to full recog-
milton of their evil deeds and pre-
pared them to receive his pardon and
forgiveness.
But the cup is full, no longer can
he restrain himself, and with load
voice, so loud that it could be heard
without, he cried Il am Joseph"
Small wonder that at such a procla-
nation by him whom they had so
grievously wounded, they were trou-
bled.' So shall 1t be when the breth-
rem of Jesus shall look upon him
whom they have pierced" Zech. IL:
10.
II. Reconciliation, w. 48.-The
greatness OF Joseph Is here revealed
In a clear, true light. He interprets
to his brothers their own actions with
all that God has involved In 1t, which
must have been great surprise to
his brothers. Joseph does not wait
for them to fall at his feet and sue
for mercy, but seeks to allay their
fears, Come near to me ] pray you"
These who by their wicked works
were rightfuliy alienated from him
are invited to draw nigh, Col 1:21
and Matt. 11:28.
yJoseph's Grace.
Joseph was as one who was dead
and out of that came life for those of
his own family as we'll as those out
side. Even 80 God has brought life to
many out of the death of Jesus, work
ing salvation for all out of the most
colossal and infamous crime ever per-
Detrated-the cricifxion. Joseph was
sent" ". y, to save those very ones
John 1:1D. 1t was great deliver
ence." see Heb. 2:3 Here, again, we
see Joseph's intimate relations with
God, 1T was not you that sent me hith.
er. but God" That is the right way
to look at life, Rom. 1928.
III. Proclamation, w. 9-15.-The
news of this meeting came to Pha-
raoh, w. 2, 16, with the result that
he commanded Jacob and all of his
household to be brought into Egypt.
Having received good things them
selves, they are commanded to go
with haste, and tell others, Matt. 1877.
The first call is always come" ". A.,
and that Is always followed by the
command Of to go" tv. 81. Joseph
was not ashamed of his old father and
his brothers in, the days of his pros
perity, and added that when they
should dwell in Egypt they were to
be near unto me-" see Phil 1:23.
John 1873. When the brothers reached
Jacob and told him that Joseph was
alive and exalted in Egypt he could
not believe them, and his heart faint
ed. Can we be surprised? Yet con
yiction was at hand in the shape OF
the wagons laden with the rich spoil-l
OF Egypt, w II. 81, 2s. Again God
appears to Jacob, 1872, 8, and adds the
assurance of his own word.
Lessons of the Iesson.-The great.
ness of Josept's character is revealed
in the hour of the fulfillment of his
dreams-tears, not vindictiyeness,
manifest the condition of his heart.
Jacob recognizes Gods great plan,
and that its outcome is an evident
blessing for others as well as for hin1%i
self There is no evidence Of pride |
as Joseph interprets Gods dealings |
God has made abundant provision for |
us In Christ This lesson is the re- |
verse of the usual order in that the |
lesson illustrates the golden text rath- i