GENESIS 37 TWENTY PIECES OF SILVER As my mind followed the family of Jacob that was growing into a full-fledged tribe recognized by other tribes around, I noticed that Jacob stayed to live in the land where his father Isaac was a stranger. Now he was recognized as one of the permanent tribal leaders of that area. The possession of large flocks and herds made it necessary for Jacob's sons and herdsmen to go farther a field to find suitable feed for the animals they owned. The "stranger and pilgrim" character of those who belong to God can soon be lost when we set our hearts upon success and material gain. When we start to measure the worth of a person by their possessions, then we have lost the identity we had as citizens of another kingdom. To be separated unto God is not just some ethereal claim but is a position to be lived in day by day.
The entrance of Joseph into the forefront of the on-going saga of Jacob and his sons, introduces probably the best type in the Old Testament of the Son of God who came "in the fullness of time." The garment of royalty and beauty that he wore would have made it clear to all of the other sons as well as the people around, that Joseph had a special place in the heart of his father and in the future of them all. His prophetic words and dreams, his obedience to his father, his awareness of evil in others - all made him to be an object of jealousy and hatred by others in the family. There are times when we must speak out in spite of what people may say or think. Evil and sin must be faced. If it is left unheeded, that "little leaven will leaven the whole lump." When prophecies are given as warnings of future judgment, we cannot expect people to like, or even agree with, the truth of Bible prophecies if they do not even read the Bible. We do not have the right to remain silent, because as watchmen on a wall looking out for a city, we must give warnings in advance. Hopefully, some will pay attention and prepare for the future.
Many who hear the message of the Gospel, will reject the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only Redeemer and they will have to come to Him and bow before Him. He alone is Lord and they will bow before Him gladly or sadly. The conspiracy against the Lord Jesus is gaining momentum in this nation in every quarter. In the executive branch of our government there is compromise made with non-Christian leaders on the basis of not wanting to offend those of Islam or other religions who are outspoken enemies of our nation. In the legislative branch of our government, there is a determination to separate "church and state" claiming that is what the founding fathers intended. Ofcourse it is plain that what the founding fathers had in mind was that there would not be a national "state church" such as was in England. In the judicial branch of our government, there are more and more challenges being laid against Christians and Christianity in the courts. Atheism and other religions seem to be making a concerted effort to keep Christianity from spreading. In families, schools and businesses people are turning away from the fundamentals of law and faith that formed the foundation of this nation. For "twenty pieces of silver," truth is being sold.
When Joseph was totally rejected by his brothers and the pieces of silver stained their way into the consciences of those jealous men, there was a whole new time and way of God's dealings with the tribe of Israel. To reject Joseph, even though he was despised, was to reject God. To reject Jesus is to reject God. The brothers thought they were rid of the sharp thorns of truth in their midst. But they didn't realize until they had acted out their rejection that there is the burning of conscience and guilt that cannot be taken away by twenty pieces of silver.
It is true in our day that "Our Lord is now rejected, and by the world disowned." But there is still the pricking of conscience when people turn their backs on righteousness, truth and God. Those who were closest to the Source of Life and Truth by being sanctified by believing parents, spouses or siblings, strive to remove the claims of God on them by sometimes going farther into sin then would ever be expected. Some have made huge financial successes of themselves, but their personal lives are in shambles. Others watch their own children go farther into sin then they have and they must wonder at the losses incurred by "twenty pieces of silver."
In Egypt, unknown by his brethren, God was using His chosen vessel to work out His will. With intelligence and integrity intact, Joseph went into servitude in a worldly and sophisticated society. He would have to learn a new language and cultivate a new culture. His spiritual training and background would be put to the test. It is not unexpected when those who have been brought up to measure worth by higher standards than pieces of silver, to stand out among a godless society as people that can be trusted. God does not abandon His own people when they are in difficult circumstances.
How dark and despairing to measure one's worth In terms of silver or gold. That denigrates a person's value and truth To some trivial trinket to hold In the hand of some bitter person or persons Who has not considered what God says - One of the things Christ taught was a plain lesson- One person is worth more than the world.
There may be perceived reason to hold in contempt One who is different than me. But that would never justify an attempt That I their downfall would see. They may not see things as I see them - They have a different point of view. It is wrong for me to try to place some blame - I must always falsehood eschew.
I cannot see things clearly as yet - My eyes are hindered by my flesh. There are some events in life I cannot "get." But through them God is able to bless Many more than me for He sees ahead - The future is like the present to Him. It is up to me to be Holy Spirit led - And trust Him to be honored in them.
I may find myself often misunderstood, But that shouldn't be surprising to me. When Jesus was here many never knew Him as Lord - They couldn't conceive nor see How God could be found in flesh as a man - They thought God would come as a conquering king - The truth that the Lord Jesus was the great I AM - They wouldn't allow their thoughts to bring.
Like Joseph of old, who was despised and rejected - The Lord Jesus is despis'ed still. Many today who know of Him have neglected To honor Him and will continue to until The Lord is revealed to the world as Savior - The One that was sold for money. When that time comes there will be a changed behavior - But of real fruit, they will not have any.
Joseph was hated, so was the Lord, He was despised, Jesus was too. Joseph was rejected, so was the Living Word - The results at the time no one knew. Both were sold for silver, the price of a slave - Both were sent by God into the world. Both gave their lives that others might have Salvation more precious than silver and gold.
"Father, I pray today that I will never lose sight of the cost it meant to Thee to give Thy Son for me. May I never in any way do anything that would lessen the value that Thou dost see in Thy Son. The cost of redemption can never be compared with money or any other thing. The precious blood of Christ stands alone as something that is beyond comparison. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."