Joseph & Jesus

Good morning!

On Sunday I mentioned that we will be starting a new sermon series on the life of Joseph that I have titled “Not Your Average Joe.”  The story of the life of Joseph is one of the longer ones that we have in the Bible – it takes up the last quarter of the book of Genesis!  One of my goals throughout this series is to look at how the life of Joseph points us to Jesus.

Although Joseph is one of the more prominent Christological Types that we find in the Old Testament.  A Christological Type is someone (or something) in the O.T. that foreshadows Jesus Christ in the New Testament.  Although scholars are forever debating what qualifies as a type, most agree that the parallels between the life of Joseph and the life of Jesus are so many and so clear that Joseph is a type of Christ.

Besides Joseph, the other prominent types of Christ that we find in the Old Testament include Adam, Moses, and David.  Adam was, of course, the first man.  Jesus is called the “second Adam” in Romans 5.  Adam brought sin and death into the world.  Jesus brings forgiveness for that sin and eternal life into the world. 

Moses led Israel out of slavery (physical bondage) and delivered God’s law.  Jesus leads people out of spiritual slavery or bondage to their sin and fulfills God’s law.  Both act as mediators between God and people.

David was the ideal king of Israel.  He was a shepherd who was chosen by God to rule and lead His people.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd who rules and leads His people.  Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of what it means to be a King.

There are other people that we read about in the O.T. that many people consider types.  Jonah’s 3 days spent in the belly of the great fish, which to points Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Issac was nearly sacrificed by his father Abraham, which foreshadows Jesus being sacrificed on the cross.  Boaz acted as kinsman-redeemer in the story of Ruth, which points us to Jesus being our Redeemer.

Types don’t necessarily have to be people.  The whole tabernacle (later the temple) and the sacrificial system points to the need for a Savior.  Noah’s ark foreshadows God saving us from His wrath and judgement.  The Passover lamb, Jacob’s ladder, manna from heaven, the bronze snake, the temple veil, and even the Sabbath all point us to Jesus!  And there are many more types than these.

After spending nearly a year in the New Testament, it will be good to return to the Old Testament and be reminded of the wonder that is God’s Word.  I am constantly amazed at how 66 books written over roughly 1,500 years by 4o different authors (and in three different languages) all work together to present one unified message – God’s plan for the redemption of man! 

Here’s what’s happening:

1.  TONIGHT – Youth Group and Quilt Knotting at 6:30 pm at the church.

2.  SATURDAY – Celebration of Life Service for Henry King at Keystone Church.  Visitation from 2 -3 pm with the service beginning at 3.

3.  SUNDAY – Double Nickels

4.  Saturday, April 18 – Spring Clean Up at the church starting at around 9 am.  We have a “job board” posted in the lobby.  Please check it out and sign up for what you are able/willing to do.  Lunch will be provided!

5.  Sunday, April 19 – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.

6.  Thursday, April 23 – Youth Group at 6:30 pm. Note – there will NOT be Quilt Knotting this evening.

7.  June 14 – Cruise for Christ Car Show.  The details for this outreach event are starting to come together.  We are inviting folks to come to the worship service at 10 am and then stay to check out the cars at 11:30 am.  Lunch will be provided!  Check out the flyer in the lobby for more details.

8.  July 6-10 – VBS from 6:30 t0 8:30 each evening. Theme is the Romans Road to Salvation.

On Sunday we’ll begin the sermon series by looking at Genesis 37:2-11.  The home of Jacob is a mess, with both his wives and children competing for his attention and love.  We’ll look at how Jacob’s sin of favoritism sent his family down a dark path and will be reminded of the wonderful truth that God does not play favorites!