Day 21: Moses Predicts the Kingdom

The prophets predicted the regathering of Israel, but long before that, Moses addressed Israel before they entered Canaan. He told them what would happen if they didn’t follow God’s commands, and what would happen when they repented: “And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors” (Deuteronomy 30:2-5).

God made this amazing promise very early in the life of Israel. Even more amazing is the story of Joseph, which symbolically portrays the life of Jesus the Messiah.

Joseph’s life has two parts. A young Joseph shared his dreams with his father, Jacob, and his brothers. In each dream, Joseph’s family members were bowing down to him. Because of his dreams and his father’s favor, his brothers hated Joseph and threw him into a pit—metaphorically killing him.

It’s easy to see parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Jesus preached that the kingdom was at hand, and He was its King. Because of this, people hated him and had him killed. He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, promising to return.

Joseph goes from the pit to slavery to prison! But God helps him: “The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did” (Genesis 39:23). Soon after, Joseph helps Pharaoh, becomes a ruler in Egypt, and ends up saving his starving family. When he reveals himself to his brothers, they are terrified because of how they treated him. However, Joseph forgives them, and moves them to the best part of Egypt, the land where he reigns.

When Jesus returns to the earth, His Jewish brothers will also be ashamed of their treatment of Him—not only by killing him, but also by rejecting His claim to be the Messiah. Even so, He will forgive them, ruling over them—and everyone else—in peace and prosperity.

What a time that will be! Israel, as God’s chosen people, and Jesus’ followers will be partners in God’s ultimate kingdom under the rule of the Messiah. Come, Lord Jesus!

Reflection

It’s interesting to think about how God planned out Joseph’s life. He knew that those dreams would put Joseph in that pit. God knew they’d sell him and he’d end up in Egypt, and God had a plan. However, it just looks crazy! Imagine how Joseph must have felt in every step of the way, and Joseph held fast to Him in every situation. That takes faith. Journal about a “Joseph time” you have experienced.

Our God is truly the God of the Big Picture. He used Joseph to turn things around, placing His chosen people in a good land, faithfully performing His promises to them. In the end, they are perfectly positioned when He confronts the hundreds of Egyptian gods through Moses’ ministry hundreds of years later! From there, they begin their journey to take the land He had for them. How do you see God’s Big Picture in your own life and that of your family?