Daily Bread - FEB/17/07

Acts 7:9-10 - "And the patriarchs being jealous gave Joseph over to Egypt but God was with him. And He delivered him from all his tribulation and gave him grace and wisdom before Pharaoh the king of Egypt and appointed him leader over Egypt and his whole household."

Steven was comparing Jesus to Joseph in his address to the Sanhedrin. He draws out the comparison of how Joseph was rejected by his brethren even as Jesus was rejected by them. Just as Joseph was ultimately exalted to the highest position in the land, Jesus also was exalted above all things.

At times, we too may suffer wrongfully, but we may have the same assurance that our God will deliver us out of all our tribulations. The Greek word "thlipis" (tribulation) refers to distress that is brought about by outward circumstances (trouble). However, God will always come to our aid (parakaleo) in all our trouble, 2 Corinthians 1:4.

And just as the trouble that came to Joseph brought about the act of God's deliverance and promotion, the same promise is extended to us today in 2 Corinthians 4:17, "For our light trouble which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding eternal load of glory." To many of the Sanhedrin, it appeared that the life of Jesus had ended in total defeat and abandonment. However, Steven knew that what looked like defeat resulted in Christ Jesus being exalted to the right hand of the Father.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
abidingplace.org