Title: Inside the Prison
Contents
I read the newspaper yesterday, and there were articles for and against abortion. Proponents of abortion argue that abortion is a woman's right. In the future, these things will happen more and more as the times deteriorate. In this case, how should we look at the problem? I hope that we can see the event not from the perspective of the culture of the time, but from God's standard and from the Bible's standard.
What was the most decisive reason Joseph was able to overcome temptation/temptation? It is because God was with us. Sin cannot be overcome alone. Only with God and with the grace of the Lord can we overcome sin.
Joseph survived temptation and temptation, but at what cost? Just as blessings do not come from overcoming temptation, believing in Jesus does not always lead to success. But when he went to jail, something completely unexpected happened. The two chief rulers who had been Pharaoh's attendants were brought into the prison where Joseph was. It's no coincidence. It was God's providence and plan. Did Joseph know at the time that God had such a plan? Of course I didn't know. So are we. Even if I am in a difficult and difficult time right now, we do not know what is planned for tomorrow. But at this time, what should we believe and hold on to? You must believe that there is always a God behind the situation. If I only believe in this fact, in the end, that suffering will be a blessing to me.
The will of the Lord is that we be well. It is to bless us. Therefore, even if the current situation does not make sense, I bless you to believe that the Lord is behind me.
How did Joseph live in prison? Joseph's lifestyle was service. We wish that our lifestyle is also serving. Please remember that serving is also a habit.
Also, what are the characteristics of God's man? They are service-oriented, not power-oriented. In order to have a sense of service, you must have a sense of stewardship. Today, what we Christians need is a sense of stewardship rather than a sense of ownership.
Also, as we can see here, Joseph did not have enough wealth or enough money to help others. They were the same prisoners. On the contrary, prison life was worse than those of them. Still, it is to cherish them. True service is not something I do because I can, but to serve and bless others regardless of it. It's not because I have something. It's not that I'm healthy to serve. I do it even though I am sick, and I am in need, but helping others is true service and service.
A characteristic of Joseph is his sensitivity. Joseph had eyes to see the moods and circumstances of those he dealt with. You must have these eyes to serve. I don't even know if it's my wife's birthday today, and I hope you don't go to work in the morning without saying a word and then bravely go home empty-handed. The reason why this is important is that God does not entrust big things to people who do not know how to look around them.
But after interpreting the dream, Joseph asks the chief of the winery. So-called, not like Joseph, I beg you. Why did you ask? This is not flattering or crouching. Joseph asked for this because he knew and believed that God is accomplishing God's work through people. So I asked for help.
Also, you need to be able to manage the meeting well. Good meeting, blessed meeting
Therefore, it should be nurtured into meaningful encounters and purposeful meetings. There is an existence that is absolutely necessary to make a good meeting. When God is absent, humans take advantage of each other.
In the end, according to Joseph's interpretation of the dream, the chief of the rice cakes was killed, and the chief of the brewery was restored to his post. Then, we must rescue Joseph quickly, but what happened? As circumstances changed, I completely forgot that grace. The so-called, only betrayal. But the important thing is that although man may forget, God never forgets. God never gives up on us. So, don't get discouraged and don't get discouraged just because things don't work. When the time is right, God will exalt you
How long have you been forgotten in prison? It was only two years. The next two years in prison were Joseph's last trial period. If you count, you were sold into slavery at the age of 17, and you spent 11 years in Potiphar's house and 2 years in prison, a total of 13 years.
The most severe training in Joseph's life was the training of waiting. What we need to remember here is that the more valuable the person God uses, the longer they will be trained to wait. Also, you can see that those who wait patiently until the end will be given another chance to those who are faithful.
In the name of the Lord, I pray that the same encounter, blessing, and new opportunity that came to Joseph will come to us as well.