The events happened 25 centuries ago but it is still fresh today. It is just as though it was baked just this morning. There are seven salvation similarities.

1 – The principle of God’s compassion

There is no sin that God’s compassion cannot forgive. Joseph reveals himself – “I am Joseph”. He had been giving them a hard time. He speaks roughly and accuses them of being spies and weeps. God gives us problems for our sake. To live a life of ease is the life of the hell-bound sinner. God has pain as we have pain. Are you having troubles? That is the silken cord that God is using to bring you to himself. God loves you! There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

2 – The principle of conviction

No one is truly saved without the conviction of sin (vs. 3). Joseph’s brothers’ were stunned by the fact that Joseph was still alive. They were in the hands of Joseph who could have them killed. There is not enough fear today among Christians for their sin. Without conviction there is not salvation. Have you said “God be merciful to me a sinner”? Joining a church is not joining a country club.

3 – The principle of conversion (vs. 4-8)

We must yield to his lordship. God sent Joseph to be a saviour. We are saved by grace. God had a purpose although the brothers meant it for evil. Calvary was a great tragedy for man but a great victory for God. It is by grace through faith. He says “Come to me” and they came to him. He has a plan for them (vs. 6-7). They are under new management.

4 – The principle of confession (vs. 9)

They are to go back to Jacob and tell him and their family to come to Joseph in Egypt. There are others that Joseph wants to bring to his glory. It is “COME” and “GO”. We have been given a great commission. You can’t have the word Gospel without the word Go.

5 – The principle of communion (vs. 14-15)

Joseph weeps upon Benjamin and together they hug and weep together. Those who have come to Jesus are to have communion and fellowship together. They talk together. God is interested in the big things and the small things.

6 – The principle of compensation (vs. 16-23)

God enriches us for service. God is not ashamed to call us brothers. If the brothers want anything they only have to ask in the name of Joseph. They do not have to worry about their stuff at home. Joseph will supply all their needs. Come then!

7 – The principle of communication (vs. 24)

They were not to have a fight on the way home. Jacob does not believe the words of the brothers but when he sees the riches in the wagons he believes. Don’t fall out over some silly argument. People will believe when they see the difference in our lives by what we do rather than what we might say.

Categories: Genesis