Joseph’s separate strength
Genesis 41:37~45 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (38)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #191 I’m Rejoicing Night and Day (#427 in previous version)
Children of God need a different source of strength that the people of the world do not know of. The reason for this is because we need to do much more than them, under the same conditions. A child of God must possess the strength to enjoy the Gospel. The power of the Gospel must be revealed not only through speech, but realistically in your life. Within this comes the power to overcome the forces of darkness as well.
1. Strength that only you know about
Joseph possessed the strength that others were unaware of, that only he knew about. Even before he was sold into slavery, he had this strength with him. Unfortunately, he was falsely accused and imprisoned, but even then he possessed this strength. By this power, he was victorious in even the direst situations. When prayer topics are formed within this power, you can enjoy prayer, in turn.
2. Spiritual strength that others cannot take away
In the passage, Pharaoh, the king of the greatest nation at the time, looks to Joseph and says, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Joseph was young, but he had a spiritual strength that others were oblivious of and could not take away. If we possess this power, too, we will be acknowledged by those who do not even know God. This is a power that no one can steal from us. God moves all incidents around these people and fulfills His will.
3. Strength that saves people
If we have the power to save others, the works of saving those who face hardships will arise everywhere we go. Joseph saved Pharaoh, ruler of an anxious nation with no answer. When he became governor of Egypt, he saved his entire family and the entire world that was starving. God who was with Joseph then is with us now. If you properly grasp today’s Word, prayer and evangelism, the past is all an answer and you will foresee the future to come. There is nothing more urgent and vital than this.
- You need power to stand firm in the midst of problems, conflicts and incidents, and to save others in the field and to save the age. This is a power given to you by God in the Gospel. It is given to you when you live the life of the evangelist, holding to today’s Word, prayer and evangelism. Meditate on how you will discover and enjoy this power today.
Business & Industry Missions Message / 2010.12.11