To understand the gospel record of Jesus Christ, we must go back before the beginning of time where the Son of God already dwells. This lesson deals with the very important truth that God’s Son did not begin at the time of His birth in a manger. He existed in eternity past and was the Creator of all things.
The time has come for the children of Israel to move forward. The Lord gives a few final instructions, and the children of Israel make their journey into the wilderness of Paran.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
God established seven original annual feasts for the children of Israel as described here in Leviticus 23. Two later feasts were recognized in the Bible. The feast of Purim was established in the book of Esther (Esther 9:20-32). The feast of Hanukkah was established during the time between the testaments but was sanctioned by the New Testament where it was called the feast of dedication (John 10:22).
Almost every scholar wants to change the meat offering to something else—although they cannot decide what else. The name is said to be confusing to Bible readers. The meat offering has no animal flesh. In fact, it is the only major offering in which no animals are killed. Why is it called the meat offering? Actually, there are very good reasons for calling it the meat offering.
The story is ending. The last of the founding patriarchs are dying. This is a story of burials and not of births. Yet, hope remains. It remains in the hearts. It remains in the last request of Joseph to carry his bones back to the land of Canaan when God visits His people.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The famine is still sore in all the land and the sons of Jacob must return to Egypt. The last trip was very troublesome, and this trip will have its share of troubles as well.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The time that Joseph had sought for so long finally came. He is exalted in this chapter as second ruler of Egypt. “He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him. The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom” (Psalm 105:17-22).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
This is a story in which no one is operating from pure motives. Isaac is feeding his flesh; Esau is carnally minded; Rebekah and Jacob are in the midst of deceit. Yet, in it all, God brings the results to His own end. Each individual in this story pays a price for his or her lack of spiritual direction. We need to make sure of our motives and follow the Lord in all things.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
As a person, Isaac was the type of man that hated to deal with conflict. This chapter shows him dealing a lot with what he liked the least—conflict. He has to be warned against going down into Egypt in order to avoid the troubles of famine. He then tells the same lie his father did in order to protect himself—except with Isaac, it was a complete lie. He makes a fortune, but has to deal with the envy of those who are jealous of him. Finally, he digs the wells of Abraham and has to battle over them. But…he prospers in the end. Watch this story and see how Isaac learns to deal with conflict in his life and how God blesses him in the end.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Practically speaking, this chapter is a wonderful illustration in how to fulfill God’s will in our lives. Abraham knows that Isaac needs a wife. However, he is determined that he have the right wife. He will not compromise by sending Isaac away from the land of promise (Genesis 24:6), but he has confidence that God will go before his servant and prepare the way (Genesis 24:7).
