Many know Moses as the prince of Egypt. To me, it looks like the prince of Egypt lived many generations prior to Moses – yes, his name was Joseph.

Separated from his brothers and from his own father, he began his remarkable journey of fulfilling God-given dreams – even without realizing it (passively – as you would now call as passive income).

But actively hated by his elder brothers and yet obeying his father when he was asked to go and meet them. As he greeted them, they conspired to erase his dreams together with him. Saved from killing, Joseph was sold to a group of Ishmaelite travelers going towards Egypt and at the age of 17 Joseph was sold as a slave-boy. (Now, both – the name Ishmael and the place Egypt typifies bondage).

But, in Egypt, Joseph found a temporary relief from his pain as his master, Potiphar, understood that Joseph attracted prosperity and favour of God and left his entire house under Joseph’s care. Joseph too, worked earnestly and God blessed his master’s house for Joseph’s sake.

Years later, Joseph found himself in a prison cell for a crime he did not commit, and wallowed there for several years, before he was brought in before Pharaoh to interpret the king’s dreams. Joseph was by now 30 years old, and was brought in before Pharaoh because there were not one wise man or magician in the entire land of Egypt who could interpret the Pharaoh’s dreams. And that was when the king’s cup-bearer remembered that Joseph the Hebrew had indeed interpreted his own dreams, two years earlier in the prison, and it had happened just as Joseph interpreted.

And so when Pharaoh heard his dreams interpreted by the young Hebrew man, and knew that the Spirit of God rested in Joseph, and that seven years of famine was coming and needed to be handled properly, he made Joseph in charge of all of Egypt’s resources – the people, the property and all the produce of Egypt – Nothing was left outside the control of Joseph. Only with respect to throne, Pharaoh would be the ruler!

And so, suddenly Joseph is elevated to be the prince of Egypt. Later we also see that Joseph helps his own brothers who come in search of food.

There is a striking similarity to the life of Joseph in the birth and life of Jesus Christ. About 2000 years ago, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Son of God became son of man. Philippians 2: 6 – 8 says: (Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; but rather, made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant (slave), and coming in the likeness of men, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him – Jesus….

When Jesus was born, wise men from the east traveled to Bethlehem with precious gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. In those days, it was usual for princes, leaders and wise men, to take gifts to a king, while seeking his favor. In the same manner, they knew a King was born in Bethlehem. But although they saw the star, they were misled by their human wisdom and went to Herod’s palace in search of the King. It was probably later, after Joseph being divinely instructed in a dream, took the Child Jesus and fled into Egypt, that the wise men found Jesus as a Young Child and offered Him their gifts. By this the prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus – God saying, “Out of Egypt, I called My Son”.

Jesus is our heavenly Joseph. He came to His own people, but they did not receive Him. He is the King, yet he took on servant-hood. Just as in the life of Joseph, they plotted against Jesus too, falsely accused Him and crucified Him on the cross to die. But just as Joseph was released from prison, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. Dreams were fulfilled, desires became reality – Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after He rose from the dead. He is now seated at the right hand of the Father God, with all authority and power. He is on our side. Willing to forgive his brothers (and sisters) and provide for them, even during famine.

The elder brothers found favor in the eyes of Joseph, and he spoke kindly to them, saying “What you meant for evil, God turned it around for good – this day to provide and to save many!” Jesus says: Ask and it shall be given to you. Ask that your joy may be full.

Here’s the twist: If the Jews could be typified as elder brothers, the Gentiles and the New Covenant believers in Christ Jesus can be typified as the younger brother of Joseph – Benjamin. And you know what? Benjamin received 5 times more abundantly than did his elder brothers!

So now, go ahead and ask Jesus what you need. He is not ashamed to call you his brother or sister! He is ever willing to provide the things that you wish for! Dreams are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. He has prepared a place for us – just as Joseph prepared a place- Goshen, for his brothers and sisters. There is always light in Goshen, even during the plague of deep darkness.

Rise up, Benjamin. You can receive 5 times more than what your elder brothers received from the hand of Jesus – our heavenly Joseph.

Just as Benjamin found favor with Joseph, because they both had the same mother, …. dare I say this – when you and I are born-again, born of the Spirit of God, we have the same “Mother”, Jesus, you and I.

Ready to receive 5 times more favour than the natural Jews. Yes. Amen.