Welcome to this week’s Torah / bible study called Miketz (At the End)  “And it came to pass “at the end” of [miketz] two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed a dream: and, behold, he stood by the river”  (Genesis 41:1). 

In last week’s study, Joseph’s brothers became jealous of Joseph and plotted against him because his father favoured him above his other sons and because his prophetic dreams revealed his own grand destiny.  So they threw him into a pit and then sold him into slavery. While serving honourably as a slave, Joseph was set up and sent to prison for a crime he did not commit.  In this week’s reading, Joseph is finally about to come to the end of his many trials and enter into his destiny.  In fact, the name of this study section, Miketz, the opening verse of this week’s Torah / Bible reading, hints at this since this Hebrew word means “at the end” of. 

While in prison Joseph, with God’s help, interprets two dreams of fellow royal prisoners resulting in one being killed and the other reinstated to royal duties.   Despite Joseph accurately predicting the cupbearer's release and his plea to be remembered, the cupbearer seemed to forget about Joseph as soon as he was out of jail.  As disappointing as that must have been for Joseph, it does seem that it was part of God's plan for Joseph to be forsaken and forgotten in prison, since that left him in the right place to fulfil his destiny at the right time.  Note to "interpret" does not mean to translate into another language as people are taught it means in Corinthians with speaking in tongues.  Everyone spoke the same language and understood the words of the stories (dreams); but only Joseph could both understand the language (words) AND the meaning behind the story. Their message, significance, "interpretation".

This week's section takes up the story two years after this incident.  It begins with Pharaoh having a disturbing dream that no one can interpret (interpret, as with Daniel does not mean translate as some use the word for speaking in tongues.  It is to “understand” it.  Gen 41:15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.  They all understood the language describing the dream; but not its meaning.  It is only then that the cupbearer (butler) remembers Joseph.  Joseph is brought out of the darkness of an Egyptian dungeon to interpret the strange dreams of the Pharaoh.  Joseph may have wondered why he was in an Egyptian prison, since from a young age he was aware that leadership was his destiny.  Even an Egyptian prison could not prevent the destiny God had planned for him, despite all the dismal twists and turns.   When Pharaoh sent for Joseph, he didn't waste any time by telling Pharaoh the story of his unjust imprisonment or his problems. Instead, Joseph was careful to explain to Pharaoh that God had the answer.  “Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I had a dream, and no one can interpret it.  But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.’  ‘I cannot do it,’ Joseph replied to Pharaoh, ‘but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires (Gen 41:15-16). 

Despite years of hardship and suffering, Joseph's trust in God was still unwavering.  As Joseph delivered to Pharaoh the interpretation of the dream, he explained to him that the dream was in fact a revelation from God that there would be a season of plenty, followed by a season of famine and lack.  “Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, ‘The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same.  God has revealed to Pharaoh what He is about to do.’”  (Genesis 41:25).

Wisdom and the Prophetic Dream:  Gen 41:8  … and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof:”  Magicians were and still are held in high esteem; even workers of sorcery and witchcraft.  Many have infiltrated Christian churches that rely of miracles as a sign the person is of YHWH God.  Sadly under such leadership many are being deceived, misled and taken advantage of financially.  The Word of God and the keeping of His commandments is the sign not necessarily miracles as satan’s agents can do those too.  A man of God does not do miracles for their own benefit, a fee, tithe donation nor your recognition; but to reconcile you back to God through faith. 

"Joseph said: 'And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.  Let Pharaoh appoint commissioners over the land to take a fifth of the harvest of Egypt during the seven years of abundance.'”  (Genesis 41:33–34)

This Jewish son of Jacob was no ordinary interpreter of dreams.  Pharaoh had plenty of educated, gifted men who could do such things; but they could not interpret a revelation from God.  Joseph was head and shoulders above all of Pharaoh’s apparent wise men.  As was Daniel in his time.  He was not only a wise, prudent and practical man; but he heard from the God of his great grandfather Abraham and the same God who spoke to his grandfather Isaac and his father Jacob.  Through God’s gifting, Joseph discerned the meaning of the dream, wisely determined the proper course of action and boldly informed Pharaoh about how to manage the coming crisis.

Joseph is practically made ruler in Egypt:  Likewise, we must also be wise, prudent and practical people, knowing how to act upon the insights God gives us as we hear the voice of Yahweh God.  In the same way that it was evident to Pharaoh that God had filled Joseph with His Spirit of wisdom (Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?), it should be evident to those around us that as believers, we receive God’s wisdom and guidance.  The commandments of God are wisdom and those who follow are wise and live.  Deu 4:4  But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.

Deu 4:5  Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Deu 4:6  Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deu 4:7  For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? Deu 4:8  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 

Indeed, the word of God promises us wisdom, one of the many “gifts” of the Holy Spirit as Joseph had one of the gifts when said he had the “spirit of God”, Holy Spirit in New Testament wording.  "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).  Many of us lack confidence in our ability to make wise decisions; but wisdom is "more precious than rubies, and all the things we may desire cannot compare with her (Proverbs 3:15),” so we must take hold of this promise in James and ask in faith for wisdom, without doubting.  In just one day, Joseph is promoted from prison to palace; his life was transformed suddenly from darkness to light.  Be obedient to all God’s ways and in or through them He will give you wisdom. 

Yahshua and Yosef (Messiah and Joseph).  Many parallels can be drawn between Yahshua and Joseph. 

At the time of Joseph’s release from prison, he was 30 years old, just as Yahshua was 30 when he began His public ministry.  Also, Joseph had been so changed during his time in Egypt, that his brothers no longer recognized him due to his change in circumstances, position and more  [Gen 42:7  And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; … Gen 42:8  And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him].  They stood right in front of Joseph, seeking the salvation from their famine that only he could provide and yet they had no idea he was their brother.  Likewise, Yahshua’s Jewish brothers and sisters hold in front of them the Scriptures that reveal who He is, and yet they are unable to recognize Him as their Hebrew / Jewish Messiah.  Some people use the brothers’ non recognition of Joseph as indication of his colour i.e. he was black like an Egyptian.  Scripture clearly says, regardless of what colour he was, he deliberately disguised himself from them (made himself strange), pretended he could not understand their language and spoke harshly to add to the deception.  The last thing they would have expected after selling him, is to find him dressed in Egyptian apparel and giving orders.  Thus this is not an indication of colour. 

Yahshua teaches that “the greatest among you shall be your servant.  Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12).  Joseph went from being the first and greatest among his brothers to the lowly place of slave and prisoner.  He suffered two decades of injustices before experiencing a sudden, dramatic reversal.  Pharaoh gave Joseph authority over Egypt and lavished gifts upon him. He said to him, "You shall be over my house and according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you" (Genesis 41:40).  The sudden reversal of Joseph’s circumstance compensated him for the years of misfortunes he had suffered since his brothers sold him into Egypt.  The rabbis say, “This alludes to Messiah son of Joseph because he will also be compensated for his sorrows.” 

Joseph’s descent into Egypt can be likened unto the descent of the soul of Messiah.  Like Joseph, He took “the form of a bond-servant” and “humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:7-8).  Joseph lost his princely place in his father’s household and took the low estate of a slave and prisoner.  The same might be said of the righteous, exalted soul of Messiah. Pharaoh highly exalted Joseph, lifting him from his low estate to take a station over all Egypt. Regarding Yahshua, Scripture says, “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him” (Philippians 2:9). 

The story of the exaltation of Joseph illustrates the exaltation of Messiah.  Pharaoh gave Joseph his signet ring, the seal of Pharaoh’s own name and authority.  Likewise, Yahweh exalted Yahshua “and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9); that is, the authority of His own sacred name.   Pharaoh gave Joseph authority over his own household, saying, “You shall be over my house” (Genesis 41:40).   Yahweh placed His Son over the house of God.  Pharaoh gave Joseph authority over everything in Egypt except himself.  He said, “According to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.” (Genesis 41:40) So too, regarding Messiah. God put all things under Him except Himself:

For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. (1 Corinthians 15:27). 

Yahshua and Yoseph hidden Identities:  "Joseph knew his brethren, but they did not know him" (Genesis 42:8).
Because Joseph's name had been changed to an Egyptian name, his Hebrew identity was concealed from his brothers when they went to Egypt to buy food.  Yet as with Daniel, though their names were changed they did not change their Hebrew upbringing or knowledge of the law nor did they call each other by those substitute names.  Joseph ran away from Potiphar’s wife to avoid committing adultery and Daniel prayed three times a day and refused to bow to any other so called god.  The Messiah’s Hebrew name “Yahshua” has also been changed to the Gentile Latin name Lesous, in English “Jesus” and other names in other languages.  This is one important factor that has prevented the Orthodox Jewish People from recognizing Him as their Hebrew brother, Messiah, and King.  As with the name change also came added on traditions of pagan gentiles. Taking away the commandment to keep the laws of God by replacing them with grace and the keeping of pagan god’s honorary days as Christmas and Easter instead of Leviticus 23. Taking the Hebrew messiah so far from Hebrewness that his present day brethren do not see any Hebrewness in substituted “Jesus”!! 

One reason for this is the way Yahshua has been portrayed by Christians over the centuries: He seems to have ceased being the observant Jew who faithfully kept the commandments of God in the Torah and has, instead, been labelled as the Gentiles’ “god” who came to do away with YHWH’s law by nailing it to a cross of “grace”!  Teaching no more works is required.  In complete opposition to Rev 20:12-13 “… they were judged every man according to their works”; Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 

To a large extent, Gentile Christianity has inadvertently wrapped on additional layers to the disguise which conceals the identity of Yahshua from His brothers, the Jewish people. Christian artwork represents Jesus as a Gentile. Christian theology presents Him as an enemy to the Jewish people.  Church tradition has removed Him from His Jewish context and made Him unrecognizable to His own brothers. Historically, the harder Christians have tried to convince Jews otherwise, the more that we have strengthened the Jewish people in their conviction that Jesus is not a Jew and that He is certainly not the Messiah.  The ten brothers did not recognize Joseph, but he recognized them. Though the Orthodox Jewish brothers have not yet recognized Him as a brother and as the Messiah, He recognizes His brothers.  Scripture sash He will never forget His Father’s children, His brothers Isa 49:16  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me. 

Yahshua's identity has been so changed that the great majority of Jewish people cannot fathom that this superimposed name “Jesus” could possibly be the Jewish Messiah (Mashiach) for whom they have been waiting, longing, and praying for over 3,000 years.  [But has the Hebrew Messiah of Yah weh God (Yah shua) been changed to a Greek Jesus or replaced by a Greek god, “Jesus” as to why the Jews do not accept him!! Those accepting the Messiah of the bible accept Yahshua]. 

Nevertheless, the prophet Zechariah told us that one day, all the Jewish people will recognize the messiah Yahshua. “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn.”  (Zechariah 12:10). 

Today, thousands of Yahshua’s brothers and sisters are coming to understand who He truly is, they are known as Messianic Jews, their search for the Messiah of the Scriptures has ended.  These “completed Jews” are steadily gaining recognition as a legitimate sect of Judaism in Israel and in the world Act 24:5  For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 

Another important parallel is that Joseph’s father Israel (Jacob), had exalted Joseph and God has exalted Yahshua: 

“When He appeared as a human being, He humbled himself still more by becoming obedient even to death, death on a stake as a criminal!  Therefore God raised Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above every name ...” (Philippians 2:8–9). 

Although Joseph’s brothers had hated him and vowed that they would never bow down to him, as his dreams suggested they would (Genesis 37:19–20), we see in this section that in the end (miketz), they do come and bow down to their brother Joseph.  This is a prophetic picture of the day when all of Israel will recognize Yahshua’s authority and every knee will bow to Him and know that He is Yahweh God. 

“... that in honour of the name given Yahshua, every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth and under the earth and every tongue will acknowledge that Yahshua the Messiah is God to the glory of God the Father.”  (Philippians 2:10; see also Isaiah 45:23). 

Yoseph and Yahshua, Sustainers of Life:

“Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”  (Matthew 4:4)
Pharaoh gave Joseph the Egyptian name Zaphenath-paneah, which some scholars suggest means the one who furnishes the nourishment of life. Probably after an Egyptian god as Daniel’s name was changed after a Babylonian god. You should note this is a common trait of both YHWH God and the false god worshippers, change names of people. Interestingly enough, Yahshua referred to Himself as the Bread of Life (Lechem Chayim in Hebrew).
“I am the bread of life.  Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.”  (John 6:35)  Just as Yoseph (Joseph) provided physical sustenance for the people, thus preventing them from perishing, Yahshua provides spiritual sustenance, in order that all who believe in Him will not perish; but have everlasting life!  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16).

The Nile, the longest river in the world:  The Nile's waters were credited as an unending source of sustenance, as its silt deposits from yearly overflow made the land fertile enough to cause the Egyptian civilization to flourish.  Through Joseph, Pharaoh learned that God  is the source of Egypt's sustenance.

It’s disturbing to see how Yahshua has been removed from His Jewish context and changed into a ‘Gentile Jesus.’  Some Christian videos even portray Him breaking bread made with yeast on Easter, instead of breaking matzo (unleavened bread) on Pesach (Passover).  What's more, the pagan, commercialized and man-made holiday of Christmas presents a magical bestower of gifts, Santa Claus and a Gentile-styled baby Jesus to displace the prophetic birth of the Messiah during a period of days when the sun is reborn.  Simply search the web for the shortest day in the year to see it falls around 20^th – 28^th Dec and then the day’s length increases.  Birth of the sun god that most celebrate!  In 2010 it actually changed on the 25^th December.

Bible Prophecy, The Fullness of the Gentiles:

“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”  (Romans 11:25)

This week's Torah / bible portion points to the prophetic destiny of Israel.  Joseph’s transportation into 'an Egyptian' was part of God's plan for the salvation (saving) of his brethren / Israel.  Likewise, Yahshua’s gospel transported to the Gentiles (Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..,), in order that salvation may come to them, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.  This small word until is significant.  For when this time arrives, the temporary blindness that has happened to Israel will be lifted and "all Israel will be saved.”  (Romans 11:15–16)
Of course, no one knows when the “fullness of the Gentiles” will be, but Scripture gives us a clue, and it has to do with Jerusalem: "And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luk 21:24).  The city of Jerusalem remained under Gentile, foreign rule for around 2000 years, until 1967.  The true identity of Yahshua is slowly but surely being revealed, just as the true identity of Joseph was revealed to his brothers.  Some Christians are changing to using Yahshua instead of Jesus and Yahweh or equivalent instead of Lord!

Guilt and Forgiveness:  "We are indeed guilty concerning our brother….”  (Genesis 42:21)
Just as Joseph's brothers admitted their guilt with sincere remorse and repentance, so will the Jewish People one day confess their sins and find divine forgiveness in Yahshua.  Messianic Prophecy - Zechariah 12:10  Hopefully Christians will also realised before it is too late they should be following the commandments (ways) of God as regiven to the world through Moses. (Matt 7:21-23)

“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.  Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn."    What was Joseph's reaction to his brothers' confession of guilt?  Was he angry with them?  Did he condemn them?  No, quite the contrary: he was moved to tears of compassion and forgave them.  Joseph tried to minister comfort to his brothers, assuring them that even the wrong they did was within God's plan for the salvation of many lives during the terrible famine.  Gen 45:5  Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Though the actions of Yoseph's (Joseph's) brothers seem unforgivable, Yoseph reassured them that their betrayal was part of a bigger plan for their salvation.   All of Joseph’s trials came upon him only for the salvation of Israel’s family. God sent Joseph to Egypt to store up provisions that could save Jacob and his sons during the famine. Likewise, the sorrows and trials endured by the suffering Messiah occurred for the sake of the nation of Israel.

Similarly, the sacrifice of Yahshua to make atonement for our sins was within the perfect will of God, in order that 'none would perish, but repent and be saved.'   Yahshua, like Joseph, is willing to forgive all who come to Him with sincere remorse for their sins.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9).  To confess one must first acknowledge the laws of God they are not keeping is sin.  The purpose of the Messiah coming is to redeem you back to God His father.  Do not waste this one lifetime only opportunity Rev 5:9  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;  Rev 14:4  These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

Jew or Gentile, it doesn’t matter, because although Yahshua came first for the lost sheep of the House of Israel, He also came to be a Light to the nations (unholy heathen).  He is the Messiah and Saviour of all mankind.  Eph 2:11  Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; Eph 2:12  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Eph 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel" (Matthew 2:6). 

A life’s lesson.

Life is uncertain and it is only prudent to lay up savings and provisions.  A Proverbs say, "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" (Proverbs 21:20,). Contrary to the advice of Joseph, modern society promotes a lifestyle of squandering all available wealth, overspending and relying on credit.  Living for the day or moment as one may not survive to tomorrow or next year.  Most live from hand to mouth, pay packet to pay packet.  Though we live in the most affluent times that the human race has ever enjoyed, few people have the wisdom to lay up savings for leaner times ahead. 

Yahshua told his disciples to lay up treasures in heaven instead of on earth:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21).  Our lives on earth can be compared to the seven years of plenty. We have an abundance of opportunities to do good to others, to repent and practice righteousness and to give charity to the needy. However, these golden years of opportunity are limited. Whether in seven days, seven years or seventy years, the opportunity to lay up treasure in heaven will vanish. After we die, our opportunities to repent, live under God’s Laws or do good deeds are gone. 

In Judaism, a good deed like giving charity to the needy is called a mitzvah (מצוה). The plural form is mitzvot (מצות) The word mitzvah literally means "commandment." Every time we keep one of God's commandments, it is a "good deed." Therefore the word mitzvah has come to be associated with any act of goodness.  Our opportunities to do mitzvot are limited to our lifetime here on earth. Yahshua teaches that our mitzvot are like money placed into a savings account in heaven. When we pass on into the next life, we will be able to cash in on the mitzvot we have stored up in heaven.  The world says, "You can't take it with you." The Messiah says that you can.  Yahshua teaches that "you can take it with you" by giving your money to charity and investing your time and resources into the things of the kingdom of heaven. You are storing it up in heaven. When you arrive in the next life, you will be rewarded for your acts of kindness and piety.  Joseph encouraged all of Egypt to diligently lay up stores and provisions for the lean years to come.   So too, we should be storing up our resources in heaven for the years to come. 

Your non-negotiables.

Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? If you cannot do even that little thing, why do you over worry about other matters? 

The brothers told Jacob that they needed to take Benjamin to Egypt if they were to buy more grain and liberate Simeon.  However, Jacob was unwilling to risk Benjamin.  Joseph had engineered Benjamin's trip to Egypt in order to test his brothers' hearts.  Ironically, it proved to be a test of Jacob's heart as well.  "All these things are against me," he bemoaned (Genesis 42:36).  Having already suffered the loss of both his wife Rachel and his son Joseph, Jacob could not imagine losing Benjamin.  Jacob declared that without Benjamin his life would not be worth living. He would die of grief. Benjamin was a non-negotiable. 

Their father Jacob said to them, "You have bereaved me of my children: Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more, and you would take Benjamin; all these things are against me." (Genesis 42:36). 

The brothers told Jacob that they needed to take Benjamin to Egypt if they were to buy more grain and liberate Simeon. However, Jacob was unwilling to risk Benjamin.  Joseph had engineered Benjamin’s trip to Egypt in order to test his brothers’ hearts.  Ironically, it proved to be a test of Jacob’s heart as well.  “All these things are against me,” he bemoaned (Genesis 42:36).  Having already suffered the loss of both his wife Rachel and his son Joseph, Jacob could not imagine losing Benjamin.  Jacob declared that without Benjamin his life would not be worth living. He would die of grief.  Benjamin was a non-negotiable. 

If we examine our own hearts, we will find that there are many things that we are unwilling to let go. We all have certain things that are non-negotiable to us. They may be material things, like jobs or possessions, or they may be relationships or they may be loved ones.  Or even changing our days of worship to those of the bible rather than of man.  For parents, it is our children that we continually fret over.  The walk of faith demands that we entrust even these non-negotiable things to God and that we learn to rely on Him alone.  Sometimes God will ask such things of us simply to teach us to trust Him better.  Even if we lose this precious thing, regardless of what it might be, we will still have our Father in heaven (remember Job).  Ultimately, all things are in His hands. When we relinquish our non-negotiables to God, we experience the freedom, confidence and joy that come from really trusting in Him. We can live without the gnawing agony of fear and worry, because we are no longer trying to retain control.  Instead are obeying His commandments and giving Him control. 

It's not easy to just quit worrying.  Jacob was terribly worried about allowing Benjamin to go to Egypt, but in order to save the family from starvation (not to mention liberate Simeon), he had no other choice.  According to rabbi Rashi, after Jacob had done all that he could by providing his sons with gifts to bring to Egypt, he said, "Now you lack nothing but prayer.  I will pray for you." In the text of the Torah, he prays, "May God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin" (Genesis 43:14).  When we have done all that we can do, we should do like Jacob and convert our worries into prayers. 

As we come to the end of 2016 let us move closer to Yahweh God in 2017 by keeping more of His commandments and His true holy days of Exo 20:8 and Lev 23.  Maybe you are doing the other things and lacking these essential ones.  Move onto the strait road of your salvation from the broad road of your calling. 

A brief note on SOME of the ways of God seem so far:

1. Gen 1:14 “signs and seasons” were appointed times of God in Lev 23:2 set in place as part of creation and before man.  Called Sabbaths and were made for the spiritual health of man not man for the Sabbath. (Lev 23)
2. Gen 1:22 God blessed Adam and Eve as he did the appointed times 2:3 and Lev 23:2 (made “holy”).
3. Gen 2:17 Disobeying God even of what may seem a simple non salvation issue brings death (separation from God) and consequences affects future generations.
4. Gen 4:4 concept of offering “firstfruits” to Yahweh, murder and God’s punishment existed from outset.
5. Gen 4:26 People called on the NAME (YHWH) of the Lord not using the title Lord which can be used for any god.
6. Gen 6:5 sin, unrighteousness, evil existed causing God to start again with Noah. 6:8 Grace also existed before the New Testament.
7. Gen 6:12 And God looked upon the earth, … it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way ...
8. Except Noah. Gen 6:9 Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

          Gen 7:1  And the LORD said unto Noah,… for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.

9. Gen 7:2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Compare with Lev 11
10. Gen 7:11 [God had a calendar as was given to Moses in Ex 12:2] Gen 8:13  And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth:   (this being and varies around end March beginning April).  This new beginning on the first of the month parallels Israel’s new beginning Exo 40:2  On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.  Yahshua died at Passover over (beginning of year) to also herald in a new beginning for those following Him to His Father.
11. As with Adam and Eve at creation Gen 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
12. Gen 8:20 And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. As did Abraham 22:2 and told to Moses Ex 18:12, Lev 1:3
13. Gen 9:4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. As Lev 17:10 to Moses.
14. Gentiles / nations created Gen 10:5 (10:32) By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
15. God starts again with separation of Abraham into father of new nation. Gen 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: Gen 26:5  Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

15. Even pagans had adultery laws Gen 12:18 and why Potiphar’s wife sent away guards when trying to entice Joseph.
16. Gen 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew as was Joseph in 39:14 (not the Jew).
17. Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.   God and pagan Egyptians had priestly system, offerings etc Gen 41:45  …the daughter of Potipherah priest of On.
18. Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Faith leading to obedient action (works) existed.
19. Gen 15:10 And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And to Moses Lev 1:17  And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, but shall not divide it asunder: …
20. Reason why Yahweh’s ways got forgotten and had to be reinstituted via Moses Gen 15:13 ..Know of a surety   that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;
21. Covenants are conditional on obedience Gen 17:1 Yahweh appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.  Gen 17:2  And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
22. Gen 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of Yahweh, to do justice and judgement; that Yahweh may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. So when Paul connects New testament believers to Abraham, remember the condition.
23. For the context link of the verse read the full account Gen 23:10 of all that went in at the gate of his city, saying, … Rth 4:1  Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there:  Pro 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 

25. Gen 24:3 that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, See Gen 26:35; Ex 34:16; Deu 7:3  Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.:
26. Gen 24:63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: One of the daily pray times [as given by God “evening and morning sacrifices”] practiced by Daniel and N.T. apostles.  Dan 6:10, Psalm 55:17.
27. Gen 38:8,10 And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother.  And given via Moses, see Deu 25:5-10; ruth 4:1-8; Matt 22:23-28
28. Gen 39:9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?  Gen 20:6  And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld        thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.
29. Not only was there name changes between God’s people and heathens; but they also avoid mixing socially.  Here are two of numerous bible examples. Gen 43:32  And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.  Act 16:21  And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.  That same “unlawful” and do not  “observe” teachings have come to Christians today through the Church of Roman Catholic from whom Protestants broke away. 

This week’s study was longer than usual; but hope you learnt something new or were reminded of some important ones.  For other examples of the laws of God existing before re-given to Moses read individual week’s studies.  For Zechariah note verses 3:1-2, 8-9.  For v9 see Psalm 118:22, Isa 28:16, Zech 4:10, Rev 5:6, Jer 31:34.

Shalom.