Read Genesis 42:25-33
This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”, by continuing in the story of Joseph. Joseph kept Simeon and he sent the other 9 brothers back home with sacks of grain. As an act of grace, Joseph chose not to take their money and he put it in one of the sacks of grain. Joseph also ordered his men to give the Hebrews food for the road. Joseph was being kind.
The brothers loaded up and set off. They stopped for the night and during their pause they took the time to look in the bags. It was then that they realized their money was in one of the bags. The brothers were both puzzled and frightened. They asked each other, “What’s God doing to us?” They did not know that God was showing them favor through Joseph. Joseph had the power to do what he did because of his position. When they got back to Canaan they told Jacob what happened. They said,“The man, who is the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country” (v.30). I feel led to focus in on the fact that Joseph was referred to as, “the lord of the land.” In the 33rd verse he is referred to as, “the lord of the country.”
As believers, we normally reserve the title “Lord” for God Himself. However, it was a common word in Biblical times. The Hebrew word translated lord in verses 30 and 33 is not same word used for God. It is a word (Hebrew ‘adon), that means: “one who possesses absolute control.” This word is used for a master or ruler. Along those lines, Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines lord as: “A master; a person possessing supreme power and authority; a ruler; a governor.” The point I am making is that Joseph was in a position of high authority and it was the will of God.
Many Christians today believe our rule and reign will come in heaven, in the sweet by-and-by. But they don’t see themselves prospering or operating in authority while in the earth. It is almost as if their hope is deferred and their expectation is on time delay because they don’t ever see themselves getting ahead down here (in the earth). That, my friends, is simply NOT the will of God.
In the last book in the Bible, in John’s opening chapter, he wrote, “May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and He is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen” (Rev 1:5,6). In this text we see God telling us through John that He is the ruler of all earthly kings. He further explains that He lets us rule as kings and priests in the earth. The King James Version says, “Jesus has made us kings and priests unto God.” This is not a reference to heaven, but rather an assignment in the earth.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
- God has made us both kings and priests in the earth (Rev 1:5,6).
- Israel had 11 tribes of kings and one tribe of priests. The priests interceded and sought the Lord for direction. They then preached whatever God said. God’s instruction/direction gave the kings an advantage as they operated in the earth.
- Today the five-fold ministry gifts (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) operate in the priestly role and the rest of the Body of Christ operates in the kingly role. As kings we go out to do the Lord’s bidding with the insight we receive through His appointed servants.
- The insight we receive from God gives us an advantage as we do business in the earth.
- While your Pastor should serve in the role of “Priest” in your life at church, you are supposed to be the priest of your own home. Pray, seek God’s face, and He will bless you to operate as both a priest (spiritual insight) and a king (natural blessing) in this world.
- It’s okay for us to operate as kings in the earth, because God is the King of the kings. It’s okay for us to operate as lords (or rulers) in the earth, because our God is the Lord of the lords.
- You don’t have to wait until you get to heaven to be blessed. God wants His people to operate with the power to make the decisions that impact the lives of others. In this way God the Kingdom of God is able to impact and influence the people and systems of this world.
- Operate as both a king and a priest. Not only does God want you to be in charge, but He also wants you to pray for those He gives you charge over. Don’t get so caught up in being a king that you forget to be a priest!
- God elevates His children to natural positions of authority so He can open natural doors to make a spiritual difference. The purpose of prosperity is evangelism!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You made plans for me before the world began. You planned to use me down here, in the earth, for Your glory. By faith I access the grace to fulfill Your plans. You planned to use me as both a king and a priest in the earth. You elevate me to positions of authority and You bless me richly, because I am submitted to You. You have no problem putting me IN authority, because You know I am UNDER authority. You open natural doors for me and when You do, I am able to make both a natural and a spiritual difference. I accept both my natural and spiritual assignment. I use every position to be a blessing to others and to bring glory to Your name! I lead with courage and compassion. I make decisions that are bathed in prayer. I intercede in prayer for those You give me charge over. Every meeting, conversation, activity, and project we engage in today and this week is blessed, it will succeed, it will prosper, because I am submitted to You. And as people ask me for the secret to my success, I am able to tell them about JESUS! My earthly prosperity opens the door for evangelism! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
