As I was preparing to write one of my papers for my homework (B.A. Biblical Studies), I had to stop to share my revelation knowledge from reading about Joseph in the Bible. [No, I didn't push my homework to the side. I wrote down what god had told me to share later in case I were to forget].
Oh how I wish I could share all of my papers! But I refuse to do so for plagiarism risks... However, I must share this with you all because it’s strictly Bible and revelation to help grow your faith.
I was assigned to read Genesis 37-41 and to answer questions. I wasn't going to read it because I already know the book. But I decided to do so to refresh my memory. Remember when Joseph was thrown into prison with the other two prisoners (OT)? It reminded me of Jesus going to the cross (NT) with the other two prisoners. (One went to hell and the other asked Jesus for salvation). With Joseph, the butler prisoner was set free and restored to his position while the baker was executed. This part is deep but it came to my mind: the butler had a dream about wine (represents the blood or Jesus) and the baker had bread. Yeast (used to make bread rise) represents "sin." The baker and the foolish guy on the cross died in their sins while the other two received favor.
It is important to read the Old Testament because it’s a parallel of the New. Jesus Christ is concealed in the OT and revealed in the NT. Jesus is the Word! He’s everywhere in scripture! That’s why reading God’s Word brings life to us. "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body." (Proverbs 4: 20-22, New American Standard Bible). His Word brings healing. "He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave" (Psalm 107:20, New International Version). It doesn’t matter what passage of scripture. The whole bible is revenant today. "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, New Living Translation).
I love the Old Testament. My next course I will be taking is actually titled “Old Testament.” :)
I have love for the entire Word of God. I need the whole Bible to understand the gospel message and to grow in my faith. It doesn’t matter your denomination. Every Christian needs the Bible. The whole truth will only set you free, not the half truth!
God’s people in the OT, faced tremendous physical battles. When they chose to be faithful to God, trusting and acting on His Word, they were victorious. Today, we may not all face physical persecutions, but the spiritual battles are just as big. We need to be faithful, fearless and humble to every Word that God tells us.
I want to encourage you to go on a Bible Journey. It’s not too late to start. Read a few chapters a day, and you’ll be done in a year. Just keep a consistent pace and read something each day. Man can’t live on bread alone but on EVERY word of God (Matthew 4:4).
Author Jennifer Quetant
www.biblejourneymovement.com