Last November, the US held an election to select its president for the next four years. While earth struggles to find leaders to solve their problems, God has already made his selection for the leader and savior of the world. “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. (Isa. 42:1 NASB) Matthew 12:18 tells us that Isaiah’s prophecy applies to Jesus.

God calls Jesus “my servant.” God used this same term to describe Abraham (Gen. 26:24), Moses (Num. 12:7), David (2 Sam. 7:8) and the nation of Israel (Isa. 41:8). “My servant” is an expression of praise for an individual dedicated to the doing of God’s will.

Isaiah 42:1 tells us that God would uphold Jesus. God upheld our Lord during his earthly ministry using His spirit, power and overruling providences. Jesus confirms this in Psalm 16:8 (NASB): “I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Because Jesus was faithful to God unto his death on the cross, God upheld Jesus further by raising him from the dead and seating Jesus at God’s right hand in the heavenly places.—Eph. 1:20; Rev. 3:21

God delighted in Jesus because of Jesus’ devotion and faithfulness to God. God expressed this delight when Jesus came to Jordan to be baptized. “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matt. 3:17 NASB) God’s delight with Jesus continued to the end of Jesus’ ministry when He said at the mount of transfiguration: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” —Matt. 17:5 (NASB)

Because God delighted in Jesus, He put His spirit upon Jesus. “After being baptized, … behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him [Jesus].” (Matt. 3:16 NASB) God’s holy spirit enabled Jesus to fulfill the mission that God had given him. “THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED, TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD.”—Luke 4:18,19 (NASB)

Finally, Isaiah 42:1 tells us what Jesus’ mission will accomplish—he will bring forth justice to the nations. Psalm 72:2-4 (NASB) describes the justice Jesus brings to mankind. “May he judge Your people with righteousness And Your afflicted with justice. Let the mountains bring peace to the people, And the hills, in righteousness. May he vindicate the afflicted of the people, Save the children of the needy And crush the oppressor.” Jesus will not only judge God’s people, both his followers and fleshly Israel with justice, he will judge the nations or the world in righteousness saving the needy and crushing the oppressor, Satan and all his allies.

Image Copyright: ginosphotos / 123RF Stock Photo

For additional information please see our related booklets and videos below.

Booklet Father Son and Holy Spirit Request a Free Booklet by Mail	Video A Vision of the Kingdom Explained	Video I Will Come Again
Booklet Jesus, the World’s Savior Request a Free Booklet by Mail
Booklet Our Lords Return Request a Free Booklet by Mail

Many years after the death of Joseph, the nation of Israel had descended into slavery in Egypt until another individual arose who was led by God to deliver them. His name was Moses. Even from his birth, we see God’s overruling providences in Moses’ life and how he grew up to be the deliverer of Israel. But this did not happen easily. We can look at Moses’ life as 3 equal sections of 40 years each, from birth to his death at 120 years old.

The first 40 were his growing up years during which Moses learned the Egyptian ways from Pharaoh’s daughter who found him in a little ark in the river Nile. Moses also learned his Jewish heritage from his own mother, Jochebed, who was allowed to care for him up as a young child because Moses’ sister, Miriam, offered to find a Hebrew woman to nurse Moses for Pharaoh’s daughter. Here, we see the overruling of God.

At the age of 40 Moses saw how his own people were being mistreated and killed an Egyptian who was smiting a fellow Hebrew and then hid the Egyptian’s body. Thinking no one saw him, Moses sought to stop 2 Hebrews from fighting the next day. In response, one asked him, “Who made you prince and judge, do you intend to kill me too?” (Exod. 2:13,14) Moses became fearful because what he had done had become known and he fled into the wilderness.

The next 40 years Moses learned to live in the wilderness. There he met Jethro and became a shepherd of his flock and married one of his daughters. During this period, Moses learned meekness, humility, faith and developed a deep respect for God’s promises. He was prepared to be a faithful servant of God and deliver Israel from Egypt to a land flowing with milk and honey—Canaan.

Moses’ last 40 years begins with Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Then he led them for 40 years in the Wilderness becoming the mediator between God and Israel. Finally, he led them to the Promised Land. However, Moses could not enter the Promised Land with the nation because of his failure to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:1-12) He only got to view the Promised Land from afar.

Image Copyright: petervick167 / 123RF Stock Photo

After many long years of slavery, the time had come for God to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. The nine plagues on Pharaoh and his people had just about destroyed their economy, resulting in the sufferings that accompany natural disasters. These disasters were from God and not natural. He brought them on the Egyptians to effect Israel’s deliverance. They had their intended effect, but one more plague was necessary to release the Israelites—the death of the firstborn sons of Pharaoh and his people.

However, the Israelite’s firstborn would be passed over and escape the death-angel’s slaughter if their families took a lamb, slew it, sprinkled its blood on the doorposts and lintels of their houses, remained in the house during that night, and ate the lamb roasted while fully dressed and ready to leave Egypt. (Exodus 12) The event of this night was called the Lord’s Passover, verse 11.

Christ Jesus is pictured in the Passover lamb and the blood that was sprinkled that night. Still, the Israelites had to flee Egypt the next morning, and while reaching the Red Sea, Pharaoh had a change of heart and overtook them with an army of chariots. Nevertheless, God separated the two with a dark cloud until Moses had led the people on dry land through the Red Sea. Once the cloud lifted, the Egyptians pursued the Israelites using the open path through the sea, at which point God brought the walls of water back together drowning the Egyptian army and giving the Israelites full deliverance from Egyptian bondage. (Exodus 14)

Moses illustrated Christ Jesus who delivers all who follow him from the slavery of sin and death to freedom and life. Moses wrote that God would raise up a prophet like unto himself and that the people would be required to heed his commands in all things in order to live forever. (Deut. 18:18, 19) It was through Israel that the Messiah would come. God was making wonderful pictures of His future deliverance of all mankind in His dealings with His typical people Israel.

Image Copyright: vlastas / 123RF Stock Photo

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.”- Psalm 92:1

On the fourth Thursday of November the people of the United States, by proclamation of the President, are asked to pause from their ordinary pursuits of life to express thanks to God for the bounties with which he has blessed them throughout the year. In the hearts of many people, there is certainly a sincere feeling of appreciation to the Giver of every good gift, and they are happy to have this special opportunity of expressing their thankfulness. —James 1:17

GIVE THANKS EVERY DAY

It is true that we should look for every day to be one of thanksgiving—not merely one day in the year—for the blessings of the Lord which we enjoy at all times. These blessings are more than just the material good things of life—for food and clothing and shelter—but also for family and friends. Many in the western world are thankful that they still enjoy a measure of liberty to worship as they choose. The apostle Paul counsels us to “In everything give thanks.”—I Thess. 5:18

In addition we are especially thankful that the Lord continues to supply us with spiritual food—“meat in due season”—by which we are strengthened and enabled to grow in Christ Jesus. (Luke 12:42) We are especially thankful for the wonderful circle of friends with whom we enjoy sweet fellowship in the Lord, that as sons of God we are members of his family and share in common so many wonderful joys and blessings associated with that relationship. (Rom. 8:14; Gal. 3:26) Not the least of these is the privilege we have of working in the service of the Lord and of his Truth.

SING PRAISES

Our theme text says, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.” It is a ‘good’ thing in the sense that it is appropriate and logical. It is “good” because a failure to give thanks to God for his blessings would indicate a lack of appreciation. If we truly appreciate what the Lord is doing for us from day to day, our thanksgiving will spontaneously go to him. It is also a ‘good’ thing to give thanks because it increases our own love for the Lord and our determination to please him and to be faithful to him. True appreciation of Divine blessings should be one of the motives in our zeal to know and do God’s will.

It is also a “good thing,” David writes, “to sing praises” to the name of our God. Giving thanks to God for his loving-kindness is done more particularly in individual and congregational prayers to him. In contrast, singing his praises seems to be more in the nature of a public proclamation by which others are informed of Divine love. The Apostle Peter, for example, speaks of showing “forth the praises of him who hath called you [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light.”—I Peter 2:9

In the verse following our theme text David speaks of showing forth the Lord’s “lovingkindness in the morning” and his “faithfulness every night”—or as the marginal translation states, “in the nights.” “In the morning” and “in the nights” suggests a continuous showing forth of the Lord’s praises. This is not something which we do as an obligation once a year. One whose heart has been touched by the loving-kindness of our God will not be able to refrain from showing forth his praises at all times, that is, on all suitable occasions and in all proper ways.—Psa. 19:1

Image Copyright: smileus / 123RF Stock Photo

Barack Hussein Obama II, became the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009. In response to the Great Recession, President Obama signed into law economic stimulus legislation in the form of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

Other major domestic initiatives in his first term included the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often referred to as “Obamacare”; the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; and the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. Obama signed executive orders to limit carbon emissions and protect many illegal immigrants from deportation. Obama signed a major bipartisan bill that reduced the role of the federal government in K-12 education. In January 2011, he signed the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. President Obama also appointed Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.

In foreign policy, Obama ended U.S. military involvement in the Iraq War, increased U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan, signed the New START arms control treaty with Russia, ordered U.S. military involvement in Libya and ordered the military operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.

During his second term, President Obama has promoted domestic policies related to gun control, and has called for greater inclusiveness for LGBT Americans. His administration filed legal briefs urging the Supreme Court to strike down part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and make state level same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional. In foreign policy, Obama ordered U.S. military intervention in Iraq in response to gains made by ISIL after the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq, continued the process of ending U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan, promoted discussions that led to the 2015 Paris Agreement on global climate change, brokered a nuclear deal with Iran, and normalized U.S. relations with Cuba.

A New Administration

Despite all of these actions, promises of change, and the forming of alliances to protect our country from terrorism, we continue to live in a world of violence, and trouble. However, we have been given the assurance by God that His everlasting kingdom will soon be established on this earth. This kingdom, based on a new administration under the leadership of His son Jesus, will bless all of the families of the earth. Christ will be “the Sun of righteousness” who shall “arise with healing in his wings.” (Mal. 4:2) As the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace,” Christ and his church will bring joy, peace, and everlasting life to all who wish to live on a restored, perfect earth forever. In Christ’s kingdom, the earth shall be full of “the knowledge of the Lord.”—Isaiah 11:6-9, NASB

For additional information please see our related booklets and videos below.

Booklet Christ’s 1000 Year Kingdom Request a Free Booklet by Mail	Video God’s Promised Blessings to All Nations	Video The Times of Restitution of All Things
Booklet Kingdom of God Request a Free Booklet by Mail
Booklet Peace Through Christ’s Kingdom Request a Free Booklet by Mail

Copyright: americanspirit / 123RF Stock Photo

As we study various characters in the Bible, we look to see how they were led of God, how they might inspire us, and how they reflect our Lord Jesus’ character since many figures in the Bible are referred to, or picture our Lord Jesus.

What would you do if your brothers hated you so much that they sold you into slavery? How would you respond if you were accused falsely of a crime that you did not commit and then thrown into jail for two years? Then, just as suddenly you were vindicated and not just recovered but given great authority and power. Would you exact revenge on the truly guilty parties or would you show mercy?

Out of jealousy Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. God overruled this experience because we know that the majority of the brothers wanted to kill him. Joseph ended up in the hands of Potiphar, a wealthy Egyptian. When Potiphar’s wife made advances toward him, Joseph resisted. Angered, she lied and told Potiphar that Joseph attacked her. Potiphar believed his wife and put Joseph in prison. There, Joseph waited for two years until Pharaoh sent for him to interpret his dream.

Joseph was favored of God and proved his loyalty. He trusted God and waited patiently for deliverance from prison. Even with his brothers, he did not return evil for evil. “You intended to harm me but God intended it for good . . . the saving of many lives.” (Gen. 50:20, New International Version) So too with our Lord Jesus. “When he was reviled, [he] reviled not again.” (1 Pet. 2:23) Ever faithful, Jesus said “not my will, but thine, be done.”—Luke 22:42

Joseph was brought to the throne of Egypt because it was God’s will. Neither Potiphar’s wife nor his brothers’ evil intentions could interfere with that. God used the natural course of events to test (and demonstrate) his servant’s obedience, faithfulness, and love for him. Similarly, Jesus suffered, proving his obedience and love for God and his plan. As a result, God highly exalted him with power to bless the world in due time.—1 Tim. 2:6

Illustration copyright

In Genesis chapter 41 we find that Pharaoh had two dreams and he was troubled greatly by them. He sent for all of the magicians and wise men of Egypt to interpret his dreams but none were able. Then Pharaoh’s chief butler, who had been in prison with Joseph, remembered how Joseph had interpreted his dream, and the interpretation had come true! The butler told Pharaoh about Joseph, and Pharaoh had Joseph brought out of prison to interpret his dreams. In response, Joseph humbly said, “It is not in me: but God will give Pharaoh an answer.”—Gen. 41:16

Pharaoh’s first dream had seven fat cows followed by seven lean cows. The second dream had seven full ears of corn followed by seven thin ears. In the dreams, the lean cows devoured the fat cows and the thin ears of corn devoured the full ears of corn. Joseph said, “God has showed Pharaoh what he is about to do.” (Gen. 41:25) The dreams meant the same thing: seven years of an abundant harvest followed by seven years of famine in the land of Egypt.

In response to the interpretation, and Joseph’s suggestion that Pharaoh appoint a man to collect the surplus for the coming famine, Pharaoh made Joseph ruler over his whole kingdom and gave him a new name, Zaphnath-paaneah, meaning “bread of life.” Joseph stored the surplus food from the years of plenty so, when the famine came, no one died from starvation. He became the life giver of Egypt, a type of the greater life giver, THE CHRIST, who will reign supreme and will provide a complete provision of the bread of life for every member of our race in his kingdom. In Jesus was life, and he gave it on behalf of Adam and all mankind.

During the Gospel Age, only Jesus’ followers have fed on this bread, to be developed as a member of Christ’s body and, if faithful, glorified together with him in heaven. Then in the Millennial Age during Christ’s earthly kingdom, the world will hunger after righteousness. Christ and his body members (his bride, the church), will dispense to all mankind, the bread of life they will need to gain everlasting life.

Illustration copyright

Israel was the name given to Jacob at the time he wrestled with the angel at Peniel. Later, Israel was used as the name of the Hebrew nation and, in Genesis 49:28, the twelve tribes of Israel. In Genesis 42, we have the account when Israel was an old man, and a drought came over Egypt and all the neighboring countries, including Canaan where Israel was living with his eleven sons. The drought lasted many years and was so severe that no crops could grow. When their supply of grain was depleted and Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other? . . . I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.”—Gen. 42:1,2, New International Version

By God’s providence, Joseph already lived in Egypt, and had been elevated to the highest position next to the Pharaoh, with supreme authority and rulership. Joseph’s brothers visited Egypt twice to procure food. During their second visit, Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers and invited the entire family to come and settle in Goshen. When the brothers brought news of Joseph back to Jacob, he said, “It is enough; my son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”—Gen. 45:28, New American Standard Bible

With his entire household of seventy persons, Jacob left his native land, but not before he had visited Beer-Sheba, where he offered sacrifices to God. Here, God appeared to him and told him not to be afraid to go to Egypt, because God would be with him and eventually turn his small family into a great nation.—Gen. 46:1-3

After they arrived (Genesis 47:1, Good News Bible), Joseph went to see Pharaoh and told him, “My father and my brothers have arrived from the land of Canaan. They have come with all their flocks, their herds and all that they own. They are now in the region of Goshen.” Pharaoh was pleased with Joseph’s brothers, and honored five of them by appointing them as overseers of his domestic concerns. Jacob, who seemed to be dying for years, lived longer than he expected. For seventeen years in Egypt, Jacob continued to put his faith and trust in God and enjoyed his remaining years in peace and safety with his twelve sons and their families.

Illustration copyright