The Bible is history... His Story. The whole Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to maps, is the story of Jesus... His Story.
Consider Joseph, a “type” of Christ. Joseph’s life points forward to Jesus in mystically miraculous ways... In this great Old Testament patriarch, we see Jesus.
Read Genesis 37.
Joseph was a shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).
Joseph was the beloved son. So was Jesus. Remember that Heavenly voice, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!” (Matthew 3:17)
Joseph was given an unusual coat, as was Jesus. Indeed, Jesus’ tunic was seamless, so unique that the Roman soldiers coveted it, and gambled for it (John 19:23-24).
Joseph was hated and rejected by his brothers, just like Jesus (John 1:11).
In his dreams, by Divine revelation, Joseph was promised a glorious future. In time, Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt, second only to the most high, Pharaoh. And by Divine revelation, Jesus’ glory was revealed. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High!” (Luke 1:32)
Jacob, Joseph’s dad, sent him on a mission (Genesis 37:13). The Great Missionary, Jesus, came seeking (Luke 19:10), much like Joseph was “seeking his brothers.” (Genesis 37:16)
We’re only halfway through Genesis 37. The stories of the mystically miraculous foreshadowings of Jesus continue through chapter fifty! Now, back the chapter 37...
Joseph’s brothers conspired against him, just as the religious elite “plotted against” Jesus (Matthew 12:14).
They stripped him (Matthew 27:28), and threw him in a pit (John 19:38-42).
But he didn’t stay in the pit! Hallelujah! He was brought out alive! (Luke 24)
Do you see Jesus, prowling the pages of the Old Testament? He is there! In a hundred details, Joseph lived to tell His Story, the story of Jesus!
Joseph lived well!
But when we get to the great Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11, we learn little about Joseph’s honorable life. Rather, we learn that Joseph died well! He was faithful to the end!
“By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” (Hebrews 11:22, ESV)
Joseph told the story of Jesus, all the way to the finish line. He died, looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s guarantee (Genesis 15:13-14) and his return to God’s land of promise. He trusted God’s Word!
Maybe, by God’s grace, I’ve still got a little time, but I admit it ... I’m over the hill. I can almost see the finish line! Oh, that it might be said, “he died well! He lived to tell His Story, all the way to the finish line!”