What Does the Future Hold?

In this week's Torah portion, Miketz מִקֵּץ (At the End), we are invited to hold on to a hopeful future for those who are just. It is the culmination of Joseph's journey after being betrayed, sold, falsely accused, imprisoned, and working for about thirteen years (he was seventeen when he had Adonai's vision—see Genesis 37:2, and he was thirty in Genesis 41:46 when he rose to power). Through it all Joseph demonstrated Christ-like behavior as he faced each trial. In fact, Joseph happens to be the closest foreshadowing of Christian behavior in the Old Testament. Almost everything in his life mirrors Yeshua's (Jesus') character. We see that most people in the Tanak who mirror the Messiah have their negative aspects brought to light, but it is difficult to find those in Joseph's life. As with everything else, I believe this is by design and God-ordained. Joseph, much like Yeshua, shows us what it is like to live a righteous life. Through all the temptations and injustices, Joseph passes the tests, and "at the end" Adonai honors him with victory. Joseph shows mercy, forgives, and flees sexual temptation. Through his righteous actions, Adonai places him in the position to bless the world and save his family.

As I read Joseph's full story I'd be the first to admit that I'd probably fail in many of his trials. I'm not sure if I'd be strong enough to overcome betrayal and perform as a slave in such a way that I'd be noticed, or if I'd get thrown in jail for doing the right thing and not be depressed or murmur. I'm not sure if I, as an attractive young man (as he was) I'd have the strength to reject sexual advances from a woman in power. I'm just being completely honest here and if most ponder about these situations I'd hope I'm not alone. How did he do it? I think he was Spirit-filled and had a strong connection with the Almighty. Even so, it took willpower and sacrifice on Joseph's part. He had to choose to be righteous (do the right thing according to Adonai). I think that is lacking in today's world (or maybe it has always been a rare thing to see). I see a lot of self-righteous people today, but not a lot of righteous living, and there is a huge difference between the two. Scripture states...

"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."James 5:13-16

I will never forget the Sunday morning when a worship leader read this verse and went on to explain that the "righteous person" in this verse are those who belong to Christ. That is, the single fact that a person has confessed that Christ is Lord, that person has become a righteous person. If that were so, then why are we not seeing Adonai's manifestation on Earth as often as we should? Why aren't more people being healed and more prayers being answered? These are things that keep me up at night because I truly believe that too many things are misunderstood in the world today. The Hebrew language has helped me understand the difference between being justified (תָּמִים perfect) and being just (צַדִּיק righteous). We are justified by the blood, death, resurrection, and atonement of Yeshua and His sacrifice on that cross. His blood pays our debt and we become reconciled with the Father and earn salvation as a gift. We are made "perfect or complete" before Adonai because we take on Yeshua's life as He takes on our sins. That is very different from living righteously and being justified.

We see this illustrated as far back as Genesis 6:9 when Noah was called צַדִּיק "just" because he walked with Adonai:

"Noah was a צַדִּיק righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." Genesis 6:9

I believe the underlying message in this portion is that those who walk with Adonai and walk according to His commands will emerge victorious someday. Not just in eternity, but will also reap earthy victory and results. "At the end" it will all go well for those who serve Him faithfully, and that is a hope I will gladly hold on to. Circumstances and life events may temporarily bring you down, but just like Joseph seek deep within your heart and know there is a Sovereign Lord on His throne who is just and in due time will bring you into the position you are meant to be. What a glorious promise! Shavuah Tov Ve'Shalom beloved.

"The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness." Proverbs 15:9