The LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; the blessing of the LORD was on all that he had, in house and field. Genesis 39:5
Martyn Lloyd-Jones used to say the Old Testament is the same as the New Testament, except that it is easier to understand. The New Testament is filled with profound spiritual truth; the Old Testament is full of relatable human stories. The stories are given to us in order that we may understand the spiritual truth they were intended to convey.
In the New Testament, we are told that through faith we are united with Christ (Rom. 6:5). That’s a staggering thought, but what does it mean? In the Old Testament, we are given a helpful picture: Joseph in the house of Potiphar.
“From the time that he made him overseer in his house,” the blessing of the Lord came to Potiphar (Gen. 39:5). Here’s how Potiphar saw it: The blessing of God is on Joseph; if I put Joseph in charge, then the blessing of God will come on me.
The blessing of God came to Potiphar through Joseph and because of Joseph. God blessed Potiphar’s house “for Joseph’s sake” (39:5). This points to the blessing that can come into our lives through ‘our Joseph,’ who is Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the loved and favored Son of God (Matt. 3:17). The Father sends the Son on a dangerous mission to seek the good of His rebellious brothers (John 3:16). The Son lays aside His glory and becomes a Servant (Phil. 2:6-7). The will of the Lord prospers in the hand of His Servant (Isa. 53:10).
God’s blessing is on Jesus, and through Jesus it can come to you. This is the great New Testament truth that in Christ, through Christ, and because of Christ, the blessing of God comes into the lives of people. We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Is Jesus the Overseer of all you have? Does He have the freedom and authority to do whatever He thinks best with all you have? If not, why not?
