GENESIS 41:25-36
After Pharaoh told his dreams to Joseph, God revealed through Joseph that the dreams
had to do with seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of great famine.
Joseph then advised Pharaoh that every precaution should be taken during the seven
years of plenty so there would be food available during the seven years of famine. In all
of this, Joseph did not say a word about himself nor speak in behalf of his own need. He
had died to self; the previous 13 years had completely erased any desires for self. He
had seen God working, and that was his supreme desire.
We who know Jesus Christ as Saviour have also died to self. Note, it is not that we
should die to self but that we have died to self. God's Word makes this truth very clear.
Romans 6:6 says, "Knowing this, that our old man is [was] crucified with him, that the
body of sin might be destroyed [rendered inoperative], that henceforth we should not
serve sin."
Our crucifixion took place when Christ died on the cross for us. It is not that we ought to
die but that we have died. Our need now is to apply this truth, by faith, to ourselves. The
Lord Jesus Christ said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up
his cross daily, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake,
the same shall save it" (Luke 9:23-24).
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ (Phil. 3:7).
Theodore Epp
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