Closer To Heaven
|
|
|
by Reinder Bruinsma | 30 July 2025 | Professor Rik Torfs belongs to that small group of erudite people who have the gift of communicating their insights in accessible, enriching, and often surprising ways. He is a Belgian professor in canonical law. I became acquainted with him in 1997 when I was involved with the […] Source: https://atoday.org/negative-eschatology-embracing-the-mysteries-of-our-afterlife/
Shangilia Liama and her group arrived at a place called Oporoi to visit the Morans who live there. When they arrived, the Morans welcomed them very kindly. The group gave the Morans Godpods, which they plan to listen to and then share their report. The Morans are very thankful to AWR for bringing the Godpods. They are excited to hear God's Word from the devices and feel grateful. They look forward to listening to God's message. #AWR360 #BroadcastToBaptism Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Tqun_8MkOQo
Lesson 5: Passover
5.5 The Divine Judgment
Divine Judgment – When Justice Is Revealed………………………………………………………………….
IntroductionThe tenth and final plague was the climax of God’s intervention against Egypt’s oppressive system. What began as a promise of liberation now finds its radical fulfillment: the Egyptian firstborn die – a deeply shocking but justified judgment.
Why did God strike the firstborn specifically? What does that tell us about justice, retribution – but also hope? And what does it mean for us today, in a world full of injustice, pain, and consequences?
This lesson brings us to a point where we begin to grasp the weight of sin and the depth of divine justice – and at the same time realize: salvation comes through the blood of a lamb.
………………………………………………………………….
Bible Study: Exodus 12:29–30 + Hebrews 11:28Theme: “The Judgment on the Firstborn – Final Consequence or Final Chance?”
Text Base: Exodus 12:29–30 / Hebrews 11:28 / Exodus 1:16–22 / Exodus 15:11 / Exodus 18:11
1. Historical and Biblical ContextThe story of the ten plagues is not a myth or a fable – it is God’s direct confrontation with a system of oppression that defied life, freedom, and truth.
Pharaoh was more than just a man – he embodied a divinely legitimized system of power that enslaved his own people and others. The tenth plague was not only directed at Pharaoh himself, but at everything he represented:
Power without justice
Religion without truth
Progress without regard for life
God’s decision to strike the firstborn was not cruel – but consistent. It was the final step, after God had warned, waited, and called out nine times before.
2. Why the Firstborn?In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn carried the family’s legacy, identity, and hope. They symbolized:
The future of the family
The continuation of the lineage
The pride and status of the parents
In Egypt, this had religious implications:
Pharaoh’s son was considered divine
Goddesses like Isis, Heqet, and the god Min were seen as protectors of life, fertility, and children
So the tenth plague was:
A blow to Egypt’s religious foundations
An exposure of the gods’ powerlessness
A reflection of Egypt’s own sin – they had murdered Israel’s firstborn (see Exodus 1:16–22)
God’s judgment is never arbitrary – it is both mirror and response.
What a person sows, that will they also reap.
3. Passover as a Gift of Grace in the Midst of JudgmentGod could have judged without warning.
But instead, He offers salvation – through a sacrifice, a lamb, through faith and obedience.
Passover was:
A sign of faith – not understanding saved them, but trusting did
A sign of separation – those who obeyed were under divine protection
A sign of redemption – not through effort, but through the lamb’s blood (Hebrews 11:28)
➤ Protection from destruction didn’t depend on origin, status, or knowledge – only on the blood.
Parallel to the gospel:
Jesus is our Passover Lamb (see 1 Corinthians 5:7).
Only His blood saves us from eternal judgment.
Yes, God judges – but He offers protection first.
4. The Character of God in JudgmentWe must learn to see God not only as “loving” – but as holy, just, slow to anger, and rich in mercy.
God is no tyrant – but He is also not a passive observer.
In Exodus 12:29–30, we see:
God’s resolve – He acts when the time is right
God’s control – He chooses the target (firstborn), the time (midnight), the scope (all of Egypt)
God’s patience – He had warned them nine times before
God’s grace – He offered a way of salvation beforehand
God does not judge out of anger – but out of justice.
And His justice is never separate from His mercy.
5. Judgment as a Response to Systemic SinThe tenth plague did not strike only individual sinners – but an entire system, which over generations had:
Killed children
Enslaved peoples
Ignored the voice of God
God’s judgment strikes structures – not just actions.
This is true today too:
Systems that destroy life (human trafficking, environmental abuse, exploitation)
Systems that suppress truth (propaganda, censorship, persecution)
Systems that prioritize power over people
God does not remain silent – at some point, He speaks through events, upheaval, and judgment.
6. What Does This Have to Do with Us?The story of the ten plagues is not just history – it is prophecy.
Even today, there are modern-day Pharaohs – in politics, economics, ideology.
Even today, innocent blood cries out from the ground to God.
Even today, God offers protection – but not forever.
The real question is:
“Am I under the protection of the Lamb – or living in my own strength?”
7. The Deep Truth of PassoverGod saves through substitution.
An innocent dies – so the guilty may live.
A lamb sheds its blood – so destruction passes by.
What happened literally in Egypt happens spiritually today:
Whoever trusts in Christ is no longer under condemnation – but under grace.
8. Spiritual Lessons for TodayJudgment is real – but never without warning
Faith is shown through obedience
Our decisions deeply impact others
No idol, no technology, no achievement can save – only the blood of Jesus
God’s goal is always salvation – never destruction
The tenth plague may be one of the hardest stories in the Bible – but it is also one of the clearest revelations of the gospel.
God judges – yes.
But first, He calls.
He warns.
He offers salvation.
He waits.
But when the measure is full, He acts – justly, righteously, and decisively.
What does this mean for you today?
Are you ready?
Are you under the protection?
Or are you deaf to God’s warnings?
………………………………………………………………….
Answers to the Questions
Question 1: Why the Firstborn?God’s decision to strike the firstborn in the tenth plague was not random or cruel – it was deeply symbolic, just, and purposeful. It was the final step in a long process of divine warnings, patience, and mercy.
In ancient society, the firstborn:
Carried the blessing
Represented the family’s hope
Were heirs and symbols of the future
In Egypt, the firstborn had divine significance:
Pharaoh’s firstborn was considered the son of a god. Pharaoh himself was seen as the incarnation of gods like Ra or Horus.
Striking the firstborn exposed the powerlessness of Egypt’s religion. Gods like:
Isis (protector of children)
Heqet (goddess of birth)
Min (god of fertility)
– all were powerless to save. The plague was a judgment on Egypt’s gods, not just its people (see Exodus 12:12).
It was also a response to the killing of Israel’s sons by Pharaoh (Exodus 1).
This was not vengeance – but restorative justice:
“What a man sows, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
But God did not act without restraint: He gave nine chances to repent – nine warnings. Only after all were rejected did judgment fall.
It struck at:
The heart of Egyptian identity
The pride and religious arrogance of the system
The Pharaoh’s god-like self-image
And it stood for the sake of the oppressed – those whose children had been killed.
Hebrews 11:28 reminds us that Moses, by faith, kept the Passover so that “the destroyer would not touch the firstborn.” God’s judgment makes a distinction – and obedience through faith brings protection.
Israel was not better – but they trusted the blood of the Lamb.
Question 2: How Have Others Suffered from Your Sins?This question invites honest reflection – not as theory, but personal experience.
How have we suffered from others’ sins?
We’ve been lied to – and trust broke
Wounded by harsh words
Abandoned or disappointed by loved ones
Hurt by injustice – in families, workplaces, or society
Some wounds heal slowly, or never fully. They shape our view of people – and sometimes, of God.
But also:
How have others suffered from our sins?
We spoke impatiently when someone needed comfort
Acted selfishly when someone relied on us
Crossed lines that hurt someone’s dignity
Our actions leave marks – seen or unseen.
God knows every consequence.
Sin is never private – it spreads like a virus.
It hurts the guilty – and also the innocent (as in the tenth plague).
Not in self-help.
Not in remorse.
Not in trying to earn justice.
Our only hope is what Israel had:
A lamb
Blood on the door
A sacrifice that dies in our place
Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
His blood speaks life, not death.
It protects us not just from earthly destruction – but from eternal judgment.
It covers our guilt – and heals the wounds others caused us.
God’s grace means:
– I am not forever defined by my failures.
– I can receive forgiveness – and extend it.
– I don’t have to live in bitterness – but seek reconciliation through God’s help.
Our hope is not “improvement” – but redemption.
And it is a gift – to all who step under the blood by faith.
God’s judgment on the firstborn was just, necessary, and intentional
It was the final act after immense patience and mercy
The firstborn symbolized Egypt’s power and pride – the core was struck
Passover was the way to salvation – through blood, not merit
Our only hope today is also in Christ’s sacrifice
Sin has consequences – but grace has the final word
………………………………………………………………….
Spiritual PrinciplesGod’s judgment is just and specific – never arbitrary
Sin has consequences – for us and others
Idols – even modern ones – are powerless in times of crisis
Mercy and protection are found only under the Lamb’s blood
Faith acts – it’s not enough to know truth; we must live it
…………………………………………………………………
Application for Daily LifeReflect honestly: What decisions of yours have harmed others? Ask God (and possibly people) for forgiveness
If you’re suffering because of others: Bring your pain to God – He sees the injustice and will act
Identify modern idols: success, control, security, image – they can’t save you
Trust in Christ – actively, daily, with gratitude
In suffering, remember: God sees you – and His judgment also brings hope for the oppressed
………………………………………………………………….
ConclusionThe tenth plague was God’s judgment – clear, just, and inescapable.
But it was also a signal of protection for those under the blood of the Lamb.
The question is not if judgment will come –
but where will you stand when it does?
Only under God’s protection is there safety.
And only there does true hope begin.
………………………………………………………………….
Thought of the Day“What a man sows, he will reap. But through Christ, even the seeds of guilt can grow into a harvest of grace.”
………………………………………………………………….
Illustration – “When the Light Fell Silent”A story about guilt, grace, and rescue through the blood – from South Africa
Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. The ocean glittered as if God had scattered diamonds across the water. But further inland, beyond the tourist roads, a different reality unfolded – one of townships, corrugated metal shacks, crumbling schools, and endless clinic lines.
Dumisani Mahlangu, 48, was the most powerful man in the province.
CEO of KuhleChem, a corporation producing pesticides, genetically modified crops, and cheap agricultural chemicals.
He was the son of an anti-apartheid hero – and yet, he was now accused of everything his father had once resisted: exploitation, corruption, oppression.
“It’s for economic growth,” Dumisani would say in interviews.
“If we don’t produce, Africa starves.”
His son Sipho, 17, was his pride and joy. Bright. Athletic. Respected.
He was to inherit the company, carry on the family legacy. Sipho was his firstborn – his heir.
In a small town called Riverside, just 40 kilometers away, lived a quiet, unassuming pastor:
Themba Ndlovu – a man with a raspy voice, a deeply lined face, and a Bible so worn its edges crumbled like dust.
He had spent years in prison – not for crimes, but for resisting illegal land seizures by corporations.
Now he lived simply, running a small community center, leading Bible classes for children – often beneath the shadow of a scorched, ancient acacia tree.
Themba did not preach loudly – but every word struck deeply:
“When the blood of children cries from the ground, God will answer.”
“When money becomes god, we lose our humanity.”
“When the firstborn die, it is not because God is cruel – but because we mocked Him too long.”
No one laughed.
But many went silent.
In April, the fog came. First as a weather phenomenon – then as a metaphor.
Around the plantations of Mossel Bay, children started falling ill – skin rashes, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating.
Local doctors blamed stress and poverty.
But Themba knew more. He had seen lab reports – confidential, anonymous, explosive.
A new chemical additive from KuhleChem had leaked – accidentally or deliberately, no one knew.
But the poison crept into ventilation systems, rivers, wells – it reached even supermarket produce.
The government remained silent.
It was June 16th – Youth Day in South Africa.
In memory of the Soweto students who once protested apartheid.
That night, a large celebration took place at the coastal park.
Sipho Mahlangu stood on stage – microphone in hand, surrounded by friends, cameras, applause.
At exactly midnight, he collapsed.
No gunshots. No accident. No murder.
Just a sudden stop of breath.
Then the heart.
Then silence.
Sipho was dead.
Minutes later, more teenagers collapsed – all firstborn sons and daughters of KuhleChem executives, politicians, investors.
Nine.
Then twelve.
Eventually seventeen.
Medical exams revealed nothing. No cause. No explanation.
The next morning:
Sirens howling for hours.
Funeral processions.
TVs displaying only black screens.
And then – a social media post from Pastor Themba:
“The angel passed through the land.
Those under the blood were spared.”
(Exodus 12:29)
It was shared 20 million times.
Some demanded his arrest.
Others knelt in the dirt and wept.
On the following Sunday, Dumisani Mahlangu appeared at Pastor Themba’s small church.
Not in a suit.
Not with bodyguards.
Only with his son’s shoes in his hands.
“I thought I could control everything,” he whispered.
“But I lost the one thing that mattered most.”
Themba was silent for a moment. Then he replied:
“Your son was not the punishment.
He was the sign.
You sacrificed other children on the altar of profit –
and now the system has taken your own.
But it’s not too late.
Not for you.
Not for this land.
If you come under the blood – you can begin again.”
Dumisani knelt.
For the first time in his life.
Six months later, KuhleChem was dismantled.
Dumisani publicly released all internal documents.
He sold his assets, created a fund for environmental restoration, and began helping build new schools in rural communities.
Pastor Themba started teaching about the “blood of the Lamb” – not as a symbol, but as real protection in a self-destructive world.
On the wall of his church hung a note written by a child:
“God didn’t kill first.
He warned first.
And then He saved.”
God still speaks today –
Through disasters,
Through lost children,
Through brave voices.
He does not judge out of anger – but out of love.
Not to destroy – but to save.
When modern systems become like Egypt – powerful, proud, and blind to justice – God will not remain silent.
But before He judges, He always sends a sign,
a sacrifice,
a lamb.
Are we under the blood?
Or are we still trusting in power, money, and control?
July 31, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Leviticus 16 – The Day of Atonement – Holiness, Grace, and Cleansing
A look at God’s plan for cleansing and restoration in Leviticus 16 – and what it means for us today══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Leviticus 16 (KJV)1 And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died;
2 And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
3 Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
5 And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.
6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
7 And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
9 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord‘s lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.
10 But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:
12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
13 And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:
14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.
15 Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.
17 And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
18 And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the Lord, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about.
19 And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.
20 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:
21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness:
22 And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.
23 And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:
24 And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.
25 And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar.
26 And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.
27 And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung.
28 And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
29 And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:
30 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.
31 It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.
32 And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments:
33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.
34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
IntroductionIn a world marked by guilt, separation, mistakes, and failure, the question arises:
How can humanity be reconciled to a holy God?
Leviticus 16 offers a profound answer to this question:
Through a holy sacrifice, through a mediator, through cleansing – and through grace.
This chapter describes the annual Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur – the highest holy day in the Jewish calendar. It was a day of cleansing, a day of fasting, a day of decision – and at the same time, a prophetic picture of what Jesus Christ has fulfilled for us.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Commentary
1. Holiness and Access to God (verses 1–4)God makes it unmistakably clear: no one may enter His presence carelessly or at any time.
Aaron, the high priest, may only enter the Most Holy Place once a year – and only under strict conditions:
With ritual washing
Wearing holy, simple linen garments
Carrying sacrificial animals
This shows us: God’s presence is not a place for human pride or presumption.
Access to God requires purity, humility, and obedience.
2. The Sacrifices: Atonement for the Priest and the People (verses 5–19)Aaron must first bring a sacrifice for himself and his household – before he can intercede for the people. Then two goats come into play:
One for the Lord, sacrificed as a sin offering
One for Azazel, the “scapegoat”, sent into the wilderness
Aaron sprinkles blood on the atonement cover (mercy seat) to make atonement for the people. He also purifies the sanctuary, the altar, and the utensils – because even the place of worship had been defiled by the sins of the people.
Blood = life.
It is through the shedding of blood that forgiveness is made possible (cf. Hebrews 9:22).
The scapegoat symbolizes this: our guilt is carried away.
3. Symbolic Removal of Sin (verses 20–22)Aaron places all the guilt of the people on the live goat – through the laying on of hands and confession.
A designated man then leads the goat into the wilderness, far from the camp. The message:
God removes sin completely – not just symbolically, but truly.
Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
God doesn’t just want to forgive, but to cleanse, free, and relieve us.
4. Cleansing and a New Beginning (verses 23–28)After completing his duties in the sanctuary, Aaron removes the holy garments, washes, offers the burnt offering, and burns the fat – a sign of total devotion.
Atonement doesn’t end with ritual – it leads to renewed life.
Even the man who led the goat away, or who burned the animal carcasses, must wash and purify himself – sin defiles everything, even the helper.
5. An Eternal Law and Its Prophetic Fulfillment (verses 29–34)Yom Kippur was a perpetual ordinance:
Once a year
On the 10th day of the 7th month
A day of self-examination, fasting, and rest
And yet Israel knew: the sacrifices had to be repeated every year – because they could not fully cleanse (cf. Hebrews 10:1–4).
Only in Jesus was this perfectly fulfilled.
Hebrews 9:12 – “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, and obtained eternal redemption.”
══════════════════════════════════════════════
SummaryLeviticus 16 describes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Access to God is only possible through purity and sacrificial blood.
Two goats represent atonement and the removal of sin.
God requires not only outward rituals, but inward repentance and holiness.
The annual rite prophetically points to Jesus Christ, who has atoned once for all.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Message for Us TodayEven today, we need atonement – with God, with others, and with ourselves.
We carry guilt – sometimes visible, often hidden. We try to repress it, compensate for it, or justify it.
But God says:
Come to Me with it all – I have prepared the way.
Not through performance.
Not through self-denial.
But through the blood of My Son.
Jesus is our High Priest, our sacrificial Lamb, our scapegoat.
In Him, sin is not just forgiven – it is removed. Forever.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Reflection Questions“There is a place where guilt ends:
Not in denial.
Not in explanation.
But under the blood.
At the cross.
That’s where true freedom begins.”
~~~~~
July 27 – August 2, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 20 Joseph in Egypt Read online here══════════════════════════════════════════════
IntroductionJoseph’s life story is one of the most moving accounts in the Old Testament. It shows how God uses suffering, injustice, and severe trials to shape a young man into an instrument of His blessing — not just for one people, but for entire nations. What Joseph experiences reflects divine education, divine faithfulness — and human choice.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Commentary
1. Brokenness: Loneliness and Loss (The Beginning of the Journey)Joseph is betrayed by his brothers, sold, and on his way to a foreign land. His childhood, marked by his father’s favoritism, ends abruptly. He experiences deep emotional wounds and total abandonment. But out of this crisis, something new begins to grow. In his loneliness, Joseph decides to trust God — even when he loses everything else.
2. The Conscious Decision for Faithfulness (Turning Point)Joseph remembers the teachings about the God of his fathers — and makes a conscious decision: he will remain faithful to God, no matter the cost. This decision becomes the defining turning point in his life. He is no longer a victim of his circumstances but a servant of God — even in slavery.
3. Steadfastness in Temptation (Potiphar’s House)Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife. The decision lies between secret sin or risky faithfulness. Joseph chooses the harder path and asks:
“How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
He does not choose out of fear of people but out of reverence for God.
4. Faithfulness in the Dark (The Prison Years)Joseph is unjustly condemned. Despite deep injustice, he holds firm to his faith. He does not become bitter. Instead of self-pity, he serves others, helps, comforts, interprets dreams. The years in prison become a school of character.
5. The Elevation (At the Royal Court)God opens the doors at the right time. Joseph is elevated — not by chance, but by divine plan. His wisdom, insight, and faithfulness in small things make him Egypt’s administrator. The former slave becomes Father of the Land (Genesis 41:43). God honors his faithfulness with influence and responsibility.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
SummaryJoseph’s journey takes him from his father’s tent, through slavery and prison, all the way to the Pharaoh’s court. In every phase, Joseph remains faithful to his God — not because it was easy, but because it was right. His strength of character and faith make him an instrument in God’s hands.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Message for Us TodayGod’s guidance is not always visible — but it is always faithful.
Trials reveal our character.
He who honors God in the small things will be entrusted with greater things.
Worldly success is empty without the fear of God — but through reverence for God, success gains lasting value.
Character is shaped in daily life, through small decisions, in the unseen.
══════════════════════════════════════════════
Reflection QuestionWhere am I right now on my “Joseph journey”? In the pit? In Potiphar’s house? In prison? Or in elevation?
What keeps me from remaining faithful to God under all circumstances?
Is my integrity dependent on external conditions — or on inner conviction?
What “small decisions” today are shaping my character for tomorrow?
LuxVerbi | The light of the Word. The clarity of faith.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/31-07-2025-leviticus-chapter-16-believe-his-prophets/
July 31, 2025
Joseph – Faith That Endures
6. Joseph in Egypt – A Stranger, Yet Faithful────────────────────────────────
IntroductionJoseph had arrived in a new world – completely different from anything he had known. No father, no familiar language, no loving environment. Only chains, unfamiliar faces, and a new life he hadn’t chosen. And yet, one thing stands out: Joseph did not become bitter. He didn’t cling to what he had lost – he held on to the One who had never lost him: God.
────────────────────────────────
DevotionalGenesis 39:2–3
“The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did…”
Joseph was young, gifted, blessed by God – and suddenly a slave in Egypt. He had nothing left to rely on: no home, no family, no protection, no influence. Everything that humans associate with security was gone. And yet – right in the middle of this complete new beginning, in this powerlessness, Joseph became a bearer of blessing. The Bible doesn’t say: “Joseph was strong and capable and therefore successful.” No – it says: “The LORD was with Joseph.”
What comfort! What a divine principle: God’s presence is not tied to a place – it is tied to a person. Joseph carried God’s presence with him – not because he was perfect, but because he didn’t turn away from God, but held on to Him.
No one would have blamed Joseph if he had simply adapted. If he had given up internally. If he had said: “I’m no longer in Canaan. God has forgotten me.” But Joseph made a decision that changed everything: he lived as if God was still with him. And this wasn’t just an idea of faith – it showed in his entire life:
He was faithful in small things.
He worked diligently, even though he received no wages.
He resisted temptation, even though no one was watching.
He honored God with his attitude, not just with words.
And the result? Even his pagan master Potiphar saw: “The LORD is with him.” Joseph didn’t have a preaching ministry, a stage, or a congregation – but he preached with his life. Faithfulness in a foreign land might be the most credible form of testimony.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Maybe you, too, are in your own “Egypt.” Not literally, but internally: in a place where you feel like a stranger. Maybe at a workplace where you’re mocked for your faith. In a family where you’re the only one who believes. In a phase of life where you no longer see meaning.
Then remember Joseph. God was not only with him in the highs – He was with him in Potiphar’s house, in prison, in obscurity. Joseph was not strong because he had success – he had success because he remained faithful to God, even in obscurity.
God tests our character not on the stage, but in the hidden places. In the kitchen, in the office, in the silence. And as Joseph shows: God can even use the worst circumstances to shape, prepare, and build you – if you remain. If you don’t give up. If you trust Him even in Egypt.
The question is not: “Why am I here?”
The question is: “How can I be faithful here?”
Maybe no one sees your struggle – but God does. And He walks with you – not only once you are free. But now.
────────────────────────────────
Story – The Journey Through the UnknownMariam was 19 when she arrived in Germany with just a suitcase, a bag full of books, and a small prayer journal. Her family lived in a small village in Ghana. The scholarship to study medicine in Europe was a dream – but also a leap into the unknown.
“You are called, Mariam,” her father had said when she left. “God will go with you, even if no one else is with you.” She had taken that seriously at the time. But when she stood on campus for the first time, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, a new language, and long days in cold lecture halls, her faith felt far away.
Everything was hard in the first few weeks. Her classmates picked up the language faster. Her roommates went partying, while she sat alone in her little room at night, reading her Bible and crying. She could barely afford to call her family. She felt invisible – a stranger in a country that wasn’t home.
At one point, she even thought about quitting her studies. She prayed, “Why did You send me here, God? I’m too weak. I can’t do this.” She didn’t expect an answer. But the next morning, there was a handwritten note on her desk – from a classmate she barely knew:
“I admire your calmness. You seem strong, even when things are hard. It’s good to have you around.”
Mariam was speechless. And then she remembered Joseph.
He too was in a foreign land. He too was invisible. He too was tempted to give up. But Joseph hadn’t given up. He had trusted God – not because he understood everything, but because he knew who he belonged to.
In the months that followed, her situation didn’t change immediately – but her attitude did. Mariam began to focus on what she did have: her education, her connection to God, her ability to serve. She started cooking regularly for other students, helped a classmate with exam anxiety, and read a psalm out loud in her room every day – to remind herself that God’s presence is real, even in a foreign land.
Three years later, she was among the top students in her class. Professors knew her not just as a hardworking student – but as someone whose character encouraged others. Most had no idea what she had been through.
But Mariam knew: God had carried her through. Not because she was strong – but because she remained faithful. Not because everything was easy – but because He was with her, even in Egypt.
────────────────────────────────
What We Can Learn from ThisYou don’t have to be in a “holy place” to be close to God.
Faithfulness doesn’t begin when everything is ideal – but precisely in foreign places.
People observe your behavior more than you think.
God’s blessing is not only shown in freedom – but also in faithfulness under pressure.
You are never alone, even if you feel that way – God walks with you.
────────────────────────────────
Reflection – What Does This Mean for You?Where do you currently feel like a stranger or out of place?
Is there a place where you “feel” God less – even though you know He’s there?
What decision of faithfulness could you make today – even if no one sees it?
────────────────────────────────
Practical Steps for TodayRead Genesis 39 and underline how often it says: “And the LORD was with Joseph.”
Ask yourself: What does it mean for me, practically, to give space to God in my daily life – even in “foreign” places?
Take 5 minutes to consciously pray for your environment (e.g. workplace, family, dorm) – even if it’s challenging.
Consider how you can be a witness through faithfulness in small things – without words.
────────────────────────────────
PrayerLord, sometimes I feel like Joseph – in an environment that feels foreign to me. I wonder whether my faith even matters there. But today I want to trust You anew. You are with me – even in my Egypt. Give me faithfulness, perseverance, and clarity. Show me how I can reflect Your character – not through perfection, but through Your presence in me. Amen.
────────────────
Key Thought of the Day
You can be faithful in a foreign place – when you know that God sees you exactly there.
────────────────────────────────
Blessing to CloseMay the Lord be with you when you feel alone.
May the Lord give you inner peace when outer circumstances are loud.
May the Lord give you strength to remain faithful where you are – and open new paths at the right time.
May He bless your heart with the assurance: You are not forgotten. You are guided.
────────────────────────────────
LumenCorde | Daily light for a living soul.
Introduction: Have you heard Christians who say that they only study the New Testament? For those who think the New Testament stands on its own, our study this week demolishes that view. What we study this week is the historic and prophetic platform on which our salvation by grace alone rests. This week creates the practice that looks forward to Jesus’ crucifixion and the defeat of sin and Satan. Let’s turn our study to this amazing series of chapters in Exodus!
A. Read Exodus 11:1. What major breakthrough will come from this last plague? (Pharaoh will drive the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt. No longer is he reluctant to have them go.)
B. Read Exodus 11:2-3. Are these gifts voluntary? (The text says that they are. God gave the Hebrews “favor.”)
C. Read Exodus 11:4-6. Who is going to die? (All firstborn in the land, even of cattle.)
A. Read Exodus 12:3-10. There is a lot of detail in these instructions, some of which might not have made sense to the listening Hebrews. Is there a lesson in this for us? (We should never second guess God. We know, with the benefit of hindsight, that the requirement that the lamb be perfect, be a male, and that the blood be smeared over the door makes perfect sense in light of this event pointing to Jesus.)
B. Read Exodus 12:11-13. How do you understand the statement “It is the Lord’s Passover?” (God will literally pass over all people to see if they have blood smeared on their door. This is not a relaxing meal. This is God’s judgment.)
C. Let’s skip down and read Exodus 12:24-27. What is the lesson in the Passover rite for the children when they enter the land promised to them by God? (Whether you live or die depends on which God you follow, and to which God you give your allegiance.)
A. We skipped over Exodus 12:15-20. This describes the future celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Read Exodus 12:17-19. What point is God making? Is this about diet and health? Why is what someone eats the basis for (verse 19) being “cut off from the congregation of Israel?”
B. Read Matthew 16:5-8. Is this discussion of leaven about diet and health? (It is only about diet for those “of little faith.”)
C. Read Matthew 16:11-12. What is Jesus really talking about when He refers to leaven? (The teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.)
A. Read Exodus 12:29-30. Was Pharaoh warned of this? (Read Exodus 10:28-29. Pharaoh told Moses that he would kill him if Moses came again. Pharaoh is responsible for not being specifically warned. But read Exodus 4:21-23.
We see that at the very beginning of the dialog between Moses and Pharaoh God instructed Moses to warn of the death of the firstborn.)
B. Read Exodus 1:22. Is God just in His judgment? (He is doing to the Egyptians what they were doing to the Hebrews, but to a more limited extent. All the Hebrew boys were to be killed, not just the firstborn.)
C. Read Exodus 12:29 and Exodus 11:5. Do you think that the poor are more righteous than the rich? Are slaves and prisoners more favored by God? (The attitude on this seems to change with time. Sometimes the rich think they are more righteous than the poor and sometimes the poor think they are more righteous. What this shows is that the key to being saved is choosing the true God.)
D. Read Exodus 12:31-32. Is Pharaoh driving the Hebrews out of his country? (Yes, this is exactly what God predicted in Exodus 11:1.)
E. Read Exodus 12:33. What is the concern of the average Egyptian? (If this continues they will all die.)
F. Read Exodus 12:37 and compare it with Exodus 1:5. The Hebrews numbered 70 when they entered Egypt and 600,000 men when they departed. With women and children one commentary estimates two million Hebrews left Egypt. Is this a blessing or a tragedy?
G. Friend, you may have made bad decisions that harmed you and others. But this story tells us that God can rescue us from unfortunate circumstances on earth. His ultimate rescue is sending Himself to save those who claim the protection of His blood. For them, Jesus gives us an eternal rescue. Will you claim the protection of His blood right now? Why wait?
Copr. 2025, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within parentheses. Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you study.
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/5-passover-exodus-11-13-teaching-outline/
Jesus doesn't want just some of us to live eternally. He doesn't want to build a city for a few. He wants all of His family with Him! Will you accept His invitation? Comment "YES!" Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mQo0xvq7DIM
30 July 2025 | In his recent book, De kerk is Fantastisch, Belgian Roman Catholic theologian Rik Torfs analyzes what he sees as “fantastic” in his church, and what he considers ugly; what he admires and what he abhors. In this class, I will follow his model. My church, too, is also far from perfect. […] Source: https://atoday.org/atss-reinder-bruinsma-the-church-is-great-but-far-from-perfect/
As presented at the 62nd GC Session of the Adventist Church, the South American Division (SAD) reports 2.7 million members, 660k new members in the last 5 years, 392 missionaries around the world, and 303.8 million families reached by the media initiatives of the division. Learn how SAD will continue working to preach the message of the Bible and prepare people for the soon return of Jesus in the region. Watch this video report to learn how God is moving through the church in SAD. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vTGHeX_h3M
30 July 2025 | On July 30, World Trafficking Day, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) stops to honor the victims of human trafficking. Though the exact number is unknown, according to a study done by the International Labor Organization, there are 49.6 million people currently trapped in modern slavery worldwide. Though there are […] Source: https://atoday.org/adra-spreads-awareness-on-world-trafficking-day/
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
