ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION - Josiah DeRoos

Thank you so much for joining us. For Thank you so much for joining us. For those that are online, just want to those that are online, just want to those that are online, just want to thank you for joining us again on this thank you for joining us again on this thank you for joining us again on this Wednesday evening and I'm so blessed to Wednesday evening and I'm so blessed to Wednesday evening and I'm so blessed to be here and to be able to share with be here and to be able to share with be here and to be able to share with you. you. you. You know, as uh Haley was up doing her You know, as uh Haley was up doing her You know, as uh Haley was up doing her prayer point, she mentioned that person prayer point, she mentioned that person prayer point, she mentioned that person that has come to their wits' end, they that has come to their wits' end, they that has come to their wits' end, they can't take another thing. can't take another thing. can't take another thing. Um maybe Um maybe Um maybe you've gotten to the point where this you've gotten to the point where this you've gotten to the point where this was the breaking point and you're even was the breaking point and you're even was the breaking point and you're even beyond that and somehow you're still beyond that and somehow you're still beyond that and somehow you're still holding on. holding on. holding on. Um and that's the person that I want to Um and that's the person that I want to Um and that's the person that I want to talk to tonight. You know, as I was talk to tonight. You know, as I was talk to tonight. You know, as I was praying and preparing this sermon, praying and preparing this sermon, praying and preparing this sermon, that was the person that I had before my that was the person that I had before my that was the person that I had before my um before my mind and in my prayers and um before my mind and in my prayers and um before my mind and in my prayers and I think that we all uh there's something I think that we all uh there's something I think that we all uh there's something here for all of us, but if you're that here for all of us, but if you're that here for all of us, but if you're that person in the room or online and you and person in the room or online and you and person in the room or online and you and you just say like, "I can't do it you just say like, "I can't do it you just say like, "I can't do it anymore. Um I'm at my wits' end. I can't anymore. Um I'm at my wits' end. I can't anymore. Um I'm at my wits' end. I can't take another step." take another step." take another step." I hope that you're encouraged tonight I hope that you're encouraged tonight I hope that you're encouraged tonight and I realize that there's nothing that and I realize that there's nothing that and I realize that there's nothing that I can say I can say I can say to bring encouragement to you. It it has to bring encouragement to you. It it has to bring encouragement to you. It it has to be the presence of God. It has to be to be the presence of God. It has to be to be the presence of God. It has to be the power of the Holy Spirit and I pray the power of the Holy Spirit and I pray the power of the Holy Spirit and I pray that as as I'm speaking that God meets that as as I'm speaking that God meets that as as I'm speaking that God meets you where you're at.

you where you're at. you where you're at. I want to share an encouraging thought I want to share an encouraging thought I want to share an encouraging thought from one of my favorite stories in the from one of my favorite stories in the from one of my favorite stories in the Bible Bible Bible and it's the story of Joseph in Genesis. and it's the story of Joseph in Genesis. and it's the story of Joseph in Genesis. There's something about his story that There's something about his story that There's something about his story that is just so relatable that it is so is just so relatable that it is so is just so relatable that it is so teachable in many areas of our lives. teachable in many areas of our lives. teachable in many areas of our lives. Uh and it really has the makings of a Uh and it really has the makings of a Uh and it really has the makings of a perfect movie. perfect movie. perfect movie. It has love, has betrayal, has It has love, has betrayal, has It has love, has betrayal, has hardships, hardships, hardships, prison, redemption, forgiveness, prison, redemption, forgiveness, prison, redemption, forgiveness, salvation. salvation. salvation. And often the lives And often the lives And often the lives that make the best movies that make the best movies that make the best movies are the ones that are filled with the are the ones that are filled with the are the ones that are filled with the ups and downs. Are the ones that are ups and downs. Are the ones that are ups and downs. Are the ones that are filled with great hardship. And Joseph filled with great hardship. And Joseph filled with great hardship. And Joseph life just epitomizes that. life just epitomizes that. life just epitomizes that. We first read about Joseph at his birth We first read about Joseph at his birth We first read about Joseph at his birth in Genesis chapter 30. in Genesis chapter 30. in Genesis chapter 30. Verses 23 and 24, it says that Rachel Verses 23 and 24, it says that Rachel Verses 23 and 24, it says that Rachel conceived and bore a son conceived and bore a son conceived and bore a son and said, "God has taken away my and said, "God has taken away my and said, "God has taken away my reproach." And she called his name reproach." And she called his name reproach." And she called his name Joseph saying, "May the Lord add to me Joseph saying, "May the Lord add to me Joseph saying, "May the Lord add to me another son."

another son." another son." Now, there's something interesting Now, there's something interesting Now, there's something interesting here that we don't see in English, but here that we don't see in English, but here that we don't see in English, but that if you read it in the original that if you read it in the original that if you read it in the original Hebrew, Hebrew, Hebrew, you see something. So, Joseph's name you see something. So, Joseph's name you see something. So, Joseph's name comes from the Hebrew word yasaf, and it comes from the Hebrew word yasaf, and it comes from the Hebrew word yasaf, and it literally means to add. It is to add literally means to add. It is to add literally means to add. It is to add something. something. something. But the birth narrative here, it But the birth narrative here, it But the birth narrative here, it intentionally plays on two Hebrew words intentionally plays on two Hebrew words intentionally plays on two Hebrew words that sound very that sound very that sound very very similar. very similar. very similar. It's the word yasaf, which means to add, It's the word yasaf, which means to add, It's the word yasaf, which means to add, and where Joseph's name comes from, and and where Joseph's name comes from, and and where Joseph's name comes from, and the word asaf, which means to take away. the word asaf, which means to take away. the word asaf, which means to take away. So, So, So, when when she says, "God has taken when when she says, "God has taken when when she says, "God has taken away," or asaf, "my reproach," says, and away," or asaf, "my reproach," says, and away," or asaf, "my reproach," says, and then she called his name Joseph saying, then she called his name Joseph saying, then she called his name Joseph saying, "May the Lord add to me," or yasaf, "May the Lord add to me," or yasaf, "May the Lord add to me," or yasaf, "another son." So, why does this matter? "another son." So, why does this matter? "another son." So, why does this matter? Because although these verses are about Because although these verses are about Because although these verses are about Rachel's Rachel's Rachel's reflections, reflections, reflections, these two ideas of addition and these two ideas of addition and these two ideas of addition and subtraction, subtraction, subtraction, they also become an interesting lens in they also become an interesting lens in they also become an interesting lens in which to watch Joseph's life unfold.

which to watch Joseph's life unfold. which to watch Joseph's life unfold. Because Joseph's whole life will feel Because Joseph's whole life will feel Because Joseph's whole life will feel this very real tension between addition this very real tension between addition this very real tension between addition and subtraction. Addition and and subtraction. Addition and and subtraction. Addition and subtraction. subtraction. subtraction. And in a way, all of our lives are And in a way, all of our lives are And in a way, all of our lives are similarly filled with additions and similarly filled with additions and similarly filled with additions and subtractions. We call it the roller subtractions. We call it the roller subtractions. We call it the roller coaster of life, or or the ups and coaster of life, or or the ups and coaster of life, or or the ups and downs. We have seasons where we're doing downs. We have seasons where we're doing downs. We have seasons where we're doing good, we seem to be prospering, and we good, we seem to be prospering, and we good, we seem to be prospering, and we have seasons of hardship and seasons of have seasons of hardship and seasons of have seasons of hardship and seasons of despair. despair. despair. But Joseph seemed to carry this reality But Joseph seemed to carry this reality But Joseph seemed to carry this reality with him early on as he's born into with him early on as he's born into with him early on as he's born into family tensions. Genesis 37 family tensions. Genesis 37 family tensions. Genesis 37 verses three says, verses three says, verses three says, "Now Israel, who's Jacob, loved Joseph "Now Israel, who's Jacob, loved Joseph "Now Israel, who's Jacob, loved Joseph more than any other of his sons." more than any other of his sons." more than any other of his sons." "Because he was the son of his old age, "Because he was the son of his old age, "Because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a robe of many colors." and he made him a robe of many colors." and he made him a robe of many colors." "But when his brothers saw that their "But when his brothers saw that their "But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his father loved him more than all his father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and they could brothers, they hated him, and they could brothers, they hated him, and they could not speak peacefully to him." not speak peacefully to him." not speak peacefully to him." So Joseph, So Joseph, So Joseph, he's he's one of what would be 12 sons he's he's one of what would be 12 sons he's he's one of what would be 12 sons of Jacob. These 12 sons um are born from of Jacob. These 12 sons um are born from of Jacob. These 12 sons um are born from four different women, four different women, four different women, and Joseph was the favorite. Joseph was and Joseph was the favorite. Joseph was and Joseph was the favorite. Joseph was the most loved. He was the one that was the most loved. He was the one that was the most loved. He was the one that was given this special gift, this coat of given this special gift, this coat of given this special gift, this coat of many colors.

many colors. many colors. All because he came from Jacob's All because he came from Jacob's All because he came from Jacob's sweetheart heart wife, Rachel. sweetheart heart wife, Rachel. sweetheart heart wife, Rachel. But all this favoritism But all this favoritism But all this favoritism from his father caused his brothers to from his father caused his brothers to from his father caused his brothers to despise him. despise him. despise him. They began to hate him. They began to hate him. They began to hate him. And so there are these tensions that are And so there are these tensions that are And so there are these tensions that are boiling under the surface in their boiling under the surface in their boiling under the surface in their family. family. family. From the very beginning, and then things From the very beginning, and then things From the very beginning, and then things get even more heated. get even more heated. get even more heated. The very next verse says in verse five, The very next verse says in verse five, The very next verse says in verse five, "Now Joseph had a dream, "Now Joseph had a dream, "Now Joseph had a dream, and when he had told it to his brothers, and when he had told it to his brothers, and when he had told it to his brothers, they hated him even more." they hated him even more." they hated him even more." So at the age of 17, Joseph So at the age of 17, Joseph So at the age of 17, Joseph he starts to have these dreams of God. he starts to have these dreams of God. he starts to have these dreams of God. And and these weren't just dreams from And and these weren't just dreams from And and these weren't just dreams from God. These weren't just any dream. These God. These weren't just any dream. These God. These weren't just any dream. These were prophetic dreams that would come to were prophetic dreams that would come to were prophetic dreams that would come to pass sometime in in the future. And it pass sometime in in the future. And it pass sometime in in the future. And it spoke to an element of what God was spoke to an element of what God was spoke to an element of what God was going to do in Joseph's life, of of a going to do in Joseph's life, of of a going to do in Joseph's life, of of a calling that he had. calling that he had. calling that he had. These dreams involved his brothers These dreams involved his brothers These dreams involved his brothers bowing down before him. bowing down before him. bowing down before him. This was later fulfilled when he became This was later fulfilled when he became This was later fulfilled when he became one of the primary leaders in Egypt.

one of the primary leaders in Egypt. one of the primary leaders in Egypt. But Joseph made the mistake of telling But Joseph made the mistake of telling But Joseph made the mistake of telling this to his brothers. this to his brothers. this to his brothers. And it says that his brothers, they came And it says that his brothers, they came And it says that his brothers, they came to despise him to the point where they to despise him to the point where they to despise him to the point where they decided that they wanted to dispose of decided that they wanted to dispose of decided that they wanted to dispose of him completely. him completely. him completely. And so you're you're starting to get And so you're you're starting to get And so you're you're starting to get this picture of addition this picture of addition this picture of addition and subtraction. He has the addition of and subtraction. He has the addition of and subtraction. He has the addition of love of his father, love of his father, love of his father, gifts of of this sense of a calling of gifts of of this sense of a calling of gifts of of this sense of a calling of God and a purpose on his life. God and a purpose on his life. God and a purpose on his life. And then you have the subtraction of And then you have the subtraction of And then you have the subtraction of family tension. His brothers hating him family tension. His brothers hating him family tension. His brothers hating him and ultimately conspiring against him. and ultimately conspiring against him. and ultimately conspiring against him. And then his life takes a turn towards a And then his life takes a turn towards a And then his life takes a turn towards a major subtraction. major subtraction. major subtraction. Later on in chapter 37, Later on in chapter 37, Later on in chapter 37, Jacob sends Joseph to go and check on Jacob sends Joseph to go and check on Jacob sends Joseph to go and check on his brothers who were out to pasture. his brothers who were out to pasture. his brothers who were out to pasture. And when they see him, And when they see him, And when they see him, they begin to talk with each other and they begin to talk with each other and they begin to talk with each other and they begin to conspire against Joseph to they begin to conspire against Joseph to they begin to conspire against Joseph to kill him. kill him. kill him. But they end up throwing him in a pit But they end up throwing him in a pit But they end up throwing him in a pit instead so that they can deliberate on instead so that they can deliberate on instead so that they can deliberate on what to do with him.

what to do with him. what to do with him. Verses Verses Verses 26 and 28 say this. It says, "Then 26 and 28 say this. It says, "Then 26 and 28 say this. It says, "Then Judah, one of his brothers, said to his Judah, one of his brothers, said to his Judah, one of his brothers, said to his brothers, 'What profit is it if we kill brothers, 'What profit is it if we kill brothers, 'What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his his blood? our brother and conceal his his blood? our brother and conceal his his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and let not our hand be upon him, for he and let not our hand be upon him, for he and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.'" is our brother, our own flesh.'" is our brother, our own flesh.'" And his brothers listened to him. And his brothers listened to him. And his brothers listened to him. Then Midianite traders passed by and Then Midianite traders passed by and Then Midianite traders passed by and they drew Joseph up and lifted him out they drew Joseph up and lifted him out they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit and sold him to the of the pit and sold him to the of the pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver. Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver. Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. And they took Joseph to Egypt. And they took Joseph to Egypt. Talk about a major life-altering Talk about a major life-altering Talk about a major life-altering subtraction. subtraction. subtraction. He was betrayed by his brothers. He was He was betrayed by his brothers. He was He was betrayed by his brothers. He was blindsided by their anger and their blindsided by their anger and their blindsided by their anger and their jealousy. jealousy. jealousy. In an instant, he goes from being the In an instant, he goes from being the In an instant, he goes from being the favorite son of his father with this favorite son of his father with this favorite son of his father with this calling on his life, prophetic dreams calling on his life, prophetic dreams calling on his life, prophetic dreams from God, from God, from God, to being sold as a slave in Egypt to being sold as a slave in Egypt to being sold as a slave in Egypt overnight. Have you ever felt like your life has Have you ever felt like your life has been thrust into this kind of been thrust into this kind of been thrust into this kind of life-altering subtraction life-altering subtraction life-altering subtraction without any control over what happens or without any control over what happens or without any control over what happens or anything that you can do about it?

anything that you can do about it? anything that you can do about it? Maybe thinking that your life was moving Maybe thinking that your life was moving Maybe thinking that your life was moving in a certain direction in a certain direction in a certain direction and then it all seems to be taken from and then it all seems to be taken from and then it all seems to be taken from you. you. you. This is where Joseph finds himself. This is where Joseph finds himself. This is where Joseph finds himself. And he ends up as a slave in the house And he ends up as a slave in the house And he ends up as a slave in the house of a man named Potiphar. of a man named Potiphar. of a man named Potiphar. And the question becomes how is he going And the question becomes how is he going And the question becomes how is he going to respond to this? to respond to this? to respond to this? His entire life, his entire future just His entire life, his entire future just His entire life, his entire future just changed. How is he going to respond to changed. How is he going to respond to changed. How is he going to respond to this? You know, he could say is this it for my You know, he could say is this it for my life? life? life? Is this is this what is Is this is this what is Is this is this what is is going to come to define me? is going to come to define me? is going to come to define me? Maybe he had thoughts like me God's just Maybe he had thoughts like me God's just Maybe he had thoughts like me God's just like my brothers. He doesn't care about like my brothers. He doesn't care about like my brothers. He doesn't care about me. me. me. If God's all-knowing, he he saw this was If God's all-knowing, he he saw this was If God's all-knowing, he he saw this was going to happen. He could have stopped going to happen. He could have stopped going to happen. He could have stopped this. He didn't do anything about it. You know, maybe Joseph was tempted to You know, maybe Joseph was tempted to say forget about the God of my fathers. say forget about the God of my fathers. say forget about the God of my fathers. Forget about his promise to our family. Forget about his promise to our family. Forget about his promise to our family. Forget about my dreams and my callings. Forget about my dreams and my callings. Forget about my dreams and my callings. It's all gone out the window now. It's all gone out the window now. It's all gone out the window now. Everything's been taken away from me.

You know, it's at times like these where You know, it's at times like these where we're tempted to ask this question. we're tempted to ask this question. we're tempted to ask this question. Why did God allow this to happen to me? Why did God allow this to happen to me? Why did God allow this to happen to me? Maybe you've asked that question before. Maybe you've asked that question before. Maybe you've asked that question before. Why did God allow this to happen to me? Why did God allow this to happen to me? Why did God allow this to happen to me? And we start to ask questions. Is is he And we start to ask questions. Is is he And we start to ask questions. Is is he angry with me? Is this is this punitive? angry with me? Is this is this punitive? angry with me? Is this is this punitive? Is he trying to get my attention for Is he trying to get my attention for Is he trying to get my attention for something? something? something? Is he trying to to teach me something? Is he trying to to teach me something? Is he trying to to teach me something? Is he trying to reveal more of himself Is he trying to reveal more of himself Is he trying to reveal more of himself to me? to me? to me? Maybe he's he's doing this cuz he's Maybe he's he's doing this cuz he's Maybe he's he's doing this cuz he's trying to deepen something in me because trying to deepen something in me because trying to deepen something in me because of how he's going to use me in the of how he's going to use me in the of how he's going to use me in the future. future. future. And we try to connect these dots as to And we try to connect these dots as to And we try to connect these dots as to why God would allow something so tragic why God would allow something so tragic why God would allow something so tragic into our lives. into our lives. into our lives. But I love the fact But I love the fact But I love the fact that God doesn't try and connect the that God doesn't try and connect the that God doesn't try and connect the dots in this moment. dots in this moment. dots in this moment. And to simply treat his pain and And to simply treat his pain and And to simply treat his pain and hardships as a means to a good end. hardships as a means to a good end. hardships as a means to a good end. God doesn't try and answer any of those God doesn't try and answer any of those God doesn't try and answer any of those questions. It simply says this in verse questions. It simply says this in verse questions. It simply says this in verse 39:2. 39:2. 39:2. It says, "The Lord was with Joseph."

It says, "The Lord was with Joseph." It says, "The Lord was with Joseph." The Lord was with Joseph. The Lord was with Joseph. The Lord was with Joseph. And for those of you that are listening And for those of you that are listening And for those of you that are listening tonight, tonight, tonight, maybe going through the hardest time in maybe going through the hardest time in maybe going through the hardest time in your life, your life, your life, don't try to figure out the why don't try to figure out the why don't try to figure out the why of this thing in your life. Lean into of this thing in your life. Lean into of this thing in your life. Lean into the who the who the who that is ever present with you, as he was that is ever present with you, as he was that is ever present with you, as he was present with Joseph. present with Joseph. present with Joseph. Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals. the Lord who heals. the Lord who heals. Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace. Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace. Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace. El Roi, the God who sees me. El Roi, the God who sees me. El Roi, the God who sees me. Abba Father, the comforter. Lean into Abba Father, the comforter. Lean into Abba Father, the comforter. Lean into this truth that the Lord is with you. this truth that the Lord is with you. this truth that the Lord is with you. And so the Lord was with Joseph. And so the Lord was with Joseph. And so the Lord was with Joseph. And Joseph didn't give into the defeat, And Joseph didn't give into the defeat, And Joseph didn't give into the defeat, but he purposed to serve the Lord even but he purposed to serve the Lord even but he purposed to serve the Lord even in this season of great subtraction. in this season of great subtraction. in this season of great subtraction. And then it seems like things started to And then it seems like things started to And then it seems like things started to be added to him again. be added to him again. be added to him again. Genesis 39, starting in verse 2, it Genesis 39, starting in verse 2, it Genesis 39, starting in verse 2, it says, "The Lord was with Joseph, and he says, "The Lord was with Joseph, and he says, "The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man. And he was in became a successful man. And he was in became a successful man. And he was in the house of his Egyptian master."

the house of his Egyptian master." the house of his Egyptian master." His master saw that the Lord was with His master saw that the Lord was with His master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord caused all that him, and that the Lord caused all that him, and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. So So he did to succeed in his hands. So So he did to succeed in his hands. So So Joseph found favor in his sight and Joseph found favor in his sight and Joseph found favor in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer attended him, and he made him overseer attended him, and he made him overseer of his house, and put him in charge of of his house, and put him in charge of of his house, and put him in charge of all that he had. all that he had. all that he had. From the time that he made him overseer From the time that he made him overseer From the time that he made him overseer in his house and over all that he had, in his house and over all that he had, in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house the Lord blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake. for Joseph's sake. for Joseph's sake. The blessing of the Lord was on all that The blessing of the Lord was on all that The blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in house and field, so he left he had in house and field, so he left he had in house and field, so he left all that he had in Joseph's charge, and all that he had in Joseph's charge, and all that he had in Joseph's charge, and because of him he had no concern about because of him he had no concern about because of him he had no concern about anything but the food that he ate. anything but the food that he ate. anything but the food that he ate. So, Potiphar, he recognizes the hand of So, Potiphar, he recognizes the hand of So, Potiphar, he recognizes the hand of God God God on Joseph, and he begins to elevate him. on Joseph, and he begins to elevate him. on Joseph, and he begins to elevate him. He puts him in charge of all of his He puts him in charge of all of his He puts him in charge of all of his house. He He begins to be treated more house. He He begins to be treated more house. He He begins to be treated more like a son than a slave. He starts to like a son than a slave. He starts to like a son than a slave. He starts to Joseph begins to see his influence grow, Joseph begins to see his influence grow, Joseph begins to see his influence grow, trust um with Potiphar grow. But, subtraction was right around the But, subtraction was right around the corner again.

corner again. corner again. It continues on that Potiphar's wife It continues on that Potiphar's wife It continues on that Potiphar's wife begins to notice Joseph, and it says begins to notice Joseph, and it says begins to notice Joseph, and it says that she begins to lust after him, and that she begins to lust after him, and that she begins to lust after him, and she attempts to seduce him into this she attempts to seduce him into this she attempts to seduce him into this adulterous relationship. adulterous relationship. adulterous relationship. And when Joseph refuses And when Joseph refuses And when Joseph refuses in the integrity of his heart, in the integrity of his heart, in the integrity of his heart, she falsely accuses him of trying to she falsely accuses him of trying to she falsely accuses him of trying to rape her. rape her. rape her. And all of a sudden, all that addition And all of a sudden, all that addition And all of a sudden, all that addition of trust and influence and promotion and of trust and influence and promotion and of trust and influence and promotion and favor and blessing favor and blessing favor and blessing come crashing down in an instant. come crashing down in an instant. come crashing down in an instant. Verse 19 through 20 tells us Potiphar's Verse 19 through 20 tells us Potiphar's Verse 19 through 20 tells us Potiphar's response. It says, "As soon as his response. It says, "As soon as his response. It says, "As soon as his master heard the words that his wife master heard the words that his wife master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, 'This is the way that your spoke to him, 'This is the way that your spoke to him, 'This is the way that your servant treated me.'" servant treated me.'" servant treated me.'" His anger was kindled, His anger was kindled, His anger was kindled, and Joseph's master took him and put him and Joseph's master took him and put him and Joseph's master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the into the prison, the place where the into the prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined, king's prisoners were confined, king's prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. and he was there in prison. and he was there in prison. Now, I don't know if you've ever been Now, I don't know if you've ever been Now, I don't know if you've ever been through through through a time where hardships seemed so a time where hardships seemed so a time where hardships seemed so relentless, and maybe even so strangely relentless, and maybe even so strangely relentless, and maybe even so strangely timed that it almost seemed as if God timed that it almost seemed as if God timed that it almost seemed as if God was teasing you.

was teasing you. was teasing you. It almost seemed as if God was out to It almost seemed as if God was out to It almost seemed as if God was out to get you. get you. get you. That's how I would have felt if I were That's how I would have felt if I were That's how I would have felt if I were Joseph in this moment. Joseph in this moment. Joseph in this moment. I would have said, "God, I I chose to I would have said, "God, I I chose to I would have said, "God, I I chose to live with honor. I chose to live with live with honor. I chose to live with live with honor. I chose to live with integrity, even in in spite of the integrity, even in in spite of the integrity, even in in spite of the hardship that I faced, being ripped away hardship that I faced, being ripped away hardship that I faced, being ripped away from my family, sold as a slave into from my family, sold as a slave into from my family, sold as a slave into Egypt, Egypt, Egypt, and I I still chose to honor you in a and I I still chose to honor you in a and I I still chose to honor you in a land full of pagan gods, I chose land full of pagan gods, I chose land full of pagan gods, I chose Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. And yet I get pushed when I try to do And yet I get pushed when I try to do And yet I get pushed when I try to do the right thing, I get pushed into an the right thing, I get pushed into an the right thing, I get pushed into an even greater darkness. even greater darkness. even greater darkness. It's believed that Joseph ended up It's believed that Joseph ended up It's believed that Joseph ended up serving anywhere from 10 to 12 years in serving anywhere from 10 to 12 years in serving anywhere from 10 to 12 years in prison. prison. prison. 10 to 12 years in prison. 10 to 12 years in prison. 10 to 12 years in prison. And some of you know what that feels And some of you know what that feels And some of you know what that feels like. like. like. Some of you have have spent years in Some of you have have spent years in Some of you have have spent years in your own kind of prison. It might be a your own kind of prison. It might be a your own kind of prison. It might be a prison of of health problems. It might prison of of health problems. It might prison of of health problems. It might be a prison of mental torment, a prison be a prison of mental torment, a prison be a prison of mental torment, a prison of relational betrayal, a prison of of relational betrayal, a prison of of relational betrayal, a prison of sorrow and heartache.

sorrow and heartache. sorrow and heartache. But again, after all this, verse 21 But again, after all this, verse 21 But again, after all this, verse 21 starts off with this, starts off with this, starts off with this, "But the Lord was with Joseph." "But the Lord was with Joseph." "But the Lord was with Joseph." No explanations of why this was No explanations of why this was No explanations of why this was happening. happening. happening. No explanations of what God was going to No explanations of what God was going to No explanations of what God was going to do, what he was planning, do, what he was planning, do, what he was planning, just his presence. just his presence. just his presence. And even in the prison, Joseph And even in the prison, Joseph And even in the prison, Joseph served as unto the Lord and found favor served as unto the Lord and found favor served as unto the Lord and found favor with the prison guard. with the prison guard. with the prison guard. And after And after And after over a decade in prison, eventually, over a decade in prison, eventually, over a decade in prison, eventually, through this incredible set of through this incredible set of through this incredible set of circumstances, Joseph sees a great circumstances, Joseph sees a great circumstances, Joseph sees a great addition. addition. addition. Joseph finds himself standing before Joseph finds himself standing before Joseph finds himself standing before Pharaoh, where he is made second in Pharaoh, where he is made second in Pharaoh, where he is made second in command of the most powerful nation in command of the most powerful nation in command of the most powerful nation in the world at that time. the world at that time. the world at that time. And I know we're moving quickly through And I know we're moving quickly through And I know we're moving quickly through his story, his story, his story, but it all leads up to this one defining but it all leads up to this one defining but it all leads up to this one defining moment where Joseph's dreams come to moment where Joseph's dreams come to moment where Joseph's dreams come to pass pass pass and his brothers and his brothers and his brothers come to Egypt, and it says they bow down come to Egypt, and it says they bow down come to Egypt, and it says they bow down before him, not knowing that it's him, before him, not knowing that it's him, before him, not knowing that it's him, trying to buy food for their families, trying to buy food for their families, trying to buy food for their families, because they they needed food to keep because they they needed food to keep because they they needed food to keep them alive because of this great famine.

them alive because of this great famine. them alive because of this great famine. And most of us, we know the end of the And most of us, we know the end of the And most of us, we know the end of the story. story. story. You know, everything that Joseph went You know, everything that Joseph went You know, everything that Joseph went through positioned him to bring through positioned him to bring through positioned him to bring salvation to his family. salvation to his family. salvation to his family. And Joseph sums it up himself And Joseph sums it up himself And Joseph sums it up himself in Genesis 45:4-5 like this. Says, in Genesis 45:4-5 like this. Says, in Genesis 45:4-5 like this. Says, "Joseph said to his brothers, "Joseph said to his brothers, "Joseph said to his brothers, 'Come near to me, please.'" 'Come near to me, please.'" 'Come near to me, please.'" And they came near. And they came near. And they came near. And he said, "I am your brother Joseph, And he said, "I am your brother Joseph, And he said, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. whom you sold into Egypt. whom you sold into Egypt. And now, do not be distressed or angry And now, do not be distressed or angry And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me with yourselves because you sold me with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to here, for God sent me before you to here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." preserve life." preserve life." God was giving Joseph a very integral God was giving Joseph a very integral God was giving Joseph a very integral part in preserving the nation of Israel. part in preserving the nation of Israel. part in preserving the nation of Israel. Now, Now, Now, at this point in the sermon, it seems at this point in the sermon, it seems at this point in the sermon, it seems natural to conclude with something like natural to conclude with something like natural to conclude with something like this. this. this. You never know how God is going to use You never know how God is going to use You never know how God is going to use your pain and how things are going to your pain and how things are going to your pain and how things are going to work out for your good.

And that would be great. And that's all And that would be great. And that's all true. true. true. But that's not how I want to conclude But that's not how I want to conclude But that's not how I want to conclude tonight. tonight. tonight. Because if we're honest, Because if we're honest, Because if we're honest, when you're walking through the valley when you're walking through the valley when you're walking through the valley of the shadow of death, of the shadow of death, of the shadow of death, you don't care how God is going to use you don't care how God is going to use you don't care how God is going to use your current hardships sometime in the your current hardships sometime in the your current hardships sometime in the future. future. future. You just need to get through today. You just need to get through today. You just need to get through today. You might say, "I don't have the You might say, "I don't have the You might say, "I don't have the capacity capacity capacity to to to to to to to to to seemingly to even live in the moment, seemingly to even live in the moment, seemingly to even live in the moment, let alone think of how God might use let alone think of how God might use let alone think of how God might use this for my good in the future." And so, this for my good in the future." And so, this for my good in the future." And so, here's what I want to leave you with if here's what I want to leave you with if here's what I want to leave you with if you find yourself in that place. you find yourself in that place. you find yourself in that place. The greatest blessing to come from The greatest blessing to come from The greatest blessing to come from Joseph's life and and from God's Joseph's life and and from God's Joseph's life and and from God's faithfulness to him was not becoming a faithfulness to him was not becoming a faithfulness to him was not becoming a ruler of a nation. It was not even in ruler of a nation. It was not even in ruler of a nation. It was not even in bringing salvation to his family. bringing salvation to his family. bringing salvation to his family. No, many years before Joseph was born, No, many years before Joseph was born, No, many years before Joseph was born, a promise was made to Joseph's a promise was made to Joseph's a promise was made to Joseph's great-grandfather, Abraham. great-grandfather, Abraham. great-grandfather, Abraham. And that promise went like this, in And that promise went like this, in And that promise went like this, in Genesis 12:3, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 12:3, "In you, "In you, "In you, all the families of the earth shall be all the families of the earth shall be all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

blessed." blessed." Now, stay with me on this. Listen to Now, stay with me on this. Listen to Now, stay with me on this. Listen to this. this. this. See, Joseph's brother, Judah, See, Joseph's brother, Judah, See, Joseph's brother, Judah, was the one who had the idea to sell was the one who had the idea to sell was the one who had the idea to sell Joseph as a slave to Egypt in the first Joseph as a slave to Egypt in the first Joseph as a slave to Egypt in the first place. place. place. But, because of Joseph's obedience, But, because of Joseph's obedience, But, because of Joseph's obedience, because of God's faithfulness, Judah and because of God's faithfulness, Judah and because of God's faithfulness, Judah and his family were preserved. And here it his family were preserved. And here it his family were preserved. And here it comes, comes, comes, from the line of Judah, from the line of Judah, from the line of Judah, one would come in which all the families one would come in which all the families one would come in which all the families of the earth would be blessed. of the earth would be blessed. of the earth would be blessed. One that would not sell others into One that would not sell others into One that would not sell others into bondage and slavery like Judah had, but bondage and slavery like Judah had, but bondage and slavery like Judah had, but that would give himself up on a cross, that would give himself up on a cross, that would give himself up on a cross, so that we who were already slaves to so that we who were already slaves to so that we who were already slaves to sin and death sin and death sin and death could find freedom, could find could find freedom, could find could find freedom, could find forgiveness in our lives. This promise to Abraham ultimately This promise to Abraham ultimately manifested in Jesus Christ, who would manifested in Jesus Christ, who would manifested in Jesus Christ, who would come to save humanity from sin and come to save humanity from sin and come to save humanity from sin and death. It brought us Immanuel, God with death. It brought us Immanuel, God with death. It brought us Immanuel, God with us. And so, we aren't going to end with a And so, we aren't going to end with a why and the good that will eventually why and the good that will eventually why and the good that will eventually come.

come. come. We're just going to lean into the who We're just going to lean into the who We're just going to lean into the who tonight. tonight. tonight. And the who is Jesus, Immanuel, God with And the who is Jesus, Immanuel, God with And the who is Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. us. us. And we're going to do this by going into And we're going to do this by going into And we're going to do this by going into a time of communion. a time of communion. a time of communion. And communion is simply a time for And communion is simply a time for And communion is simply a time for followers of Jesus to reflect and to followers of Jesus to reflect and to followers of Jesus to reflect and to remember and to celebrate everything remember and to celebrate everything remember and to celebrate everything that Jesus did that Jesus did that Jesus did for us. for us. for us. You know, the juice that we drink, it You know, the juice that we drink, it You know, the juice that we drink, it represents the blood that was shed for represents the blood that was shed for represents the blood that was shed for us, so that we could have forgiveness of us, so that we could have forgiveness of us, so that we could have forgiveness of our sins. The The bread representing our sins. The The bread representing our sins. The The bread representing the body that was broken for us. the body that was broken for us. the body that was broken for us. And here's what specifically I want us And here's what specifically I want us And here's what specifically I want us to remember tonight. to remember tonight. to remember tonight. That all the subtractions That all the subtractions That all the subtractions that life that life that life inevitably brings our way inevitably brings our way inevitably brings our way through pain, through disappointments, through pain, through disappointments, through pain, through disappointments, through loss, through loss, through loss, through hardship, through hardship, through hardship, all of those subtractions life brings all of those subtractions life brings all of those subtractions life brings our way are met by the greater reality our way are met by the greater reality our way are met by the greater reality of the cross, of the cross, of the cross, which represents both the ultimate which represents both the ultimate which represents both the ultimate addition and subtraction.

addition and subtraction. addition and subtraction. That through Jesus God took away our sin That through Jesus God took away our sin That through Jesus God took away our sin and he added forgiveness. That he took and he added forgiveness. That he took and he added forgiveness. That he took away our despair and he gave us hope. away our despair and he gave us hope. away our despair and he gave us hope. That he took away our bondage and he That he took away our bondage and he That he took away our bondage and he gave us freedom. That he took away our gave us freedom. That he took away our gave us freedom. That he took away our brokenness and he gave us healing. That brokenness and he gave us healing. That brokenness and he gave us healing. That he defeated death and he gave us life in he defeated death and he gave us life in he defeated death and he gave us life in the future the future the future where there was no future. where there was no future. where there was no future. We have salvation and an eternal hope. We have salvation and an eternal hope. We have salvation and an eternal hope. And and what I pray And and what I pray And and what I pray is that as we partake together is that as we partake together is that as we partake together that you would fuel that you would fuel that you would fuel that you would fuel that you would fuel that you would fuel feel the arms of your loving heavenly feel the arms of your loving heavenly feel the arms of your loving heavenly Father wrap around you Father wrap around you Father wrap around you and just remind you, and just remind you, and just remind you, "I am here with you. "I am here with you. "I am here with you. I am here with you." And if you're listening tonight and And if you're listening tonight and you're not a Christ follower, you're not a Christ follower, you're not a Christ follower, I encourage you to make that decision I encourage you to make that decision I encourage you to make that decision today. today. today. Call out to him right now. Call out to him right now. Call out to him right now. Admit that you're a sinner in need of a Admit that you're a sinner in need of a Admit that you're a sinner in need of a savior.

savior. savior. That you can't that there are things in That you can't that there are things in That you can't that there are things in your life that you can't save yourself your life that you can't save yourself your life that you can't save yourself from. from. from. And that you need God to intervene on And that you need God to intervene on And that you need God to intervene on your behalf. Believe that Jesus died for your behalf. Believe that Jesus died for your behalf. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and that he rose again so that your sins and that he rose again so that your sins and that he rose again so that you could have you could have you could have forgiveness of your sins so that you forgiveness of your sins so that you forgiveness of your sins so that you could have freedom from shame and the could have freedom from shame and the could have freedom from shame and the bondage that you walk in. bondage that you walk in. bondage that you walk in. And confess Jesus as Lord of your life. And confess Jesus as Lord of your life. And confess Jesus as Lord of your life. That's just saying, man, if if my God That's just saying, man, if if my God That's just saying, man, if if my God would do this for me, would do this for me, would do this for me, what is it for me to live for him? what is it for me to live for him? what is it for me to live for him? However, he calls me to live However, he calls me to live However, he calls me to live in his word. And if that's you online, just begin And if that's you online, just begin calling out to him now. calling out to him now. calling out to him now. There's no special words. There's no There's no special words. There's no There's no special words. There's no special formula. It's just a heart that special formula. It's just a heart that special formula. It's just a heart that admits and believes and confesses. admits and believes and confesses. admits and believes and confesses. And as you make that decision, And as you make that decision, And as you make that decision, I invite you to take communion with us I invite you to take communion with us I invite you to take communion with us for the very first time even. for the very first time even. for the very first time even. And so as we prepare to go into And so as we prepare to go into And so as we prepare to go into communion for those that communion for those that communion for those that are online, are online, are online, you can grab some juice or crackers, you can grab some juice or crackers, you can grab some juice or crackers, whatever you have around the house.

whatever you have around the house. whatever you have around the house. For those here in the sanctuary, we have For those here in the sanctuary, we have For those here in the sanctuary, we have little communion cups that are available little communion cups that are available little communion cups that are available on the table in the back. If you missed on the table in the back. If you missed on the table in the back. If you missed it on your way in, uh you can it on your way in, uh you can it on your way in, uh you can slip out of your seat now and grab it. slip out of your seat now and grab it. slip out of your seat now and grab it. And we're going to go into a song of And we're going to go into a song of And we're going to go into a song of worship. worship. worship. And then we're going to come back And then we're going to come back And then we're going to come back together and we're going to take together and we're going to take together and we're going to take communion. So if you'll stand with me, communion. So if you'll stand with me, communion. So if you'll stand with me, we're going to go into a song we're going to go into a song we're going to go into a song and then we're going to take communion and then we're going to take communion and then we're going to take communion together.