Parasha Vayeshev: Day 6

B'reisheet/Genesis 40:1-23

Many allusions to Messiah abound in regard to Yoseph's plight in prison. The cupbearer and the baker both have to remain in the "pit" for three days after they have come to an encounter with the anointed of YHVH. This verbiage of three days is repeated throughout the Tanak and Brit Hadasha. Two well known stories are Jonah and the whale; and, of course, we see this as Yeshua was in the ground for three days (and three nights). It is a shadow of what is to come as we look to Messiah and His work accomplished prior to, on and after the cross. While "It was finished" on the execution stake, the King of kings did live while His body was placed into the earth. Both aspects of Yeshua were out of sight for a period of time. Yet, out of sight does not mean dead or out of mind. YHVH is sovereign everywhere and Yeshua did accomplish what He set out to do, even while "in the earth".

Another interesting comparison to our Messiah is how the cupbearer and the baker were both lifted up among the other servants for Pharaoh's birthday. The cupbearer is restored to his proper place and role while the baker was handed over to be killed. The similarity to Yeshua being presented to the multitude along side Barabbas by Pontius Pilate a seems more than coincidence. We do not know how Pharaoh's servants offended him or who was to blame. Yet, we do know that Yeshua was innocent and Barabbas was not. Moreover, the shedding of our Redeemer's blood was paramount for our redemption price.

Interestingly enough, the similarities do not stop here. Yosef is still in the pit. We know that he desires to be free, as he asked the cupbearer to remember him before Pharaoh. YHVH's timing is perfect. Yosef does not seem over impetuous, but just knocks to see if the time is right for the prison door to swing open.

While in this place, however, Yosef fulfills his Biblical role as a representation of the Ruach haKodesh/Holy Spirit. He is found, even while in the deepest, darkest of places. His voice is heard, when it is sought out and heeded. He gives good and just counsel, even when it is not what the person wants to hear. As a true prophetic voice, His words come to pass. Nevertheless, in this case, the representation of the Ruach has been placed in a cell, a box, and is only permitted to do what man gives Him permission to do. His voice is real and His counsel is wisdom for those seeking truth.

How often do we place the Ruach in a prison or sentence Him to banishment only to be talked to or pleaded with during crisis or guilt. Do not be fooled, the Father allows crisis and guilt to coincide with our lives in order to bring us closer to Himself, but He desires so much more. After all, we were created as His helpmate. The Ruach has a clear strong voice and uses that voice as more than a perfect gentleman. He will not force Himself upon us. As such, we must be willing to ask for His presence, willing to hear His voice and allow Him out of the box where we have stashed Him. Remember, He is everywhere regardless to where we think we have apportioned Him. We are the ones that are in the box when we do not seek His Presence in our lives.

Our work is not finished. We are in need, in every situation, to have perfect counsel from the perfect Counselor. We should look into the box within which we have placed ourselves and ask the Ruach how we are to be released. Then, we are to foster and develop the relationship, as a helpmate, within the Ruach that makes us one in Messiah. Are we ready for our prison term to end? Let us knock on the door of hope and seek the light that the Ruach is shedding for our way of out.

Dwell upon John 14:16-17, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Ruach of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you."