Joseph and Mary and Egypt

The names of Jesus' parents are clues to Jesus' first and second comings.

JESUS' FIRST COMING
Joseph was the Hebrew who was sold into slavery in Egypt, only to rise to reign Egypt and provide a place for the Hebrews to live in abundance during the famine, and save the world from starvation by storing grain. Two hundred fifteen years after his death, a pharaoh arose "who knew not Joseph;" and Moses was born, and Miriam watched over him. [Mara, Maria, Mary, Marjam, and Miriam are all based upon the same root word.] Miriam is not mentioned by name until she sings of God's victory over Egypt's army after crossing the Red Sea.

Both Joseph and Moses are redeemers of the Hebrew people. Joseph became governor of Egypt at age 30, the same age Jesus was baptized as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." God gave Moses instructions to have the Hebrews prepare a lamb and eat the feast of Passover prior to their exodus from Egypt. Note that the Hebrews remained in Egypt during the plagues, but that God made distinction between them and the Egyptians, and those who placed the lamb's blood on their doors so that the angel of death would "pass over" them. The three nights of their travels across the Sinai Peninsula correspond to the three nights Jesus was entombed. Jesus' resurrection morning corresponds to the Hebrews' safe crossing and the destruction of their enemies, when Miriam takes a timbrel and dances and sings of God's victory.

Hosea 11:1 "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." Just as the Hebrews physically dwelt in Egypt and were brought out safely, so too Jesus dwelt in Egypt for safety and was later called out. Matthew 2:14-15 " 14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son." As the Bride of Christ we have been called out of darkness into His light (1 Peter 2:9).

JESUS' SECOND COMING
Joseph, son of Jacob, and Mary, daughter of Heli (means 'ascending'), were descendants of King David who was born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means 'house of bread,' and the "Bread of Life" was born there on Rosh Hashanah; the Jewish New Year in which kings are crowned.

Joseph, ancient Jacob's son, was a faithful son who was sold into slavery. He was a faithful slave who was falsely accused and thrown into prison. In both periods of tribulation (the greater tribulation in prison was for more than two years), Joseph was highly favored and caused to prosper. It was his ability to interpret dreams which led to his release. When Joseph was brought out of prison and made second in command over Egypt, trumpets were blown. The trumpets blown during Rosh HaShanah are a memorial of Joseph reigning over Egypt (Lev. 23:24-25; Genesis 41:46-47,50a; Psalm 81:3-5a; Revelation 11:8,15). Joel chapter 2 combines this celebration with God's Spirit poured out on all flesh so as to dream and prophesy just prior to the Lord's coming.
Though the Bride of Christ may be falsely accused and enslaved and imprisoned during the great tribulation, we can still expect God's gracious hand of favor to be upon us, making a distinction between believers and unbelievers as plagues are released. Several of the plagues mentioned in Revelation were of the ten used upon Egypt.

At His first coming, Jesus fulfilled the three spring feasts and sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, leaving the three fall feasts to be fulfilled with His second coming. The first of the fall feasts is Rosh Hashanah. It is a fitting day for the King of kings to reclaim His kingdom on earth at the "last trumpet" when we are gathered unto Him. Those who believe in King Jesus should be watching and ready for His return.

For more information on the Great Tribulation, go to www.KneelingMedia.com/AwakeBride/.