By: Gen. Jim — 12/23/18
“Let us not kill him (Joseph)… but throw him into this pit…” (Genesis 37:21,22). PIT!
What caused Joseph’s brothers to do such a thing to their own brother? JEALOUSY! But they didn’t see the BIG picture: God’s eventual rescue/redemption of Israel from bondage.
Eventually Joseph was sold into slavery. He was purchased by the rich Egyptian Potiphar (chap. 39). There he was lied upon by the wife of Potiphar and sent to prison (39:20). Because Joseph was innocent “… the LORD showed him mercy and gave him favor…” (v.21). We know the rest of the story – it turned out good for the people of Israel in the end. Remember this Deborah.
“So Irijah seized Jeremiah (Jeremiah 37:14)… and put him in a prison…” (v.15). What was the reason for the prophet of God’s punishment? He was charged with being a false prophet! “Then they (king’s men) took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern… there was no water, only mud…” (chap. 38:6). In Lamentations 3:53 Jeremiah cries out, “They cut off my life in the pit…” We know the rest of the story, the prophet was spared because he was innocent of all charges! Remember this Deborah.
“He (Nebuchadnezzar) commanded the most mighty men in his army to bind (cuff!) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the burning fiery furnace…” (Daniel 3:20,21). We know the end of this fiery ordeal – all 3 were spared by God. Their crime? Not bowing down to Babylon’s law!
“Then the king (Darius) commanded and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions” (6:16). The reason? Jealousy by Darius’ officials because of his faithfulness to God! Remember this Deborah.
“And when they (Jesus’ enemies) had bound Him, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pontius Pilate…” (Matthew 27:1). The whole world now knows about this event. Jesus’ crime? Envy! “For he (Pilate) knew that they had handed Him over out of envy” (Matthew 27:18). We know the rest of the story – God resurrected Him! Remember this Deborah.
“When he (Herod) had seized him (Peter), he put him in prison…” (Acts 12:4). We know that God broke Peter out of prison (v. 6-10). Remember this Deborah.
We also know that Paul was put into prison which led him to write many epistles of the Bible. And Saint John was put on the Isle of Patmos in which he wrote Revelation, apocalyptic events that were to come. Remember this Deborah. John’s crime? Loving Jesus too much!
Note: My wife Deborah was falsely imprisoned for 72 years – but after 4 and a 1/2 years she was released because the truth set her free!