Savior Of The World - The One Year Book of Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament

Savior of the World

Jacob sent Joseph to his brothers out in the fields, but instead of welcoming him, they turned on him. Their rejection ultimately put Joseph in a position to be a blessing to the whole world. The day came when Joseph became a savior to those who came to him—including his brothers. Joseph’s exaltation to power in Egypt positioned him to provide food to a famished and perishing world. “With severe famine everywhere, Joseph opened up the storehouses and distributed grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout the land of Egypt. And people from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world” (Genesis 41:56-57).

Paul wrote that what happened to Joseph—being sent by his father, Jacob; rejected by his brothers; and eventually put in a position to bless the world—is exactly what happened when Jesus’ brothers—the Jews—rejected the Son their Father sent. “They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles” (Romans 11:11). Jesus’ rejection by the Jews was in the sovereign plan of God so that it might be clear that Jesus is the Savior of the whole world, not solely for the Jews. Yet Jesus, like Joseph, provides salvation to the brothers who rejected him. The day is coming when “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26).

Joseph, the rejected Jew, was exalted to become the only savior for a starving world. Anyone who was hungry could go to Joseph for food. Likewise, Jesus, a rejected Jew, is the only Savior for a world that is famished and perishing. Anyone in the world who is hungry can go to him for food and find “God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness [so that he may] reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17, NIV).

Just as people from all countries came to Joseph, so Jesus has called to himself people from all countries of the earth. One day all who have come to Jesus for salvation will celebrate in his presence, and this song will rise up: “You were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

Savior of the world, I have come to you with a hunger deep in my soul. This world has proven to be in a vast famine, devoid of nourishment. Only you can feed me from your plenty. Only you can offer the abundant provision of grace I need.