Linked to the Vine
Gen 40:9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me; 10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes: 11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days: 13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler. 14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: 15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
The Bible often describes Christ as the Vine … and His children are branches that must bear fruit. He laid down His life to be crushed only to be resurrected in three days to report back a finished work that has earned a glorious restoration for all who give their life to Him. Wine is a symbol of joy, beauty, restoration and mercy. Christ is good news to be preached to others. In Him is restoration, joy and fresh new beginnings. Christ is joy … A Christian cannot be without this joy that is from within. Reflect on this joy and Christ’s work of restoration in lives of men. Perhaps someone you know needs to know Him.
Back to Joseph. Joseph interprets a dream and prophesies a restoration in three days – a picture of Christ’s resurrection … and also an interpretation that releases another series of future events that admits Joseph into a future glory. In similar fashion, when we and all our old passions are crucified with Christ we are resurrected to partake in a present victorious walk and a future glorious destiny.
We only need to be born to be captives of the devil. All have fallen and will fall short of the glory because the world has been sold to sin. When one man – Adam fell, mankind’s destiny was stolen and all men found themselves in a hopeless downward spiral without the work of Christ – also one man. Teachings that suggest there are other good men somewhere by which people will be saved are untrue. Think about it, mankind fell because of one man – the first Adam and because of one man – the second, man can also be restored. We do not need to do anything to be lost without Christ – the Vine. But when linked to the Vine, we need no more to fear satan and his serpents.
In three days, the butler will be restored and much later Joseph will also be restored. Similarly, in three days Christ arose from the dead … mankind now could be saved and could enter a future glory in Him. All that are in Him could be likewise restored. It was all the sacrifice of Christ. All the dreams God has given you will one day come to pass. The harvest of souls will be reaped. The future glory with Christ in eternity will be our portion. The story of the butler was prophesied to end well. All that are in Christ will end well. Let your life be truly given to Him. I see a glorious restoration coming your way as you reconnect back to Christ.
Song.
Through the love of God our Savior … All will be well;
Free and changeless is His favour … All, all is well.
Precious is the blood that healed us; Perfect is the grace that sealed us;
Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us; All must be well
Prayer: O Lord, May it be well with all that pertains to us. Amen
The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory. We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious because God works His marvellous agenda. Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily. Edited by Bolade Apampa
