INTRODUCTION
Part XI, in the ‘Brethren’ series, presented the traits of Naphtali as “a Hind let loose” that gives testimony. It explained Naphtalite spiritual captivity, the purpose of the affliction, and how they overcome.
Access previous messages at https://childrenofgraceministries.international
This message analyses the trait of the Joseph brethren – “a fruitful bough by a well”. Josephites are those whom God has endowed with the blessings of prosperity for the benefit of his people. They will attract envy and hatred because God favours them; but because they trust in him, he will strengthen them. The traits should help you discern your Josephite anointing or divine connections, over the ungodly rich.
1. A ‘FRUITFUL BOUGH BY A WELL’
Jacob’s prophecy describes the Joseph brethren “as a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches run over the wall” (Genesis 49:22-26). The use of ‘trees’ and ‘well’ to illustrate God-given greatness in riches is not new (see Ezekiel 31:2-9; Psalms 80:8-11).
The “fruitful bough by a well”, mean the divine source of Josephites’ prosperity; while the “bough” and “branches” describe Josephites in relation to their brethren, who could benefit from their wealth. And the “branches [that] run over the wall”, refer to others besides Josephites family, who could also benefit from their prosperity (Genesis 49:22-26).
Brethren, not everyone is born to be rich! (Matthew 26:11). Josephites, are the people whom God favours to prosper and have rulership over material wealth; and to use it to bless their brethren.
The Josephite anointing is the way God provides his material goodness for his people, through individuals, families, or nations.
2. THE JOSEPHITE BLESSINGS
According to Jacob, Josephites fruitfulness is: “…by the Almighty, who shall bless [them] with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb” (Genesis 49:25; Deuteronomy 33:13). God is the main source of Josephites’ greatness in wealth. Let us examine the blessings:
2.1. BLESSINGS OF HEAVEN ABOVE
The blessings of heaven above are the elements of God’s creation that give light upon the earth, such as the sun and the moon. They determine the signs, seasons, days and years by which mankind can plan and undertake productive activities. Also, rain is one of God’s “good treasure” from heaven that water the land in season. With these heavenly treasures, God shall bless all the work of Josephites’ hands in the appointed seasons. (Genesis 1:14-17; Psalm 104:19, 22-23; Deuteronomy 28:12; Isaiah 55:10).
Therefore, every Josephite is “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season… And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3).
2.2. BLESSINGS OF THE DEEP
Josephites are also favoured with “blessings of the deep that lieth down under” the heavens – which is the earth (Genesis 49:25). The earth is full of the “riches” of God which he created in his wisdom (Psalm 104:24). When Josephites employ the productive resources of the earth, God shall bless all their work. These resources include: the grass, herb yielding seed, fruit trees, the “fruit of the body” (or human labour), “fruit of cattle”, and the “fruit of the ground”.
In other words, God shall make Josephites plenteous in labour and in goods, enough to lend unto others; and they shall not borrow (Genesis 1:11-12; Deuteronomy 28:11-12). It is by this special favour that God brings people to work for, invest in, and support Josephites to prosper.
2.3. THE ‘BREASTS’ AND ‘WOMB’ BLESSINGS
The “blessings of the breasts, and of the womb” represents the nurturing ability of Josephites to help others. God shall bless them with the traits of love and compassion that will cause them to use their riches like “breast” milk to feed people. And to care for their brethren as a mother would “carry” and “bear” her children “…which are carried from the womb”, to help them develop and prosper (Genesis 49:25), Isaiah 46:3-4; 28:9).
3. PROSPERITY BY GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST
Father God has sealed the Josephite blessings of all spiritual wisdom and material riches in Christ Jesus, and by this Grace, makes it available to all mankind who believe in him. It is not determined by age, birthright, lineage, kinship, or might: but by divine favour – i.e., the election of God to bless whom he desires. Thus, God might favour the youngest in a family, the insignificant of tribes, the smallest of nations, or the despised of a group.
3.1.THE JOSEPHITE MESSIANIC BLESSING
Jacob speaks of this messianic blessings saying: “The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren”. (Genesis 49:26)
This means that, the blessing of Father God upon his son Jesus Christ, supersedes all the blessings of his descendants and predecessors. For instance, Adam, God’s first son of man, and Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, both became defiled by sin and lost the dominion and the birthright to inherit the riches of the earth (Genesis 3:17-19; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2).
God cursed the ground for Adam’s sake” (Genesis 3:17-19). He has redeemed it and vested the everlasting messianic blessings on “the head” and “the crown” of Jesus, his “spiritual seed” that was “separate” from his brethren, being the son of God.
Jesus therefore has dominion and rulership over all things in heaven and on the earth, for the benefit of his brethren, and the rest of the world. (Philippians 2:10, 4:19; Ephesians 1:10; Psalm 8:6)
3.2. JOSEPHITES ROOT IN CHRIST
So, Josephites who believe in Christ also become “separate” because they are saved and born of the spirit of God. Rooted in Christ, they are freed from the Adamic curse and become entitled by Grace to the messianic blessings.
Born-again Josephites could therefore access the wisdom of God by guidance of the Holy Spirit to prosper upon the earth. If they abide in Christ, they will bear fruit; and they shall ask what they desire and it shall be done unto them (John 15:2, 4-8; Genesis 41:38-40).
4. JOSEPHITES ATTRACT HATRED
The blessed of God will always attract hatred! And the Josephites are first in line. Jacob explains this saying: “The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him” (Genesis 49:23; Ezekiel 31:9; Psalm11:2; 64:3-5).
Brethren, in spite of the care and support Josephites may give to their brethren, they are likely to face prejudice. They should expect from their brethren hatred instead of love, hostility over unity, jealousy than gratitude, and envy instead of admiration (Psalm 62:3-4).
And Josephites in Christ will, like him, be hated by the world, because they abide by the word of God and they resist worldliness. (John 17:14).
4.1. GOD STRENGTHENS HIS CHOSEN
However, according to Jacob’s prophecy, Josephites’ “…bow [will] abode in strength, and the arms of his hands [shall be] made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)” (Genesis 49:24).
In other words, notwithstanding the hatred Josephites may attract, they shall abide in God’s favour; and He shall strengthen their “arms” and help them. (Genesis 49:25; Psalm 94:22).
God’s ‘strength of arm’ is Christ, the “good Shepard”, the “stone of Israel”, the “sure foundation” upon which to trust. And it is THE POWER AND AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, that believers rely on; Hallelujah! (John 10:11; 14:14; Ezekiel 34:11-16; Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:4, 6; Philippians 2:10).
5 . JOSEPHITE RICHES ARE NOT WORLDLY
Brethren, not every person who is wealthy and rich is a Josephite. So how can one identify Josephites anointing or divine connections? First is to see if the individual, (group or nation) regard God as the source of their prosperity; if they understand that their ‘blessings’ is seasonal; and if they are aware that blessing others is a divine responsibility (Genesis 49:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Also, Josephites are generally god-fearing, upright in heart, trust in God and delight in his word. (Psalm 112: 1-3, 7). They are gracious, compassionate, and righteous; and will generously give to the poor. Josephites will show favour, lend to others, and guide their affairs with discretion. (Psalm 112:4-5; 62:10).
However, Josephites need to abide in Christ to acquire the spiritual maturity to handle riches. “The care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches” can choke the word of God toward unfruitful (Matthew 13:22; Psalm 80:18).
Also they should be careful not to worship the greatness of their riches: “to say in their heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth” (See Deuteronomy 8:10-17; Matthew 4:8-10).
5.1. THE WORLDLY RICH
Brethren, be mindful of the worldly rich, who are the “ungodly who prosper in the world; they increase in riches”. (Psalm 73:12). They are enriched by lusts including: pride, fraud, corruption, greed and violence. “They have more than heart could wish… and speak wickedly concerning oppression.” They are made great by the riches and exalt themselves, above God. (Psalm 73:6-8; Ezekiel 31:10).
Certainly, this way of the ungodly rich shall perish. Avoid them! God will deliver them to someone mighty, who shall surely deal with them. He shall destroy them: “to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height…” (Psalm 1:4-6; 80:12-16; Ezekiel 31:11-14).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, I thank you for your word.
We praise you for the Josephite messianic blessings preserved for us.
Gracious Father, we thank you for the prosperity of our Joseph brethren. Fill their hearts with love and compassion toward thy people, and reward their generosity. Grant them spiritual maturity to handle the greatness of riches; and protect them from hatred, jealousy and envy of their brethren.
Holy Spirit, help your children to discern and embrace their Josephite anointing and connect others with Josephites who should bless then.
Gracious Spirit, grant them humility to acknowledge kindnesses with gratitude; for thy Glory.
Heavenly God, deliver thy people from the snares of the ungodly who prosper in the world.
I make this prayer in JESUS NAME.
Have a blessed week and a fruitful month.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 02 July 2023.
