28 February 2010
Psalm 24, 29; Gen. 41:14-45; Rom. 6:3-14; John 5:19-24

Joseph interprets another dream, Pharaoh’s. The ruler has two dreams which Joseph says are actually the same dream and the fact that it was doubled means it is certain to come to pass. His ability to interpret the dream gets him a significant change of life. Whereas he was formerly head of Potiphar’s house, he is now to have the same position over Pharaoh’s house, he is to be second in the kingdom, all because he spent time in prison on a phony charge. In all of this, he continues to ascribe everything to God, it isn’t Joseph who can interpret dreams, God alone has that power. God continues to be faithful, using all the circumstances of Joseph’s life to bring him to the place the Lord wants him, both physically and spiritually.

Jesus speaks of the symbiotic relationship He has with the Father. They move as one, think as one and indeed, are one. His claims here are extraordinary. His claim is that He is to be honored at the same level as the Father. Is it any wonder that they didn’t understand who He meant when He used the word Father? Who would possibly make such a claim and yet we see exactly that honor in heaven in Revelation 5 when, after the worship of the one on the throne in Revelation 4, we see that same praise directed at Jesus, the lamb looking like it was slain. We must realize that we can only worship Jesus as that one, not some great teacher or Zen master or avatar with a higher god-consciousness. If we fail to recognize Him as co-extensive with God the Father then we fail to have faith at all, whatever we may do with our lives.

Paul says that our baptism is a baptism into the death of Christ, death to the old self and new life in Him. He says that this new, post-baptismal life is intended to be Christ-like, not characterized by sin but rather by living to Him and for Him. We, in the Anglican tradition, believe in two sacraments and the second, Holy Communion, differs from the first, baptism, in that it is meant to be repeated. Baptism, like circumcision, is a one time sacrament and Communion, like the old sacrificial system, is repeated as often as there is sin. We also believe that one is no less meaningful or important than the other. In the old covenant, circumcision was the entrance rite of the covenant while sacrifice was the way you remained in the covenant. In the new covenant, communion is not necessary to the maintenance of the covenant relationship, we have direct access in prayer to the Father and He is faithful and just to forgive our sins. Covenant is a community practice, we do not make sacrifice, Jesus’ sacrifice was once for all, communion is the gathering of those believers who understand that their lives do not fully measure up to God’s standards, but who believe Jesus’ made atonement for those sins, and who have gathered together for the purpose of mutual fellowship in Him, for worship, discipleship, ministry and mission. Communion is the visible expression of our unity with one another and with Jesus in His sacrifice. It is our recognition of the final truth of this passage, that we are under grace and not law, we make no sacrifice as the law requires, the only atoning sacrifice for sins has already been made and our communion is a celebration of that sacrifice.

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!