Joseph's Redemption: A Mirror Reflecting Christ's Power

Brothers and sisters, builders of Zion! Have you ever felt like a stranger in a foreign land, unjustly accused, your fortunes seemingly dashed? The story of Joseph, as recounted in Genesis, resonates with that very experience. It’s a story of betrayal, hardship, and ultimately, deliverance – a testament to the unwavering hand of God, the Stone cut without hands, working even in the shadows.

We’ve all faced moments where the path ahead seemed shrouded in darkness, where the counsel of friends and family felt discordant with the whisperings of the Spirit. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, felt that despair. Samuel the Lamanite, climbing the walls of Jerusalem, knew the cost of courage. And Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brethren, knew a depth of suffering that tests the very soul. Yet, through each trial, God’s plan unfolded, a tapestry woven with threads of providence and grace.

This week's episode, explored with Andrew Skinner and Rabbi Jared Grover, illuminates the Joseph story with remarkable clarity. It’s a reminder that Jehovah, our Christ, is not distant or uncaring; He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, guiding us through valleys and lifting us to heights we could never achieve on our own. As Kerry, the episode’s host, notes, it's a story that reveals how God can change us, and how vital it is that we yield to that transformative power.

Think of Judah’s willingness to stand before Pharaoh, advocating for his brother. Consider the unexpected blessing pronounced on Ephraim, a tribe often overlooked, yet destined for greatness. These moments, seemingly small, ripple outward, shaping the course of nations and the destinies of individuals. It mirrors the way our small acts of service – our engagement in the Charity Flywheel, supporting the Missionary Fund, and contributing to the map of churches – builds a wave of gospel advertising in places like Ghana, expanding the reach of the message and drawing others closer to Christ.

The episode highlights the importance of Holy Week, a sacred season to draw closer to the Savior. The Palm Sunday walk—a tradition Kerry and his wife have cherished for years—is a beautiful way to commemorate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, ending at the Lynen Temple, a testament to His work and our future glory. The upcoming cruise with Steve Harper, focusing on the new and everlasting covenant, promises a synergy of knowledge and revelation, a deepening understanding of the very foundation of our faith.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he always does, that the trials we face are not random occurrences. They are opportunities for growth, for refinement, for becoming more like the Master. Like the five smooth stones that David gathered to face Goliath, we too must prepare ourselves with faith, with courage, and with a steadfast commitment to building the Kingdom of God. Each of us has a role to play in this grand endeavor. Claim your church. Support the internet missionary effort. Let us be builders, not destroyers, leaving a legacy of righteousness and hope for generations to come.

Let us remember the words of Moroni: “And it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (Moroni 10:22)