Page:The Story of Joseph and His Brethren.djvu/125

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
122
JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.

that must strike every one on reading this mysterious language is, that Joseph was a type of the Lord Jesus; who is truly the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel. Jesus is He of whom every child learns to say, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me by the still waters: He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Jesus Himself said, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." He also is the Stone of Israel, the foundation and corner stone of the church. He is our Shepherd as the God of Love; He is the Stone as the God of Truth; for His love feeds us and His truth supports us. In His love and in His pity He redeemed us. And when He has brought us up out of the horrible pit and from the miry clay. He sets our feet upon a rock, and establishes our goings. Other parts of our Lord's character and doings are described in Jacob's blessing upon Joseph, as His persecutions and temptations by the archers shooting at Him, and His triumphs by His bow abiding in His strength; but as it