Signet Ring of Authority
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because God has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.” Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck, and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no man lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.”” (Genesis 41:39-44 WEB)
Before Pharaoh put on the signet ring on Joseph’s hand, he spoke, giving Joseph authority over the nation of Egypt. The ring therefore represents the authority of the King. Whoever wears the ring has been authorized to act on the King’s behalf, and the Kingdom’s resources are at this person’s disposal.
In the story of Joseph, Joseph is a picture of Jesus, who was accused of committing a crime that He did not commit, and then subsequently raised to the right hand of God, having all authority and power, as well as the name above every other name.
Jesus endured the greatest humiliation in order to purchase the greatest salvation for mankind. That is why Abba God gave Jesus the “signet ring”—all authority, glory, honor, and power.
We don’t really find any significant thing about rings until Jesus mentions it in His parable of the prodigal son. I believe He was drawing a reference to the story of Joseph because the “best robe” also parallels with the “robes of fine linen” that Pharaoh gave to Joseph.
““But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate; for this, my son, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found.’ They began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:22-24 WEB)
In the parable, we find that the ring is given to the prodigal son who is a picture of us who are saved by Grace through faith. We did not do anything to deserve forgiveness, but God forgave and restored us to sonship because of His love and Grace.
So Jesus was the original recipient of the ring, and then Jesus said that Abba God gave the ring to us.
In the context of the parable, a family ring like that would have an insignia of the rich family, and when buying things, the prodigal son could just show the signet, meaning to say, “Charge the bill to my father’s tab.”
The ring being given to us tells us that we have received authority from God to act in His name, and to receive good things because of being in His family. We enjoy all these benefits at God’s expense, and He is most willing to provide what we need.
“The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.” (John 17:22-23 WEB)
Before Jesus was arrested and eventually crucified, He prayed to the Father that the glory which belonged to Him (Jesus) should be given to us as well. This is like giving the signet ring which was His, to us.
See yourself as one with God, and make no distinction between what is His and what is yours. We have been joined to Christ through the new birth and the New Covenant of Grace.
““He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” (Luke 15:31 WEB)
Do you believe this, that everything that belongs to God also belongs to you? You are so wealthy because God gave you every spiritual blessing so that you lack nothing.
Whenever you feel like you have nothing, use the signet ring as a visual aid. Imagine Abba God placing it on your finger and reminding you that all authority that belongs to Jesus has also been given to you. In Christ, you have everything that you need!
The four gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John contain many powerful truths that will help you in life. Understand them through the lens of Grace: https://bit.ly/understandeveryparable
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Are you Counted Worthy?
“Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”” (Luke 21:36 WEB)
The verse above is not written to us, but it is for the people who will miss the Rapture and come to believe in Jesus as Lord after that.
During the Tribulation, they will have to endure hardship and persecution without succumbing to the temptation and ease of receiving the Mark of the Beast.
They will have to pray to be counted worthy to escape the worst of the things that will happen because of the Antichrist’s regime, and to finally stand before Jesus after His Second Coming at the end of the 7-year Tribulation.
Read the whole chapter of Luke 21. The context is clearly talking about the end times, Tribulation, and finally Jesus’ Second Coming. Knowing the context of a passage is so important so that no verses get misinterpreted out of context.
Wrongly applying a verse to believers in our current church age will instill fear in believers making them feel unsure about their salvation, always wondering whether they are praying frequently or fervently enough to be “counted worthy” to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man (Jesus).
It is very straightforward and measurable during the Tribulation:
1. Do you believe in Jesus as Lord?
2. Did you receive the Mark of the Beast?
If the person’s answer is “Yes” to question 1 and “No” to question 2, then they are counted worthy and will be saved when Jesus returns at the end of the 7 years.
If you are wondering if God counts you worthy now or not, read this verse:
““Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” (John 5:24 WEB)
Once a person believes in Jesus as Lord, he HAS eternal life now, and he HAS passed out of death into life. This assurance of salvation is yours to enjoy.
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30 WEB)
Your worthiness is not based on your obedience. It is based on the truth that Jesus took the punishment for all your sins, and He declared “It is finished” only when God’s wrath against every sin was fully appeased.
In fact, God was so satisfied with what Jesus did, that He raised Jesus from the dead and gave Him all authority in Heaven and on earth:
“Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20 WEB)
You are worthy to the Lord. He has sent you in His name and power to preach the Gospel and make more Spirit-filled disciples. Thanks to Jesus, you are worthy!
Understand the four gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in their proper context, rightly dividing the covenants, and understand the meaning of every parable and miracle of Jesus Christ: https://bit.ly/understandeveryparable
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Jul 15, 2015 - Meaning of the name Luke: The Middle English and Anglo-French form of Lucas. The name is borne in the Bible by one of the four evangelists, ... ... <看更多>