Page 168 - Evidence of Things Unseen

The Garment of Humility (Written from jail)
Joseph Herrin- 6/19/2011 (Father’s Day)

There are certain experiences that are common to the disciples of Christ that are
unknown to the majority of professing Christians today. I would share with you regarding
one mark of discipleship that Yahweh has made abundantly clear at this season both
through His word and through personal experience. Let me begin by looking at the very first
book of the Bible where we read of the story of Joseph who serves as a type of Christ.
Joseph was born as the eleventh son of Jacob, being the first son of Jacob’s favorite
wife Rachel. Joseph was the son of Jacob’s old age. Doing the math we read that Jacob was
130 years old when he came to Joseph in Egypt. (Gen. 47:9) This was the second year of
famine, the ninth year since Joseph was brought out of prison to serve as Pharoah’s second
ruler in the land. Joseph was 39 years old. By this we understand Jacob was 91 years old
when Joseph was born. Joseph was the son of Jacob’s old age, and greatly beloved by his
father. (Gen. 37:3)
It is in Genesis chapter 37 that we see a remarkable theme begin to weave its way
through the pages of Scripture. Jacob gave to Joseph a special garment to denote that he
stood in his father’s favor. Many Bibles describe this garment as a “coat of many colors.” I
read a teaching on this many years ago that suggested that “a long sleeved tunic” is a more
accurate translation. The teaching reported that it was common for a man of wealth to
adorn the son who was to receive the birthright with a long sleeved tunic. Whether it was
a coat of many colors, or a long sleeved tunic, it is clearly evident that Joseph’s brothers
recognized the special garment he wore as a mark of their father’s special love and favor
toward Joseph.

Genesis 37:4
“When his brothers SAW that their father loved [Joseph] more than all his brothers,
they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.”

The response of Joseph’s brothers to the favor of their father was identical to that of
Cain when Yahweh had regard to his brother Abel’s offering, but not to his own. Cain was
filled with hatred and murdered Abel. Similarly, Joseph’s brothers were filled with hatred
and they spoke of murdering Joseph. (Gen. 37:18-20)
Though Joseph’s brothers were persuaded not to murder him, what they did do stands
as a great parable.

Genesis 37:23
“And it came to pass, when Joseph came unto his brothers, that they stripped Joseph
of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him.”

To understand this parable one must know the significance of a person’s garment. The
garment represents a person’s identity, their reputation before God and man. Without a
garment all men are naked and covered in shame. Yahweh, in His mercy, covers the shame
of man. Christ Yahshua becomes our propitiation (literally - merciful covering). Paul
exhorts Christians to “put on Christ” and to “clothe yourselves with Christ.”
God is no respecter of persons. “He has mercy on whom He chooses, and He hardens
whom He chooses.” (Romans 9:18) Yahweh does not favor the rich man above the poor, nor