To Preserve

I think my all time favorite story in the Old Testament is the story of the life of Joseph. Weaved from the beginning, throughout, and with promises beyond, God teaches us through Joseph's life about the power of His grace, the power of His deliverance, and the power of preserving that which is of greatest worth. I could read that story over and over again and each time find new interpretations that apply differently depending on the season I am in. With each read I am taught through Joseph, the great interpreter, one of the greatest types of Christ ever written about, and one of the great examples of covenant relationship, how to become more like Jesus Christ.  

"...and God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance." Genesis 4:7

But my thoughts on Joseph echo singular and incomplete if I do not add to them my favorite read of all time in the Book of Mormon, as it serves as another witness of Jesus Christ. That story as Jacob recounts is Zenos' masterful allegory of the olive tree. Together these two witnesses in both books of holy writ testify of a God who will walk with his children, call to His children, serve with his children, labor with His children and most importantly wait on His children, all to preserve that which is most precious to Him. For 77 verses the Master of the vineyard expresses His desire to preserve the roots, the branches, and the fruits of the natural or 'first fruit' up unto Himself for His purposes. 

"...that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard, and, perhaps, that I may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the roots and the branches of the first fruit." Jacob 5:60

That natural fruit, even the first fruit is He himself, Jesus Christ. 

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept."  1 Cor 15:20

These two stories etched forever in my mind and imprinted on my heart have caused me to ask myself what role I play in the preservation of only the best things. How can I prune away that which does not matter, and preserve that which does?

As of April 11, I've been on this earth for 50 years. FIFTY! I think that means it's halftime. I believe that Joseph and Jacob might just be the best halftime pep talk possible for me. 

So today I close the pages on 'Stack of Plates' and embark upon an even more intentional preservation practice here on 'The Hixon Preserve'.

A place to preserve only the best things.

The things that bring joy.

The things that speak of deliverance.

The things that breathe hope.

The things that feature grace.

The things that are closest to that natural and first fruit.

The things 

that matter most.