The Story of Joseph – pt 5
Joseph has his father Jacob brought to Egypt. Under the Kings instruction, Joseph selected the best land in Egypt for them to settle. Joseph is once again united with his family.
Jacob lived in Egypt with his sons for 17 years. As his days grew to an end, Jacob called his sons and blessed each one. Word was sent to Joseph of his father’s illness and he made his way to his father’s side. When Jacob died, not only did he and his brothers mourn, but the entire land of Egypt mourned out of respect to Joseph.
After Jacob’s death, 10 brothers once again became very fearful. Once their father was out of the picture they assumed that Joseph would take his revenge. I have come to realize that most individual’s fears are based on the assumption that others will react as they would. I have no doubt if the tables were turned, these 10 would have taken this opportunity to take revenge on Joseph. How sad that these brothers had not used this time to really get to know and understand the great man their brother was.
Joseph’s reply:
“Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
What you meant for evil, my God meant for good!
Genesis 44-50
The Story of Joseph – pt 4
As Joseph had predicted, Egypt had seven years of great plenty, followed by seven years of famine. With Joseph in charge, Egypt’s storehouses were full when the last seven years hit. The draught was wide-spread, it affected Jacob and his sons. Ten of Joseph’s brothers made their way to Egypt for supplies; after losing Joseph, Jacob would not allow Benjamin to make the trip.
And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them.
Revenge is so sweet when we let God do it!
Joseph puts his brothers through a few hoops before he tell them who he is. Joseph requires them to bring Benjamin, Joseph’s little brother. There are several more times that Joseph finds himself standing before his brothers as they bow to him; fulfilling the dream not once but several times. The story also tells of several times Joseph becomes so filled with compassion toward his brothers that he leaves the room to weep.
Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers, who become fearful – guilt has a tendency to create fear. Joseph assures them that all is well. In fact, he goes so far as saying; … it was not you who sent me here, but God.
No wonder Joseph found favor in God’s sight. He didn’t blame, he honored. He didn’t fear, he trusted. He took nothing for granted. For Joseph, everything that happened was purposed by God.
The Story of Joseph – pt3
While in prison, Joseph was put in charge of two of the king’s servants who had offended the king. One a cupbearer and the other a baker. Both men had dreams that are very disturbing. Joseph, being the man of dreams, interpreted each dream. To the baker, he is told that in three days he will die, which he did. To the cupbearer, he is told that in three days he will be returned to his position, which he does. The cupbearer forgets his promise to Joseph to mention him to the king and Joseph remains in prison for two more years.
Then one day – I love the one day happenings! – the king has a dream that no one is able to interpret. The cupbearer finally remembers Joseph. Joseph is called before the king and gives him the interpretation. Apparently there is going to be seven years of great harvest followed by seven years of draught. Joseph not only gives the king the interpretation, he lays out a plan in order to save the kingdom. This impressed the king so much that he put Joseph in charge and let him create his own plan. In one day, Joseph goes from prison to the palace.
Joseph was 30 when he entered the service of the king. In 30 short years, Joseph had experienced great difficulties. Sold by his brothers, purchased as a slave, accused of rape, put in prison; most of what he experienced was due to others envy, jealousy and forgetfulness. Yet, all the while he knew who he served and in return God showed him favor in every situation. At the age of 30, he was second in command of Egypt.
Every time I read this story, there is one detail that jumps off the page; how could the cupbearer have forgotten to tell the king about Joseph? Then I have to ask myself; how may Joseph’s have I forgotten to tell the king about?
Genesis 40-41
