I mentioned several blogs back that a "prodigal son like" reunion was coming with Joseph and we find it in today's reading. Joseph is one of my favorite leaders in the Bible for his strength to reconcile with his brothers. He understood God's higher purposes were accomplished in spite of the consequences of being sold into slavery. In our application of this reading we can ask ourselves the following... 1) when events go against us do we become bitter? 2) or do we seek God's higher purposes in all events? Does life make us bitter? Or do we seek God's higher purposes? Are we willing to forgive those who wrong us?
How fitting that 23rd Psalm accompanies this reading today and speaks of "restoring our soul." Are not the "still waters" and "green pastures" the result of trusting God in all events?
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Awhile back while I was reading this story I came to a conclusion about what Joseph was doing with all this 'back and forth' - I think he was trying to get his younger brother Benjamin away from them because he didn't trust them. Only after Judah offered himself in his brother's place did Joseph see their sincerity and feel safe enough to reveal his identity. I think it shows the deep woundedness that was there - and Joseph's courage in offering forgiveness. And perhaps there is a word of wisdom that we shouldn't be unwise in granting the gift of trust after such a violation.
ReplyDeleteI had not thought of this before Matt. Great insight.
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