Joseph reduced the people to servitude. (Genesis 47:21)There are lots of things we could focus on in these final four chapters of Genesis. I enjoy the picture of Jacob the deceiver becoming Jacob the honored patriarch, looking back over his years and worshiping as he leans on his staff (47:31). There is an interesting connection between Jacob receiving his father's blessing over his older brother, and then Jacob blessing his younger grandson over his older brother (48). Then, of course, is one of the most pivotal verses of Genesis: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good. (50:20)
When Joseph comes to mind, do you think of his coat of many colors? ...his dreams? ...his rising to second in command over all of Egypt? Do you think of him saving the people of Egypt? ...or enslaving them?
This is perhaps a fitting place to leave Genesis and begin reading the most important chapter in Israel's history, the story of Exodus.
What struck me in reading this passage is the thought that Joseph's brothers had no grasp of who Joseph really was! After all that time together, and all the mercy and forgiveness Joseph had shown, their first thought after their father died was to send word (a lie) to Joseph that their father had asked (as he died) that Joseph forgive them, thinking this would obligate him to do so. This passage shows so much of Joseph's character and his brother's lack of character. The brothers didn't even have the guts to tell him themselves (probably fearing Joseph would kill them) but sent someone else. Obviously, they feared that Joseph's kindness all those years had only been an effort to please their father, which wasn't the case. Joseph's response is such a beautiful reminder that what our enemy intends for harm in our lives God can turn around and use for good! Joseph's love for his brothers is a great example of unconditional love.
ReplyDeleteI think Janelle totally pegged it here. Well said. Can you believe we're already through Genesis? - Amy
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