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And when they hurry home to tell their father, Israel, he just wants to see his son before he dies. No mention of the royalty by the humbled Israel. Just the mention of Joseph's face, his presence. Oh to be excited just to be in the presence of those we love. And I weep as I write that thought. Not to change someone. No ulterior motives. No explanations of what love really looks like. Just standing in the Presence of Love, even with those who look really bad to us.
We should let Scripture interpret us more than we interpret Scripture, says Tim Keller. Oh, that speaks to my heart. What do I walk away from this story knowing my own heart a little more?
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Israel prayed that this sons would find favor in the eyes of the Egyptian Governor. Nehemiah prayed that he would find favor in the eyes of his authority. Neh 1:11. Whoever it is, this chapter of your life, may we find favor, O God!, in the eyes of those whom we serve. And may we walk in love to all the people you have placed in our lives.
PHOTO: "Free Christ Images" - Photo credit. What a beautiful thought. As I read these Scriptures, it is my very soul that is revealed. Grace upon grace.
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Scripture interprets Scripture.
Scripture interprets me.
Joseph is about to put on a cloak of many colors of Love: Therefore, I'll put off my kingly robes and make everyone go out from me. I'll move in intimacy toward you, my brothers. And he answers all their requests, demands, complaints with three words: "I am Joseph!" Genesis 45:3. You see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you that I will preserve life. "So, it was not you who sent me here, but God. Genesis 45:8. The brothers stand in the Presence of Love. And when they hurry home to tell their father, Israel, he just wants to see his son before he dies. No mention of the royalty by the humbled Israel. Just the mention of Joseph's face, his presence. Oh to be excited just to be in the presence of those we love. And I weep as I write that thought. Not to change someone. No ulterior motives. No explanations of what love really looks like. Just standing in the Presence of Love, even with those who look really bad to us.
We should let Scripture interpret us more than we interpret Scripture, says Tim Keller. Oh, that speaks to my heart. What do I walk away from this story knowing my own heart a little more?
COME BOLDLY: Timeless Prayers
Israel prayed that this sons would find favor in the eyes of the Egyptian Governor. Nehemiah prayed that he would find favor in the eyes of his authority. Neh 1:11. Whoever it is, this chapter of your life, may we find favor, O God!, in the eyes of those whom we serve. And may we walk in love to all the people you have placed in our lives.
PHOTO: "Free Christ Images" - Photo credit. What a beautiful thought. As I read these Scriptures, it is my very soul that is revealed. Grace upon grace.
Those brothers probably felt they had controlled Joseph's outcome but because of God, his true purpose and calling could never be thwarted. Joseph knew God was in control, and he might not have known how it was going to happen, but he knew he had a destiny with Him.
ReplyDeleteEach of the patriarchs from Abraham forward looked like they were not going to fulfill their destiny. Abraham in his old age to conceive a child that would birth nations; Isaac almost sacrificed before he had a son and infertility issues as well, Jacob not born in proper birth order to receive a birthright, and infertility issues with Rebekah; and Joseph forgotten in a cell for 23 years. All their hopes at one time or another were surely shattered as they waited and waited, and they probably felt that restlessness that nearly always accompanies not being where we think we should be. But the funny thing is there is little said about their feelings during the process. God does provide the peace and patience we need if we ask. And we know these men did. Over and over, they looked to God for their strength.
Each of us in Christ has a divine appointment, a destiny purposed for us. We won't all be kings and we won't all be prisoners in the dark cell. Joseph had his share of ups and downs no doubt, but he knew with faith that God meant it for good. God sees. He knows what we are facing. His Word infuses strength into our own situations that we, even we, might go forth to fulfill that destiny which He set in our hearts before time began.
Let us continue to look to him for our strength and wisdom and love in the meantime.
Today's reading is a powerful witness to God's plans for good and not to harm us. Joseph stayed close to God in dire circumstances. He died to self. He walked in love. He let go and let God work. If we search Scriptures carefully, we see little to nothing of feelings because we cannot depend on them, but we can depend on God.
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