Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 15 ... Genesis 43 - 45 "BONUS from God"
Genesis 43:14 And they were afraid of what Joseph thought that the money was back in their saddlepacks. When you do the right things in life, should we be afraid of failure? I love the response of Pharaoh's servant in The Message: "Your God must have given you a BONUS." Wonder if I think that way when such good stuff happens to me? And when Joseph finds the chalice that was planted in Ben's bag, I thought the brothers response was so interesting: "God is behind this, exposing how bad we are." I've been thinking a lot about God exposing me for who I really am that results in such repentance and rest and that's right---it shouldn't be guilt that condemns but guilt that frees us up! ... And when Joseph says to them "come closer" and don't feel bad, "God was behind it. God sent me here. It wasn't you who sent me here but God. He set me in place as a father to Pharaoh and a rulter of all Egypt." Ooooh! That so stirs me up to reflect on things gone wrong in my world...and to know this night that God was behind it. And I was sobbing by the time Joseph wept over each brother in 45:14 and then they could speak and move and be free. What healing! What a beautiful thought for me! Am I weeping over those who have betrayed me and hurt me? Like the guy who raped me. I so want to find a better place in my heart and live that way!
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We are just beginning to see the reoccuring theme of God's deliverance. Praise God for Jesus, Our Deliverer!
ReplyDeleteI can't help but feel for the 10 brothers that Jacob doesn't seem to care about. (And I think MY family is dysfunctional! HA!) Gen. 42:28 "But Jacob refused. 'My son will not go down wiht you. His brother is dead and he is all I have left.'" Really? What about your remaining 10 sons?? He says it again in 43:14 "And may the Strong God give you grace in that man's eyes so that he'll send back your other brother along with Benjamin. For me, nothing's left. I've lost everything." He doesn't even call Simeon by name! He's the "other brother." Wow. As I'm reading this, I'm going, "Jacob! You have ten other sons. How about showing them some love and value?!?"
ReplyDeleteGod has blessed Jacob in so many ways, and yet it seems that Jacob has his heart set on what he wants - Joseph and Benjamin. How often do I do that? A LOT! God has given me so much yet I play the martyr or complain to God when things don't work out the way I want. I act like my 18-month-old when she doesn't get her way!
Yet Joseph could see in the midst of his smaller story that God was preparing the way and that he was being used in the larger story that God is writing.
Bev, I too am reflecting on things gone wrong in my world. Painful experiences with people, betrayal, disappointment, misunderstanding. And I am comforted by Joseph's words, that God is behind it all. In the midst of the circumstances, all I can do is trust that is true.
(It is not you who sent me here, but God 45:8), Joseph not only found but sought God in his circumstances. When people watch me go through difficult things what do they see? Do they see me handling it with an unbelievable power, strength and quietness of spirit as I am seeking and relying on God with a steadfast faith or do they see me struggling, clawing grasping for whatever will release me?
ReplyDelete"Am I weeping over those who have betrayed me and hurt me?" - This question has really been burning in my heart today. What a full circle moment, and the restoration of this moment is also so incredible.
ReplyDeleteThis question has been my prayer today and allowed the Lord to open my eyes to relationships that underneath the surface, still need healing and restoration.
I just love so much reading your comments! It means a lot to me to hear your heart stirring!
ReplyDeleteHey Cici---you know I thought the same thing---what about your 10 sons Jacob?? I am so "catching" myself in what I say---I've been the drama queen for most of my life and have stepped down from that. I love what C.S. Lewis says about "words." Don't let your words be too big for the occasion because when something does happen worthy of the words, you've already used them up. I can't remember the quote about using too big of a word. Maybe one of you know it. I can't google, I have to go gargle and go to bed for a wedding. Night!
Simeon.
ReplyDeleteLeft behind in captivity.
I think it's so sad that in Jacob's family, two sons were in captivity (Joseph in the pit and sold into slavery, and Simeon held captive in Egypt).
And no one in Jacob's family really tried to rescue them.
Do y'all see a message in this for us today?
Do we care about people in our families who are held captive by sin?
Or our co-workers?
Simeon remained in Egypt while his uncaring family feasted in Canaan.
Joseph was imprisoned in Egypt while his uncaring family went on with their lives and did NOTHING to try and make things right.
I could not have lived with myself if I has treated my brother or my sister that way.
But how often have I really spent hours on my knees praying for someone I love held captive in spiritual bondage?
I'm praying for my husband right now. He is dealing with some spiritual bondage that he won't let me share Christ for his need. He's a christian. But this has gotten the best of him.
God has asked me to be still and let Him work this out.
Will you all please join me in praying for my husband to be released from his spiritual bondage?
Is there someone you love that I can pray for?