One of my favorite passages of Genesis is this one:
Joseph made his brothers go through a lot after their initial meeting in Egypt before revealing himself to them. I always wondered what that was about until now. (I kind of thought it was mean of Joseph to be so weird about the whole thing). He was testing them, I think, seeing if they had learned anything by the things that they had gone through. Finally, he could see that they were sorry and couldn't hold back his love and all the riches of Egypt from them.
I can see why it is said that Joseph is a type of Jesus. There is much we can draw from the story.
Mercy triumphs over judgement!
Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.
3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. -Genesis 45
Joseph made his brothers go through a lot after their initial meeting in Egypt before revealing himself to them. I always wondered what that was about until now. (I kind of thought it was mean of Joseph to be so weird about the whole thing). He was testing them, I think, seeing if they had learned anything by the things that they had gone through. Finally, he could see that they were sorry and couldn't hold back his love and all the riches of Egypt from them.
16 Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. 17 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. 18 Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. 19 Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. 20 Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.-Genesis 45
I can see why it is said that Joseph is a type of Jesus. There is much we can draw from the story.
Mercy triumphs over judgement!
I had forgotten about that part of the Joseph story, though I don't know how, as it's so powerful. The magnitude of Joseph's love and forgiveness is truly inspiring. I think that we could all be more like Joseph, which is to say that we could all be more like Jesus, for I can't help but think of Jesus here. In particular, I am reminded of Jesus's prayer to forgive those who crucified Him. How powerful! I don't want to detract from Joseph, but I would think that the story about Joseph is supposed to remind the reader of God's love, which in turn should remind us of Christ's love. Anyway, great post.
ReplyDeleteExactly...about Joseph and Jesus. I think we forget how loving He is and, at least in the circles I've been reading in the last few years, focus more on His wrath and holiness. But, God is Love as John said. Perfect love casts out fear.
DeleteThe kids learned this story in Sunday school just a few weeks ago. I kept imagining how faithful Joseph was...and so forgiving.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
Hi Ma,
ReplyDeleteThat is my favorite part of this narrative. When I first read it as a new Christian, it was a real eye-opener. There is so much to be found in that passage. The idea that "all things work together for good" and the fact that even when we get it wrong, the Lord is ever merciful are explained in this situation. We can clearly see how much Joseph loved his brothers, and like Leslie points out, he wanted to test them to see if they learned from these things. How much more does God love us? and how much more perfectly does He use all things to help us grow and learn?
:-bd
I love this story and think on it often, it just happened to come up in my bible reading.
DeleteGod works all things for His purpose.I really do believe that, it gives me great hope, even when things seem dark and hopeless.
Their deed and father's despair was ever before them and more and more so as Joseph put them through this... They deserved judgement!
ReplyDeleteThey needed redemption! They needed mercy! And...
"Mercy triumphs over judgement!"
Alleluia! :-)
I love that story!
They did deserve judgement, and they knew it. Check out Genesis 42: 21-22
DeleteI heard some one say once that these guys were being "tried by fire" so to speak.
"Everyone will be salted with fire"
Thanks for this blog. I love the story from Joseph!
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love Joe? Many of my favorite verses are found in the chapters about Him and His faith. I'd add this: Genesis 50:19-20 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Wow! Thanks Ma!
ReplyDelete