Joseph and more family interactions (Jan29)

This reading leads us again to consider how we interact with our family.  Ten of Joseph's brothers travel from Canaan to Egypt to purchase grain so that they may "live and not die."  As events unfold, Joseph recognizes his brothers, the brothers do not recognize Joseph.  This, in addition to Joseph's position of power in Egypt, allows Joseph an upper hand in the transaction(s) by; accusing them they are spies, questioning their real purpose, giving the silver used to purchase grain back, commanding them to bring back the youngest son, placing his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, and holding brothers in custody.  Think of the challenge to Joseph, for he had to hide his tears in his dealings with his brothers.

These events give the brothers pause to; remember the acts they committed against Joseph, experience fear on several occasions, to bring excellent gifts to Joseph, and to offer a substitution as a slave in place of the boy.

Consider Jacob's role.  He favors Benjamin so much that he will not let Benjamin, Joseph's full brother, to accompany his other sons to Egypt, for he "was afraid some harm might come to him."  In addition, Jacob stated about Benjamin that his brother is dead and "he is the only one left."  Just imagine the thoughts and emotions of the other 10 siblings who are as closely related to Jacob as Benjamin upon hearing their father say, in other words; Benjamin is my only son left!


Some thoughts:

Where do you need to go, to get your grain, so that you may live and not die?

What bread has been freely given to us, that we cannot purchase?

How do you show that you are bringing "the best products in the land" to the "Man" who gave us this bread?

How would you explain to another why the "Man" weeps for his family?

Do you realize that this "Man" is equal to the most powerful "King" in the universe?

How many relationships would you accept slavery for in place of "the boy?"

Do you see a foreshadowing of God's love for you in the above questions based on this day's reading?


For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

                             John 3:16  NIV

Pray for the Spirit to provide the opportunity to show God's love in action today.

In Christ


David P