After many terrible events, Joseph,
because of interpreting Pharoah’s dream is placed in power and holds the key to
Egypt’s granary. A severe famine has struck Egypt and surrounding countries and
Jacob (Joseph’s father) sends his sons to buy grain from Egypt before they die
of hunger. Jacob doesn’t allow Benjamin, his younger son of Rachel to go, after
all he has already lost one son—Benjamin’s older brother, Joseph.
Joseph’s brothers set out for
Egypt and through a turn of events are in the presence of their long lost
brother whom they sold into slavery. Of course, they don’t recognize him in his
Egyptian garb. Joseph sends them back with strict instructions to bring
Benjamin—to prove they were not spies. Joseph shakes things up a little with
his probing questions and mistrustful words. The brothers still don’t know it is Joseph
they are bowing down to; but Joseph’s dream from many years ago is coming true
right before his eyes.
Joseph holds Simeon as ransom
while the others agree to bring Benjamin along on their next trip. The odds of
being spies as Joseph charged are stacked against the sons of Jacob when Joseph
has the grain money hidden in each of their grain sacks, discovered at their
first stop to lodge for the night.
When it comes time to return
to Egypt for more grain, they know they must bring Benjamin. Jacob isn’t happy
about it but they know they won’t get any more grain, or their big brother,
Simeon back without Benjamin’s presence. Big brother, Judah vows to protect Benjamin
no matter what happens. And, even says that he will be a surety for his
brother’s safety.
Then it struck me; Jesus comes
from the line of Judah. Judah promised safety and protection to his brother,
Benjamin, putting his own life on the line. Jesus promises to be our surety. He
offered Himself as our substitution; His life for ours. This is one more layer
of hope in the story of Joseph.
I knew I loved this story!
As I look ahead to the new year, because of Joseph, I can be sure of a couple
of things: Jesus is watching out for me and all things that happen in my life
will be for God’s bigger purpose.
What glimpses of hope have
you received through God’s love letter? What story do you love?
Looking forward to spending time with you in 2013,
Looking forward to spending time with you in 2013,
Jeanne
Read Joseph's story in Genesis 37- 45
Read Joseph's story in Genesis 37- 45
