You may remember earlier this summer, I encouraged making a plan for summer growth. Did you discover things in your study of God's word this summer?
I'd love to hear about your plan. How did you grow in your faith this summer?
I began reading the Book of Ruth. I read and re-read. I studied. I underlined. I made lists...
Ruth's story has always been a favorite - It's a love story, really. Who doesn't like a good love story?
After losing her husband and two sons, Naomi returns to Bethlehem (House of Bread) with her daughter-in-law, Ruth. They arrive at the beginning of the barley harvest. Without her husband, Naomi is destitute. Without children, Ruth is without a future.
I have favorite stories in the
Bible; true events meant to whisper the message of God’s love into our lives.
One of my favorites is Joseph’s story. I never tire of the intrigue; it would
make a great blockbuster movie. What is it about this best loved, spoiled son
of Jacob the keeps me coming back to its pages? His life is filled with
hope. No matter what happens, God is with Him. No matter what befalls him,
the Lord brings him into favor with the one in charge. Every seeming blunder is
a building block to purpose—God’s purpose.
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,
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