GOOD MORNING SIBLINGS!


Today’s readings are: Genesis 43-45
Rabbit Trails

As we see Joseph showing such kindness, forgiveness, and even favor to his brothers, it is impossible not to think on how they had treated him. There is a wonderful parallel here in how Joseph treated his brothers and how our Messiah treats us. Yeah, that one is supposed to sting a bit. It sure does for me!

Genesis 44:4-5 Joseph’s cup is further described as that in which he practices divinations. This is referring to cups in which “qualified” people would look into for messages from Egypt’s gods. We have no record of Joseph committing adultery against the one true God so we can possibly infer that this was merely said to help keep up the facade of Joseph being an Egyptian. Note that this is my opinion. I would encourage you to form your own based on your own reading.

 Wait, committing adultery? Christy, what are you talking about? That is what YHWH considers us to be doing when we put other “gods” before Him.  Jeremiah 3:20 is a great starter verse for this, but we will see throughout the Bible as we continue to read.

Genesis 44:33-34 Judah’s Confession – Here we see a point in Judah’s life wherein he is humbled entirely, essentially begging for forgiveness and help from Joseph, offering himself in place of his brother. At last, a leader is arising. Such a defining moment.

Below are more similarities between Joseph and Messiah. This is all part of the pattern of YHWH and how Scripture (what is dismissively referred to as the old testament today) foretells of the wonder of our Messiah.
I found these several places online and am just copying below.
Parallels between Joseph and Messiah
He is the object of his father’s special love. He had promises of divine exaltation. He was mocked by his family. He was sold for pieces of silver. He was stripped of his robe. He was delivered up to the Gentiles. He was falsely accused. He was faithful amid temptation. He was thrown into prison. He stood before rulers. His power was acknowledged by those in authority. He saves his rebellious brothers from death when they realize who he is. He is exalted after and through humiliation. He embraces YHWH’s purpose even though it brings him intense physical harm. He is the instrument YHWH uses at the hands of the Gentiles to bless his people. He welcomes Gentiles to be part of his family. He gives hungry people bread. People must bow their knee before him.
There are more parallels. If you are in the Fellowship Group, let me know what you see in the discussion thread today!

We are learning so much and yet there is so much still to learn!! How exciting to know that YHWH’s word is the source of endless wisdom – and what a blessing that we have committed to drinking of that cup together!

Genesis 45:22 The special relationship between Joseph and Benjamin
Recall that Joseph and Benjamin are the only sons of Rachel (Genesis 35:24) and it’s clear that Benjamin took Joseph’s position as favored son after he was gone. It is possible that Joseph’s actions honor not only that extra special bond between him and Benjamin of a shared mother, but a similar devotion to their father as well.

5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. 8 So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Genesis 45:5-8

What an amazing statement to make. We see a wonderful model of forgiveness here where most of us (myself included) would certainly harbor at least some degree of bitterness.
Instead, Joseph recognizes that this was all done to bring about the good will of the Father and the honored role he has in fulfilling the purpose designated for his life. In this bold showing compassion, he sets his brothers at ease. It is a stunning moment, in which Joseph shows the brothers a level of grace whose only source can be the Father.
He has always been a God of Grace. Grace has never been a New Testament only thing. The only reason we’ve not noticed it in the “old” testament is because we’ve not read it for ourselves. We were the ones who declared it “old” to begin with. Do you see how much has been missed? Do you see how much has been purposefully ignored by those who choose to only read a small portion of YHWH’s Word?

It is to our great shame that generations have dismissed the words of our Father as irrelevant – harming not only ourselves but our descendants to come as they inherit this folly. If the Bible were telling the story of believers in our time, just as we are reading now of Jacob/Israel’s children and as we are about to read of the Israelite people, what would future generations see as our obvious error that we blatantly overlook?

It’s the same error we will see time and again in the Word. The same error the Father continually reminds us to avoid through His commandments and through retelling of history:  Relying on our own wisdom over that of the Father. This has been the human tendency since time began, since the very first falling away in the garden. And each generation looks back on previous ones as they cluck their tongue and shake their head in disapproval for such an obvious error – before marching boldly forward and doing the very same thing, pride making us blind to our own bold sin as we march off a cliff while declaring it solid ground.

But now we are here, once again standing on the steadfast foundation of His Word. 

For I, YHWH, do not change. 

Since the time of your ancestors you have turned from me and not kept my decrees. Return to me, and I will return to you. 

From Malachi 3:6-7
We are returning! Be Encouraged!
Test everything, hold tight to what is good – and HE is the only source of good. 
May YHWH Bless the reading of His word!
Today’s link: Pesto Chicken Pasta 

If you enjoy this Bible study, please do me a great favor and visit my recipe links each day. It is a tremendous help to me.

Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

Catch up on all of our Genesis Posts here
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