January 14, 2011
Rampant Rationalization
Joseph’s brothers decided to kill him (Gen 37:20). Then Reuben convinced them that they should throw him in a cistern where he would die without them having to lay a hand on him (Gen 37:22). Since this seemed to be one step up on the scale of morality, they agreed. “Better to let him starve to death, than for us to physically kill him.” When they saw an opportunity for profit, they became even more “righteous.” They decided to sell him to the Ishmaelites instead of killing him because, “after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood!” (Gen 37:27) In the end, they justified selling him into slavery using their own change of intention to commit murder. This is the kind of convoluted rationalization that we are capable of. We say, “Well this sin is not nearly as bad as the one I originally intended to commit, so it must be okay. It’s not the worst thing I could do.” Beware of your deceitful heart! (Jer 17:9).

January 15, 2011
Spiritual Civil Service
Pharaoh appointed Joseph second in command of all of Egypt saying, “Can we find anyone else like this man so obviously filled with the Spirit of God?” (Gen 41:38) Although Joseph had been treated very poorly by his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and his cell mates, he never copped an attitude. He was humble and God exalted him at the proper time (1Pe 5:6). His relationship with the Lord enabled him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream (Gen 41:16). Additionally, he gave Pharaoh some practical advice on how to deal with the famine predicted in the dream. He pointed out the problem and presented a solution (good staff officer!). I am inspired by Joseph and Daniel as models of spiritual civil servants. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart as for the Lord (Col 3:22-24).

January 16, 2011
Broken Brothers
Why did Joseph toy with his brothers when they visited him Egypt? Why not reveal his identity immediately? I’m not sure what Joseph’s motivation was, but the effect of his actions was what God intended. His brothers were convicted of their sin and brought to repentance. Judah’s heart was changed when he said, “Take me as a slave instead of Benjamin.” (Gen 44:33) He was will to give his own life, and his son’s lives (Gen 42:37), for the life of Benjamin. By the time Joseph reveals his true identity, his brothers are broken and contrite. Perhaps the whole story is a metaphor for how Jesus is dealing with his brothers (Israel) until they repent and recognize Him as Messiah.

January 17, 2011
God Comforts in His Time
Jacob assumed that Joseph was dead and he grieved for years. I get the impression that his grief contributed to what he called his “hard years” (Gen 47:9) and gray head (Gen 42:38). It wasn’t until after Joseph was discovered in Egypt that God comforted Jacob concerning his son (Gen 46:3). Why did God allow Jacob to grieve all those years? I don’t know. God never promised a trouble free life. In fact, Jesus himself was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isa 53:3). God controls the joy and pain in our lives in order to mold and shape us into His image. He knows what He is doing (1Co 10:13).

January 18, 2011
Blessings and Burials
Although Jacob was a wanderer, family and home were clearly important to him. It was important that he pass on his name and blessing to his progeny (Gen 48:16). It was also important for him to be buried in the one plot of land that he could call his own, the cave at Machpelah in Canaan. Abraham had purchased it for Sarah’s burial. Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Leah were also buried there (Gen 49:29-32). I can identify with Jacob. I have two strong desires at this point in my life; to see my children do well and to return to my home (preferably before I’m dead!) Lord, guide me.