The Revelation

Today's readings are in Genesis 43, 44, 45.

The story of the brother's journey back to Egypt comes about because of the first verse in 43:
"Now the famine was still severe in the land."
We find out at the end of the reading that only 2 of the 7 years has passed, and yet after two years even Jacob, now Israel, is desperate enough that he allows his sons to go back, even with Benjamin accompanying.

When they arrive in Egypt more surprises await. Joseph, perhaps for several reasons, after having a mysterious meal with them, sends them back with their silver in their sacks, and with his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, so that his soldiers can track them down and take Benjamin back. Why does he do it? Perhaps because he's not sure he can trust his brothers and wants to have Benjamin near. Perhaps because he knows the ultimate test of whether they have grown up and matured at all is what they'll do when Benjamin is taken from them. We don't know, the text doesn't explain his reasons and we're left to guess; but perhaps one of the greatest passages for any Father to think about in relation to raising his children is right here:

"How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father."

As a young Father I wanted to live in such a way that my children knew God was good and that they could trust him, even as they saw their parents trusting him everyday.

Finally, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. I can imagine the looks on their faces...disbelief, shock, awe, perhaps fear...but all of that is quickly alleviated:

"So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt."

An interesting part of this is that Joseph states that God has made him a father to Pharaoh...suggesting that this Pharaoh was a younger man, or even a boy when all of this occurs. Still, the story and lesson is in seeing Joseph's faith...he never stopped believing that God had a purpose in all of what was happening, and that faith is the real stuff we hope for, even though we do not see it at the present. Have faith.

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