Genesis
44:1-17
The
story of Joseph in the last 14 chapters of Genesis is full of many lessons, not
least in the way it points to the rejection and exaltation of Jesus (Acts
7:8-15). But one thing it especially seems to bring out by the time we reach
this passage in chapter 44 is the way God teaches his servants to trust
entirely in his timing.
Joseph
was a sinner like us – perhaps he told too much of his dreams as a boy (37:8)
and perhaps here in this passage his tactics lack full integrity (44:4). Yet
his patient trust in God and his awaiting of his timing are remarkable. We
never hear of him retaliating against his brothers (37:24), though they “saw
the anguish of his soul” (42:21), nor against the unjust treatment he received
at Potiphar’s house (39:20). Cast far away by his loved ones, he dutifully and
faithfully gets on with his work as a slave (37:1-5), and thrown into prison
for a wickedness he did not commit, he sets himself with the same faithfulness
to his new position (39:21-23). Finally he is raised to a position of power
(40:40) and then sees his brothers coming to him for help (42:7). Full of love
for them and no doubt desperate to show it, yet he hides his love from them and
“speaks roughly to them”, not to get them back but because he is entering into
God’s plan – a heart-searching plan which will bring about true repentance and
reconciliation at the right time. The plan unfolds and his brother Judah
finally realizes, “God has found us out,” and then pours forth the beautiful
confession which forms the second half of this chapter (44:18-34). Joseph can
refrain himself no longer and they are reunited (45:1-15).
All
in God’s timing, and all because he could find one humble servant to trust
entirely in his timing.
Dieu arrive à point
nommé. L'histoire de Joseph nous le rappelle. Elle préfigure celle du
Christ. Renvoyé, trahi, par les siens, Joseph s'emploiera
plus tard à les réunir par son pardon.
James
Pitts
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