January 26, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Genesis 41 - From prison to throne in one day!  That's the picture you get in this chapter.  Joseph had spent two years in prison serving the chief warden.  In the meantime, Pharaoh has two disturbing dreams which cause the cupbearer to remember the gift of interpretation that Joseph had.  Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and suggests a practical way to face the coming famine.  Joseph is chosen to become the second in command throughout Egypt.  His "forgetting" the past meant he was "not holding the past against his brothers."  Biblical forgiveness, by the way!

Genesis 42 - The famine spread throughout the lands surrounding Egypt.  Jacob heard that food could be purchased and he sent his ten older sons to buy some, purposely leaving Benjamin home lest any misfortune should happen to him.  When the brothers arrived in Egypt Joseph immediately knew who they were.  He treated them roughly, giving them just a little taste of what he went through.  But he also put them to the test when he kept Simeon behind and threatened them with no more food without their youngest brother coming with them.  Joseph knew this was the time to bring about the much needed reconciliation his family had to experience.