Bibledoorajar: The Disposition to Forgive

Jacob's sons did all he commanded of them and then they returned to Egypt.  Somehow their disposition changed as they reentered the land. Hopelessness became their great enemy. Instead of continuing to believe the truth spoken earlier by Joseph they fell again for a lie. They began to wonder if Joseph would treat them kindly now that their father was gone. Without Jacob's presence it would be easy for Joseph to exact measure for measure for the torment which they had caused in his life. So they sent an emissary to Joseph to ascertain if he still felt warmly toward them sinners though they were. Joseph responded with tears. Not how could you do this to me tears, but tears that revealed his deep abiding love and commitment to God. He was not God that he could render them harm; he was a believer that everything that had happened to him at their hands was for a greater good and their relationship must always be viewed in that light. It was a light that reflected deep abiding compassion for them even though they did not find God in the moment. So, when the messengers  brought back the report that Joseph had received the message well, and had wept when he heard it, they felt empowered to go in person and they fell down on their faces. The dreams God had given Joseph were fulfilled once again:  their sheaves would fall down before his sheaves--in falling down before Joseph they agreed to obey him. We pay attention to the level of compassion that drew such a godly result.

Sometimes hopelessness and grief can overtake us and become a great enemy. When Jesus made it to Mary and Martha at Lazarus's death, He found two tormented ladies and He responded with tears. These were tears of love for the two but also tears that they had lost sight of the fact that God's will was paramount and that God meant Lazarus's death for good. He then proceeded to demonstrate hope in God's ever present ability to resurrect. In obedience like Mary and Martha and Lazarus, we bow to Him, this One who brought the compassion of the Father to us. He who, even on the cruel cross, shared tears that revealed that God meant to make good out of a very terrible thing. And so can we pay even more attention today and perhaps fall on our faces in obedience?

Bibledoorajar: Going Home

Jacob, having completed his forecast for his sons, closed his eyes and died. When he had blessed Joseph's children earlier he had started the blessings this way:

"May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked—
the God who has been my shepherd all my life, to this very day,
the Angel who has redeemed me from all harm...." (Gen. 48).

And in death, he asked Joseph to return his body for burial to the land of Canaan that was promised to his grandfather. Jacob believed this truth, that Canaan was home. He valued the God who had shepherded him all his life and kept him from harm.  Even in Egypt he was a great encourager/patriarch and his goodness was recognized by many of the Egyptians. Their honor of him was fueled by his great testimonies of God's goodness/plan for his life, a story he shared from the Pharoah down to any Egyptian who would listen.
There is something very wonderful about valuing God in our lives and taking this kind of stance among those with whom we interact. It says that we are first worshipers of the Lord and that we value His kingdom principles highly. And so when we leave this world going home we leave behind a community that will share the testimony of Whom we honored the most. When Joseph and his brothers left Egypt to carry their father's body back to Canaan they were accompanied by many Egyptians. When the Canaanites saw them come into the land it was clear to them that many of the people looked like Egyptians and clearly they were honoring someone with their mourning. They did not know that Jacob had strengthened and encouraged his sons and even the Egyptians calling out the best in them, but they did see a seven day period of honoring him which spoke volumes.

Jacob's work on earth was completed and he left to pursue honored other worldly relationships. He believed the Truth and he was going home. What truth will your going home speak?

Bibledoorajar: Last But Certainly Not Least

     After speaking so loftily to Joseph, Jacob turns to his youngest, Benjamin, the son of his right hand. He says:

        "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the evening he divides the spoils"(Gen. 49:27).

People who know wolf behavior will tell you that they seek their prey and divide the spoils in the evening making sure that their pups eat. Jacob was saying that the tribe of Benjamin would perform that function for God's people. Against powerful enemies, this tribe would provide safety and nourishment for Israel. They were not predatory, but were powerful to be reckoned with if right was provoked. Then, the mighty warriors would rise up to "make things right". Israel chose their first king, Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin. He valiantly led triumphant victories over three major enemies usually seeking God's guidance for truth to be found in his powerful attacks. It was only when he did not pursue God's truth in power that he ran into trouble. While in captivity Benjamin elected to stay with Judah in the south. The south and its' protection had always been the goal of Benjamin for there was Jerusalem and the Temple. Two noted Benjamites, Esther and Mordecai, defeated the enemy handily while in captivity and divided the spoils with their fellows (Judah). Later, it was the tribes of Benjamin (who had rejected a chance to join the northern tribes) and Judah who returned to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem.
     In the New Testament, the predatory aspect of wolves is noted by Jesus as a danger to the sheep.
Sheep who could become prey to these wolves would have to be carefully cared for by the leaders of the church. There was perhaps no greater ravenous wolf than the Benjamite Saul whom Jesus asked "why are you persecuting me?" In protection mode, Saul had greatly misunderstood the prey. But God made right Saul and placed his power under control of the Truth. Changing his name to Paul, Christ's Spirit led him to write 14 great epistles that still impact the world. Paul was really beside himself when he went to the northern tribes and preached Jesus as Lord. So few wanted to accept the Great Truth he presented. But Paul wrote that his epistles would in part have an impact on them in the future when he said "all Israel will be saved" (See Romans 11) along with all of the Gentiles who accepted The Truth.
 In the end we are assured that the lambs and the wolves will lie down together because the Mighty One of Judah will return and every iota of the Benjamite Paul's writings, will be fulfilled along with the rest of the Word. Thank God for power under the control of Truth and for Praise(Judah) for through this we live in the Kingdom of Peace.

Bibledoorajar: With Profound Gratitude

Lastly, Israel brought Joseph before him for his comments. He had already met with Joseph once before and in that meeting he had blessed Joseph's sons, telling Joseph that they would be considered as from him (Israel).  Now Israel gave the highest compliment to Joseph: "You're a prince among brothers". He said, "Out of all the brothers I have blessed, you are a prince among them." Indeed, how could he, how could all of his brothers, how could the known world, forget the noble efforts of Joseph on their behalf?  If you think about this phrase ("you're a prince") as used today you usually pick up on the thank you element. Someone has helped out in a time of great need. Someone was in a "rough patch" and "the prince" came through for them. Thus, the person whom help was given had a need to express profound gratitude.

Lest we forget, the dictionary defines profound as:

                          Having, showing, or requiring great insight or understanding.
                          Deeply felt or held; intense.
                          Thoroughgoing; far-reaching.

Today, we have a need to remember the Greater Prince which sprang from Israel. Like Joseph he was bitterly grieved and hated but still remained a fruitful bough. Jacob honored His Mighty God for keeping His hands on Joseph. It was God that was there giving Joseph strength when he did not even know it  and it was God that strengthened Jesus to do what He did for you and me. He is and ever will be The Prince of Peace among men. How deeply felt is your gratitude? How far-reaching is your gratitude for such love? Devout Jews today send gifts of gratitude to Israel to recognize and honor all the country has meant to them and to help out their fellow Jews. What gift do you offer to The Promised One today? Is it far-reaching into your future impacting not only your life but the life of others? Something profound to think about for sure.