Bibledoorajar: Tears of Compassion

     Our story tells us that Joseph wept seven times over the course of saving his brothers. Thus, he was revealed as a compassionate man. He wept as his brothers confessed their guilt (Gen. 42:24). He wept when he saw Benjamin (Gen. 43:30). He wept when he made himself known to his brothers (Gen. 45:1-2).. He wept when his brothers were reconciled to him (Gen. 45:15). He wept over his father Jacob. (Gen. 46:29). He wept at the death of his father (Gen. 50:1). And he wept when, later, his brothers questioned his love for them (Gen. 50:15-17). Joseph revealed himself first to Judah(Praise) and his brethren, before he was made known to the rest of Jacob's household. It is very interesting that Joseph revealed himself first to Judah (Praise)  because we are told in Zechariah 12:7, "The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah (Praise)  first. However, all the sons Of Jacob would (will) come to understand who both Joseph and their Messiah really were (are).

 Jesus Christ, was also a tenderhearted man. In the New Testament one can read of how He was moved with compassion.  He wept at the graveside of Lazarus, and later over Jerusalem.  The apostle Paul also anguished over the growing rift between Israel and the young church. In the 9th chapter of Romans,  He authoritatively speaks of God's first and eternal covenant with the Jews. Eternal covenants do not go away and by faith we accept that their blindness will one day be removed and they will see the Lord for whom He really is. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the safety of Israel and believing Jews everywhere. One day you just might be sharing eternity.

"O Trinity of love and pow'r
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad praise from air and land and sea. Amen"
                                           
                                                     William Whiting (1860)