Take Two: Genesis 45, Proverbs 5

Finally! For 2 days I have been waiting for this chapter! Remember that at the end of Gen 44, Judah is trying to take Benjamin's place. He has passionately laid out the case that leaving Benjamin behind will kill Jacob/Israel. It is too much. Jospeh breaks and begins to weep so loudly that even the household of Pharoah hears (Gen 45:1-2). Joseph sends everyone away except the brothers and then reveals his identity (Gen 45:3).

The brothers are "dismayed." In other words, this new revelation is too far outside of their "box" to grasp and buy into. Joseph called them to come closer (and they did). He then reassured them that he did not hold ill-will against them for their actions toward him (Gen 45:5).

NOTE: What we are about to see is what happens when we look back on circumstances with God-eyes and see the bigger picture (the "meta-narrative") of life.

Joseph tells them that God was not caught by surprise by the brother's actions of selling him into slavery. We see this in his discourse when he gives God the credit for sending him (Joseph) to Egypt (v.5,7,8) (Gen 45:5-8).

A couple of theological observations need to be made:

• First, Joseph is not saying that God caused the evil actions of the brothers. God does not cause evil. He cannot be tempted nor does He tempt anyone (James 1:13-14).
• Second, Joseph is not affirming or condoning the actions of his brothers. They acted in sinful malice toward him.
• Third, Joseph is not minimizing the suffering he endured. It would be "way off base" to think that what Joseph endured was in some way less than significant. He went through the greatest difficulty imaginable.
• Finally, Joseph IS saying that while all of these actions were taken by the brothers, and all of these consequences were real, God was not and is not surprised. God was working IN HISTORY to prepare for what the brothers would do and worked IN HISTORY to sustain Joseph in the midst of his suffering, in order to GLORIFY Himself and fulfill HIS PLAN for HIS PEOPLE. Joseph's suffering was FULLY KNOWN to God and FULLY ACCEPTABLE to GOD to GLORIFY HIM.

Now I know it is difficult to embrace a God who is glorified in the suffering/sacrifice of His people. Our culture and the weak image of contemporary Christianity tells us that God exists to bless us and make us comfortable in this life. It is as if we think God is a "cosmic bellhop" waiting at the concierge desk of our hotel to fluff our pillows and to recommend a good restaurant to eat at. If this life were ABOUT US...I would agree; however, this life is not ABOUT US. We are ABOUT HIM and all things exist for Him and by Him. Joseph caught a glimpse (probably after years of wrestling with his own hurt and anger,and thinking over in his mind how best to get revenge) of the "meta-narrative" and how he was chosen by God to be the instrument to save God's people and fulfill the historic and GOOD plan of God. What a privilege to be used of God to suffer for a cause! (Does that statement stretch anyone? Consider Acts 5:40-41; Acts 26:19-29; 1 Peter 1:6-9).

In every trial and overwhelming circumstance...try asking "what is God teaching me through this suffering...and, how is God using this suffering to magnify Himself and expand His Kingdom?" These questions are more profitable than "why me?" They also lead to a more speedy resolution when we stop "kicking against the goads."

Proverbs 5:1-2 is the takeaway today. Pay attention to wisdom that you may act with proper discretion. The wisdom of God consists of two general approaches...those things to embrace and those things to avoid. We are well served to give heed to both. Both the warning and the encouragement serve to give us great reward in this life and the life to come.

Grace,