"We all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18

Thursday, January 23, 2014

The Journey From Self To Selflessness

The story of Joseph and his brothers never ceases to move me!  It is definitely my favorite Old Testament passage.  Joseph's trickery with his brothers seems cruel and a bit vengeful, but he ultimately uses it to bless them and obtain helpful personal information.  It's additionally troubling that Jacob has to endure the anxiety and stress of this trickery, but he was responsible for his fair share in his day!

The whole drama reaches a climax when Joseph's silver cup is found in Benjamin's feed bag.  Judah has promised his father Jacob that he will return home safely with his brother Benjamin.  In fact, he guarantees it with his own life.  But, Joseph has demanded that Benjamin stay in Egypt and be his slave  for the alleged theft.  Judah knows that his dad will die without Benjamin, his only remaining son born of Rachel.  So, Judah offers himself to Joseph in Benjamin's place.

At this point in the narrative, Joseph breaks down.  He can no longer compose himself.  He orders his servants to leave so that he can be alone with his brothers.  And then, the truth gushes out, "I am Joseph!"  The hairs on the back of my neck stand up every time I read that!

In the exchange that follows, I would argue that there is no more powerful collision of God's sovereignty and the triumph of man to forgive in all of Scripture!  "You are not responsible for my destiny.  God allowed it, that he might use me for good, and to save many!"  Wow!

In Judah, we see a picture of Christ offering himself in our place.  And, this is the face of God in his brother that convinces Joseph that a healing transformation has taken place.  His brothers have gone from heartlessly selling him into slavery, to being willing to offer their own lives in exchange for the freedom of another.

Joseph saves his brothers from starvation.  But, God uses their circumstances to save them from the fate of an evil unrepentant heart.

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