It’s been quite some time since I’ve slept through the night. I’d say it’s been about a month. The first week I kept having bad dreams about a crocodile coming out of the water to come after me. The crocodile was big and grayish green and had ferocious teeth and had sharp stubby knobs all over its back - much like osteoderms. I can’t remember much more than that, but I immediately knew I was under a spiritual attack. Then, about a week into November the Lord gave me a word and a vision that totally lines up with Hebrews 12 - my life verse. I was sitting on my couch, minding my own business, when the Lord said, “Look directly at Me.” He said, “Do not turn you head to the right or the left, not one bit, because when you do you lose the Light that can only be found in Me.” I heard, “Keep your eyes focused on Me so that you can be a TRUE reflection.” Then He showed me. In an instant, I began to see the evil impact of what we call DISTRACTION. As my spiritual eyes began to shift, looking just a degree to the right or the left, I became like the woman with the crooked back. I became dark and deformed. My image blurred and I began to look different from Him. My image started to retract and bend, and all I wanted was to readjust and focus my eyes back on Christ so that I could be made clear and straightened. When my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I way okay. When my eyes shifted away, I was in decay. Thank You Yahweh for giving me words, visions and dreams. Solomon wrote “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18 Many people believe this to mean that “vision” is a secular thing. But that is not what God has showed me. In my spiritual immaturity, I used to believe that “the vision” was all about me, and being able to claim the blessing that God had for me. But they were not right, and neither was I. When we take a part of God’s Word and turn it upside down, and twist it around we are no different than Satan. We see this time and time again. For instance, many Christians will say, “All things work together for MY good” But the verse really says, “All things will work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Many people take the verse, “write the vision down” and make it about them. They believe if you have vision to accomplish your dreams then you will be blessed, and they will all come true. I once thought this - so I totally understand! But now I know the God honest truth. I used to get to work and create vision boards - full of my own desires and self-centered goals. Now the vision board itself is not bad. In fact, I still use them to help me focus in on the things that line with God’s Word. But we need to understand that when we take our eyes off of Jesus, we become less like him and more like us, following the desires of our own heart. And that my friend is not good. In fact, it is very dangerous. Proverbs 29:18 has a context. “Where there is no vision, the people perish: BUT he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Now what do you think that means? “He that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Well, once again, the Word of God defines it. Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 You see - murder begins in the human heart. This is how Satan deceives us. The prophet Jeremiah said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 On our own accord, without the Word of God, we are without light. We are void. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith, joy awaits us. Because Jesus endured the cross, and disregarded its shame, He alone is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 Jesus is the Light of this world, and it’s only His light that gives light to men. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” John 1:1-5 I have become humbled, in my spirit and through the truth. For some reason the Lord has chosen me - a wretched woman to be His child. I don’t understand it! It’s the very best present - because only God is good. I am not. The Lord has given me spiritual eyes to see. And it’s only because of Him that I am able to have discernment. I am not perfect. In fact, I am far from it! I am made perfect only in Christ. And this is how He did it… At the appointed time, in the fall of 2016, I was pulled from the pit of hell by the hand of Jesus. I was depressed, and anxious. I saw no way out. I was suicidal. I hated myself. But Jesus came, and I was lifted from the swamp, Onto a boardwalk, by the right hand of God. Jesus held me up. He supported me, but kept me walking. With each step, I gained strength, until we came to the door of a tent. We stopped, just for a moment. and then Jesus opened the door and I floated in - I could not prevent it. Oh, the Light. The light was magnificent. It was so bright! And I became a part of it. It’s so hard to explain it. Then suddenly, without warning, I was back on the boardwalk, dressed as a warrior - standing ready to defend the honor of God, with sword in hand. I know it sounds weird. If it didn’t happen to me, I don’t think I would believe it. It was that day dream I had back in the fall of 2016 that made my life totally change. The vision became plain - Christ is the fulfillment of God’s law, and happy is he that lives it. You see, the enemy wants to distract me. His goal is to do anything that can shake me, so that I take my eyes off of Christ. But I will continue to resist, by keeping my eyes focused on Jesus, the author of my faith. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 The crocodile dream - it’s not a nightmare like I once thought. No, it’s not! It’s a warning, from God that I am under spiritual attack. And because God is good, I can trust that He covers me. Within one week from having the crocodile dreams, God gave me another daydream. That is one of the ways that He works in my life. He gives me visions and dreams. He showed me His glorious light, and showed me what happens when I take my eyes off of Him, even for a second. I become deformed and perverted, blurred and mutated, darkened and damned - with no clear distinction or joy in my heart. The vision was enough to remind me of the reason why I have fear of the Lord and accountability. It’s all for my own good. Gods the father is a good, good dad! My name is Cherie, I am Daughter of the Most High King! I bear witness to the Light of Jesus. Jesus is the true Light which gives light to every person coming into the world. Jesus was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own (the children of Abraham, Isaac and Israel) and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:6-13 Be careful of distractions. Make a clear vision by keeping your eyes focused on Jesus.
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What is your occupation?
I’ve been a school counselor most of my life - helping students of all ages try to understand themselves and put a plan in place to have good mental health. And I’ve also taken a ton of courses to help people consider their occupational selves. Our identity often becomes intricately related to what we love to do, how we spend our time and what is important to us. Basically, our occupation serves a purpose - It is tied to our output and it often reflects our productiveness and predicts our financial health. Think about it. When you meet a person for the first time, what is one of the first questions that you usually ask them? In my experience, it happens within seconds. The person says “What is your name and what do you do?” So it did not surprise me, not one bit, that Pharaoh asks, “What is your occupation?” when he first met the brothers of Joseph, the sons of Jacob. He did not say, “Hello, how are you? How was your trip?” Instead he said, “What is your occupation?” (so I can know worth) It also does not surprise me that the noun "occupation" comes from the verb "to occupy" which means to dwell or abide. I mean, our occupation is where we spend most of our time. Remember - God worked six days, and only rested one. A lot of of time was spent creating that which He loved. God’s work reflected his thoughts which reflected His heart - and everything He made was judged as good. We, on the hand, are human, and the scripture says the human heart is the most deceitful of all. The output of us often leads to our fall. We have to be careful when we become really good at what we do, because it’s easy to become an idol of YOU. It does not matter if we are a skilled craftsman, a chief magician or a master shepherd ; a chief baker, chief butler or a wonderful mom - our identity can not become wrapped up in anything but God. Which is why Jesus said, “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24 It is true. The rich man could be all about money, but it can also reflect that which we love. At any moment, we could be put to the test and all that we have could be taken from us - just like what happened to Job. And all of it happens under the sovereignty of God! We have to be careful about what God has entrusted to us. We must consider the questions Do we possess it? Does it possess us? Now the opposite of possession, and possessiveness - is to steward what we have for the sake of God. If we change our mindset, and stop hoarding “what is ours” then we are much more likely to water Kingdom fields of the Most High God. Jacob’s sons said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers. We have come to dwell in the land, because your servants have no pasture for their flocks, for the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, “The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.” Genesis 47:3-7 Pharaoh took the opportunity to have master shepherds oversee his herds, he gave them the best of his fields. The scripture says, “Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Genesis 47:11 Jacob blessed Pharaoh by using His skills to care for his own flock, and the flock of Egypt. I believe this is what God calls us each to do - to use our occupation to serve His Kingdom on earth as it is Heaven. Until the age to come, when God creates the New Jerusalem, the fields are full of both wheat and tares - It's not our job to separate them. In fact, we have been warned by Jesus himself. “Later, the wheat grew, and heads of grain grew on the plants. But at the same time the weeds also grew. Then the man’s servants came to him and said, ‘You planted good seed in your field. Where did the weeds come from?’ The man answered, ‘An enemy planted weeds.’ The servants asked, ‘Do you want us to go and pull up the weeds?’ He answered, ‘No, because when you pull up the weeds, you might also pull up the wheat. Let the weeds and the wheat grow together until the harvest time.” Matthew 19:26-30 What is your occupation? Perhaps it should be stewarding what God gave to us, and watering everything that grows in the Kingdom fields of God. Your worth is not in your occupation. Your worth is in your WHO you work for. Judah went first.
Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph, to point out the way to Goshen. God sent His Son to bring forth the way. Yahweh, He who makes that which has been made, sent Jesus into the world to be His first fruit. And they came to the land of Goshen. Goshen is considered a place of comfort and plenty; it was situated on the Nile, northeast of Egypt. When Judah and Jacob arrived in Goshen, Joseph went up to meet with his father. Joseph presented himself before his Lord. He fell on his neck and wept a good while. Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.” Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh that you have arrived.” “I will tell him you are shepherds, for your occupation has been to feed livestock; and they have brought their flocks, their herds, and all that they have.” Joseph warned them that pharaoh would ask, ‘What is your occupation?’ And he urged them to say that they were shepherds from youth until now. This would enable them to live in the fertile ground of Goshen, “for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” Genesis 46:28-34 Why would shepherds be an abomination to Egyptians? Why would Egyptians want to be separated from them? Perhaps it’s because Egypt bowed down to livestock they believed were made in the image of the gods? Perhaps it’s because Egypt had ultimate power and every other nation was subservient to them? Perhaps the pastors of the Canaanite fields were viewed as poor wanderers who had no real home? I really do not know. But I do know this - Yahweh chose Jacob for a specific reason, perhaps it’s because of the faith of Abraham? For some reason all other nations had been given to the gods, and God chose Israel to be his own as described in Deuteronomy 32. “When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations; When He separated the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the peoples According to the number of the children of Israel. For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance.” Deuteronomy 32:8-9 For more information on the “Sons of God," look up Michael S. Heiser, a biblical languages scholar. If one were to read 1 Enoch 6 and 8 (which was included in the Septuagint) one gets a detailed description of the sin of the watchers, nephilim referred to in Gen. 6, and the judgement of the 200 Watchers, and 70 Sons of God. Far from being poly or henotheistic, these 70 would be considered angelic in nature. They are created and share in certain governing duties on a divine council. They were NOT to be worshipped ever. They are not children or offspring. They govern humans not create humans to serve the gods as in other polytheistic religions. If we are going to get at the context we are going to need to understand how people 2000 years ago thought about Enoch's account.” This passage above came from a Biblical Hermeneutics website. The 12 tribes of Israel would be fertile ground (much like Goshen) for God our Father to bring forth His seed. “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15 Yesterday we saw what happened
when Jacob learned that Joseph was alive. His heart literally stopped, then revived. His spirit came alive. Joseph’s death was completely erased when Jacob learned that his son had risen! Jacob was given new motivation. When he heard that his beloved was alive, he said, “I will go and see him before I die.” Genesis 45:28 This story reminds me of Simeon in Luke 2:25-35. “So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.” Beersheba was the location where Jacob’s father built an altar to God, after leaving the well at Rehoboth. At Beersheba the Lord appeared to Isaac the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.” Genesis 26:24-25 In Beersheba, God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” Genesis 46:1-2 This is interesting. The Lord gave Jacob the new name of Israel, but here in Beersheba He called him Jacob. Jacob responded just like his forefathers and said, “Here I am.” Then God announced himself and said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.” What did He mean by “Joseph will put his hand on your eyes?” Most of the commentaries that I read about the meaning of Joseph putting his hand on Jacob’s eyes had to do with cultural significance. They say that it is a reference to death; since it was the custom to close a deceased person's eye when they died. And while this is true, and is probably the meaning behind it - the Holy Spirit is leading me to think it is about Jesus. In particular, the passage that comes to mind is Jesus using mud give sight to the blind found in John 9. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.” John 9:2-7 You SEE, I am a prophet of the New Testament. I will no longer hide to make people feel good. God himself has opened my eyes, and everything I SEE is about Jesus Alive. Where the world sees death, I see new life. Where the world sees pride, I see humility. Where the world sees rebellion, I see submission. Where the world sees religion, I see intimacy. On THIS ROCK, I have my foundation. Nothing can shake me, not even the winds that hurl in every direction. I once was dead in my spirit, just like Jacob; and just like Jacob, I wrestled with God and God himself gave me a new name. My name is DAUGHTER of the Living King; and everything I SEE is about Jesus Alive; and with His love and His strong foundation no man can stop me from speaking about Him. This is the gift that I have been given. Everyone receives what God gives to them, but all children of God carry out His mission. Some help the homeless, some single women, some feed the orphans, some take in foster care children, some go into hospitals, some care for the sick, some give hope to the hopeless by coming beside them in their brokenness. All children of God are fully equipped to be New Testament prophets and point people to Jesus. Every verse we read comes from the legal document that is signed and delivered, by God himself. The Bible speaks to God’s ownership and his sovereignty of his legal property rights. A Good Deed only comes from God, and those who are called according to His purpose. “Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. The persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were 70 in all.” Genesis 46 The Most Holy God is Yahweh. He is the creator and ruler of the whole universe. The heavens and the earth are fully His. Thus says the LORD: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.” Isaiah 66:1 When He is ready the heavens and the earth will disappear, and all that will remain is what remains in Him. “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” John 15:4 These words that I write are faithful and true. Look at the scripture and you will see them too. “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are faithful and true” Revelation 21:1, 5 So far in my journey
through the Book of Genesis, I can’t remember a time so emotionally laden as Chapters 43-45. I almost thought I was reading the Psalms of David! I mean, listen to these verses: “Now his heart yearned for his brother (Benjamin) so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep.” Genesis 43:30 “And we said to my Lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’” Genesis 44:20 “But if you take this one also from me, and calamity befalls him, you shall bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.’” Genesis 44:29 “Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.” Genesis 45:1-2 “And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:4-5 “Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him.” Genesis 45:14-15 “And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.” Genesis 45:26 Can you imagine being so overwhelmed with shock that your heart actually stands still? “But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived.” Genesis 45:27 Hearing about Joseph and all that God had done through him actually caused Jacob’s heart to beat again. Now I can’t think of any emotion that can cause a person’s heart to come alive than pure, unadulterated love. And this kind of love can only be experienced by someone who has witnessed the hand of God move. This kind of resurrection only happens when our spirits of sorrow suddenly move from utter darkness into His glorious light; or when our sin-covered souls shake off the spiritual filth and are shown mercy and grace. When we experience God’s goodness and see first-hand what it means to be blessed - that my friend is when our life really begins; even when face temporary death! hate to say it, but so far in the scripture,
Judah had shown himself not as a lion, but as a weasel. In Genesis 43, however, Judah steps up to the plate and shows what he can do. Prior to Genesis 43, Judah was envious of Joseph and plotted his demise by selling Joseph into the hands of the Ishmaelites. Judah had three sons. The scripture says that two of them were so wicked in the eyes of the Lord that they ended up dead. Judah told lies. After his oldest sons’ died, Judah told Tamar, his daughter-in-law, to “remain a widow in his house till his youngest son Shelah was grown.” Genesis 38:11 But when Tamar saw that Judah lied, and had no intention to make her Shelah’s wife, she tricked Judah into sleeping with her so that she could have children from Israel’s family line. “And it came to pass, after about 3 months, that Judah was told, Tamar was with child by harlotry.” Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!” Every time I hear his response, I burn and think “What a double-standard bastard!” When Tamar was brought out she said, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are - the signet and cord, and staff.” Judah saw that they were his and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah, my son.” And he never knew her again.” Genesis 38:24-26 Come On - you have to admit - Judah behaved more like a weasel than a lion! It’s hard to believe that from this man, the Lion of Judah roars! But here, in Genesis 43, Judah finally steps up and becomes a man of God. Judah gets tired of Israel making excuses and dragging his feet. Judah stood face to face with Israel and said, “The man (Joseph) solemnly warned us. He said, “You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ “If you send our brother (Benjamin) with us, we will go down and buy you food. But if you will not send him, we will not go; for the man said to us, “You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ ” Judah was done! He gave his dad an ultimatum. He said, “give us Benjamin or we will not go.” Israel got angry and asked all his sons, “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?” Then all of the brothers chirped in and said, “The man (Joseph) asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, “Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” Then Judah said to his father, “Send the lad (Benjamin) with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you, and also our little ones. I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” Genesis 43:8-10 Judah was ready to get the job done, but his father, Israel, had been restraining his sons. Judah was willing to step in and carry the weight of the full burden - forevermore! Israel finally said, “If it must be so, then go” But take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man (who we all know to be Joseph) Take double money in your hand, and return the money that was in the mouth of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. Take your brother (Benjamin) also, and arise, go back to the man (Joseph who was second in command of all of Egypt).” And then Israel adds, “And may God Almighty give you mercy before the man (Joseph) that he may release your other brother (Simeon) and Benjamin. If I am bereaved, I am bereaved!” Israel was willing to endure the sorrow, as long as Judah was able to roar! The scripture tells us the sons of Israel went down to Egypt, with Benjamin, presents and double money in hand - and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw them he told them to go into his home and make themselves ready to dine with him at noon. The story goes on, but for now I just want to acknowledge Judah, and his transformation to a Lion of God. Judah learned that time was being wasted - “For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.” Genesis 43:10 I can only imagine that the Lion of Judah is chomping at the bit, eagerly waiting for our Father to release Him. “He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.” II Thessalonians 2:7 Jesus said, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” Luke 12:49-50 The Lion of Judah is coming soon, and when He comes He will he bringing the sons of God with Him. I can’t even Imagine
the amount of guilt that Reuben, the oldest of Jacob, must have carried and felt. It was his idea to throw Joseph into the pit, even though the act was meant to save Joseph from murder. The scripture says, “But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him” - that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.” Genesis 37:21-22 Reuben left Joseph alone with nine of his older brothers - nine brothers who were supposed to love him, Instead, they hated him. Reuben must have thought Joseph was safe from being murdered, because the scripture says, “Then Reuben returned to the pit, and indeed Joseph was not in the pit; and he tore his clothes.” Genesis 37:29 You see, it was Judah, not Reuben who said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” Genesis 37:26-27 l Reuben was Jacob’s oldest son, and Judah was Jacob's fourth. When Reuben found out what had been done, he tore his clothes in deep sorrow, then he said to his brothers “The lad so not more, as for me, where shall I go?” Genesis 37:30 I am the oldest, and I can identify with Reuben's words. There is great responsibility that comes with being born first. How could he ever hide from his father's disappointed eyes? How could he ever escape the sin that’s been done, the wrong that’s been caused, even if he did not directly cause it? Reuben knew that Jacob loved Joseph, more than anyone else; Reuben knew his father would never get over the loss. And then... Reuben went along with the lie that was told. He must have lived with guilt every time Jacob mentioned Joseph and the “fake” animal attack. The scripture says, “So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood” and took coat to Jacob. “And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Genesis 37:31, 33 I can only imagine that this secret caused Reuben a ton of guilt. The weight of it must have ate him up from the inside out. So in Genesis 42, it doesn’t surprise me one bit, that Reuben is the one whom Joseph overheard “Did I not speak to you, saying, “Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.” Genesis 42:22 When Joseph heard this, the scripture says, “he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.” Genesis 42:24 I believe that Joseph knew the heart of Reuben when he heard his repent, and because of this he could trust Reuben to bring Benjamin back. When Reuben returned to Israel in the land of Canaan he spoke to his father, and said, “Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you; put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” Genesis 42:37 Reuben was willing to take responsibility for Benjamin, so much so, that he was willing to sacrifice his two sons. I don’t think Reuben could handle another death or disappointment - at the cause of his responsible hands. He had to take Benjamin back to save Simeon. But Jacob said, “My son (Benjamin) shall not go down with you, for his brother (Joseph) is dead, and he is left alone.” "If any calamity should befall him along the way in which you go, then you would bring down my gray hair with sorrow to the grave.” Genesis 42:38 I can only imagine those words must have pierced Reuben's sorrowful heart. Those words must have heaped on more guilt. I wonder how Reuben lived with his sin. He did not know about Jesus and the words that He said. He had never heard Jesus say, like we do, “Take my yoke upon you and rest in me.” Matthew 28:11 He had not heard the Psalm of David, “For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:11-12 Poor Reuben must have been overwhelmed by guilt. I wonder if God heard his repentant heart. I wonder if the blood of Jesus covers the sins of the past, and all the repentant hearts who adored God? I wonder if Reuben is saved - has Reuben been delivered from eternal death? I Corinthians 15:20-24 says, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.” Personally, I believe that the blood of Christ covers all the Children of God - those present, future and past. I’m excited to see what happens next. There are times
when I write these poems, that I absolutely can not change any of the words. That is often why these poems are often so long. God’s Word is just - Oh So Good! “When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” Did they remember they had sold their brother to slave traders going to Egypt? Did they all experience guilt? Jacob said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.” Throughout scripture Egypt is the place where the Israelites experienced both refuge and bondage. “So Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “Lest some calamity befall him.” Jacob had already lost his favorite son. He was not about to risk losing Benjamin. They were the only two sons born to Rachel, Jacob's true love, the first was Joseph, and the second, Benjamin. “Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land.” Isn’t it funny (no - not really) that Joseph was purchased by Egypt only to sell grain to Canaan? Joseph’s life was sacrificed for the benefit of Israel, God’s chosen love. “Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the ground.” I wonder if Joseph remembered the dream God gave him, as recorded in Genesis 37? "There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.” Genesis 37:6-8 “Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he acted as a stranger to them and spoke roughly to them. Then he said, “Where do you come from?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan.” "So Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. Then Joseph remembered the dreams which he had dreamed about them, and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land!” Where do you think his response came from? Was he intentionally trying to falsely accuse them? Was he seeking revenge? And they said to him, “No, my Lord, but your servants have come to buy food. We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.” But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” Why do you think Joseph did not believe them? Do you think Joseph might have had some issues with trust? And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.” That comment must have pissed Joseph off! How dare they say - he exists no more! They are the ones who plotted against him. They are the ones who were envious. But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, “You are spies!’ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” Did you hear that? Joseph, a vessel of God, said, “by the life of Pharaoh” to indicate that he spoke the truth. I wonder what God thought about that? I wonder if God will forgive Joseph for being so blasphemous? By the way, this is a rhetorical question - a tongue and cheek response. It is filled with sarcasm for those reading this who are made to think like the Pharisees. So Joseph put them all together in the prison for three days. Then Joseph said to them on the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses. And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And so they did. I just love the “three days” that God uses to accomplish His purpose. Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.” It appears three days represents a time of repentance. And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.” You see, it was Reuben’s idea to cast Joseph into the cistern, but he did it so that his brothers would not kill him. But then Reuben left, and when he returned to the pit, and saw that Joseph was not in the pit; he tore his clothes. He returned to his brothers and said, “The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?” Genesis 37:29-30 All these years, Reuben must have been filled with great remorse, and now he had a chance to seek repentance. “But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.” Genesis 42:1-24 Here are several things I learned from this last verse. First, Joseph had learned to speak Egyptian. He was completely acculturated. He did not look like a Canaan, and he did not look like the son of Jacob. Joseph bowed down to Pharaoh and was married to the daughter of the priest of On - who worshipped a different god. Joseph casted his word on the life of Pharaoh - and yet, Joseph is considered a man of God! The second thing I learned is that deep down inside of him - Joseph was touched and he had a heart for God. When he heard Reuben speak, he was overcome with grief and he wept. The last thing I learned is that Joseph bound Simeon, not Reuben. Reuben was the first son of Jacob, and Simeon was the second. Surprisingly, Joseph did not bind Judah, the one who said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.” Genesis 37:26-27 “And we know
that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 Joseph was definitely God’s vessel. God knew all along that Joseph would be sold into slavery by his brothers, and He knew that Joseph would be bought by Potiphar, the Egyptian Captain of Pharaoh’s Guard. God knew that Joseph would be wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife, and God knew that Joseph would be thrown into prison. God knew that Joseph would be able to interpret the butler’s dream, and God knew the butler would forget to mention Joseph until exactly the right time. God knew the Pharaoh would have bad dreams and that none of his magicians would be able to understand what they mean. God knew the Pharaoh would see Joseph as a wise and discerning man who could rule over his kingdom and make sense of his dreams. God knew Joseph would marry the daughter of a pagan priest - the Priest of On. Oh, as an aside... On was a place where creation was believed to take place, by the Egyptians; the place where they believed that life began. On was the home of Atum, the first and the mightiest Egyptian god. Atum was believed to have risen from the Benben stone in the great temple of On - to bring light into a dark world. God knows all! God is sovereign. Everything that happens falls under his mighty realm - even the angels whom he also created. God is good. He continues to extend his grace as he waits for His appointed time, the Day of the Lord. At the appointed time, Jesus will tear the seals on the scroll that release God’s judgments onto the earth. Until that day, God is patient - waiting for those he loves to come home. “Joseph’s advice was good in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Inasmuch as God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. And he had him ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he set him over all the land of Egypt. Pharaoh also said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man may lift his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah. And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable. And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands.” Genesis 41:37-57 We can read all that we want, and we still don’t know an inch of God until He decides to show himself. We are all vessels of God - some are righteous and some are not. Either way, we all will bow down to the Creator of the Universe. I believe
everything happens for a reason, even-though we don’t have an understanding or an explanation until it becomes apparent to us in the assigned season. For example, let’s take a look at the life of Joseph. The birth of Joseph caused Jacob to want to return to Canaan. “And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country. Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service which I have done for you.” Genesis 30:25-26 The birth of Joseph opened the door to Jacob being able to shake the yoke of Laban and face his brother Esau. During this season, Jacob wrestled with man and with God, and was renamed Israel. “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “ “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32:24-26 Jacob adored Joseph more than all his other children. He made him an ornate coat - Joseph was his favorite. “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.” Genesis 37:3-4 The Lord gave Joseph dreams of everything and everyone bowing down to him. His whole family thought Joseph was pompous. “And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.” Genesis 37:8 Joseph’s brothers were filled with so much envy and bitterness that they threw him into a cistern, contemplated his murder then sold him to the Ishmaelites who sold him to Egyptians. And through all of this, the scripture says God was with him and blessed him. “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight, and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field.” Genesis 39:2-5 Yet, because Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph to have sex, and he would not touch her - she made up a lie against him. Joseph’s master was Potiphar and he was the captain of Pharaoh’s guard. He got angry at Joseph and threw him into prison. But - he continued to put Joseph in charge. Joseph oversaw all the prisoners beneath him. In prison, Joseph befriended Pharaoh’s servants, the baker and the butler. They had dreams that only Joseph could interpret, because God was with him. Joseph’s interpretations came true. Three days later, The butler was reinstated to service, and the baker was hung from a tree. One was chosen and one was set for destruction - this Joseph knew. Joseph had asked the butler to remember him, but he didn’t. The butler was so happy to live that he completely forgot about Joseph. But now, two years later - the butler remembered Joseph. Pharaoh had a dream and he needed someone to interpret it. “Now it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them.” Genesis 41:8 By the way - this is the same thing that happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 2:1-2 Then the chief butler spoke up, “I remember my faults this day.” And he told Pharaoh about Joseph. “And it came to pass, just as he interpreted for us, so it happened. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.” Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothing, and came to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.” So Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Joseph listened to Pharaoh tell him all about his dream. Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do: The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads are seven years; the dreams are one. And the seven thin and ugly cows which came up after them are seven years, and the seven empty heads blighted by the east wind are seven years of famine. This is the thing which I have spoken to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do. Indeed seven years of great plenty will come throughout all the land of Egypt; but after them seven years of famine will arise, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine will deplete the land. So the plenty will not be known in the land because of the famine following, for it will be very severe. And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming, and store up grain under the authority of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. Then that food shall be as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt, that the land may not perish during the famine.” Genesis 41:25-36 God has established His seasons. He ALONE understands the time and the reason. The birth of Joseph started a new season, and from his birth to Jacob, Israel was born. From Israel came a favorite - a beloved son to whom the stars and the moon bowed down. A son who would be despised, enslaved - a suffering servant. A son who endure a lie. A son who would walk with God. A son who would be gifted with wisdom and vision. A son who would rise - all for the glory of God. Joseph - perfectly made to be the image of Christ in the assigned season of his time. What season are you in? Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? |
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