In the Word- Genesis 41-45
What is your favorite dramatic climax to a fictional story? Perhaps the climax is marked by a twist of unexpected outcomes. In these chapters of Genesis we see a dramatic twist that has all of the grace of God to sinners on display. All of Joseph’s years of suffering and enslavement are revealed to have been the pathway for Egypt, and many other people, including his long estranged family, to be saved from famine.
These chapters reveal God’s care and grand plan that far exceeds our limited perspective. Through the dreams of Pharaoh and their interpretation by Joseph, God’s plan is at work (Genesis 41). Through the famines causing global economic and hunger crisis, God’s providing hand is on display (Genesis 42). Through family negotiations about what to do in the midst of extreme danger, God’s strong arm to save is shown as mighty to save (Genesis 43). Through a horribly narcissistic, selfish, person, Judah, offering up his own comfort and life as a sacrifice in place of another, we see the transformation of God in the lives of sinners (Genesis 44). We see God at work through the unifying tears and forgiveness offered by Joseph and his own testimony “God sent me ahead of you” (Genesis 45:7). God had been orchestrating all things to see that his plans and covenant promises would be fulfilled.
The family, political, and interpersonal dynamics on display in these chapters expose a great deal about humanity. Fear and disturbance are common, even among rulers as showcased by Pharoah's initial response to his dreams. Needs often drive human decisions. Whether that is a need for comfort, as in Pharaoh's case, or a need for food, as in the case of Jacob and his family. Human priorities generally get ordered by what we believe or consider to be the biggest need at the moment. That is a proverbial truth about humanity that carries across language, and centuries of human history.
These chapters are some of the strangest chapters we’ve read so far in the Bible. Why did God give Pharoah these dreams? Why did Benjamin get five times the amount of food as all the rest of his brothers? Why did Joseph have his cup planted in Benjamin's luggage? Why did Joseph wait for multiple interactions to reveal his true identity to his brothers? Why did Joseph threaten to imprison his brother? Why did Jacob not at first believe the news from his sons? While there are many strange things in these chapters, almost all of these questions find resolution in the chapters we read this week.
What answers do you find as you read regarding these strange things? Drop me an email or let’s chat together after church. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Genesis, as it begins to come to a close, has much wisdom and instruction for us to learn from for our daily living. Perhaps the biggest instruction is for us to live sacrificially. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”. Judah, the scoundrel of Genesis 38, is by Genesis 45 willing to lay his life down for the sake of others. Joseph, though he was abused in ghastly ways and subjected to slavery and false accusations, he lived to be a blessing for others. You too, whether you are a scoundrel, or someone abused in ghastly ways, or are someone between, can find true life through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith comes to us as a gift, as Christ laid down his life for all who call upon his name in faith.