Avery County
I was reading through Genesis recently and came to the story of Joseph. As you know, he was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. After rising to a position of power in his new “job,” he was again betrayed by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison.
What struck me this time in reading the story was the impact it must have had on Jacob, his father. Joseph was a slave and prisoner for 13 years. He then served under Pharaoh for another 9 years before his brothers came to him for grain. That is 22 years that Jacob went to bed every night thinking that his son had been torn apart by wild animals. Think how painful that would be if you believed your child died such a horrible death.
Here is what struck me. God had already spoken to Jacob on at least five occasions (Genesis 28, 31, 32, 35, and 46). So they seemed to have an open line of communication. Which brings us to the mystery: Why did He allow Jacob to go for 22 years thinking his son died so tragically?
As I pondered this, the answer only came to light when I asked myself, “When would YOU have told Jacob that all is well?” Any early revelation would require Jacob to deal with slave traders or even Pharaoh to get Joseph out of prison. That would have been difficult enough, but the real problem would have been dealing with his other ten sons who sold Joseph. How would he have disciplined them? Would he have disowned them? If so, there would not be the twelve tribes. Upon the redemption of Joseph, how would the family treat each other? Would the brothers try to kill him again? There was not a good time for Jacob to know until it was God’s perfect timing.
Also, Joseph is a picture of Jesus, who was also betrayed for silver. Like Jesus, Joseph not only forgave his brothers but also saved their lives and lovingly provided for their needs.
Most importantly, the sin of the brothers was never brought up again. It was completely forgiven, just as Jesus forgives us. We never even hear of Jacob knowing what the sin of his other sons was.
What is the relevance to us? We may be going through a hard time and think God does not care. We may think He has forgotten about us—but He has not. It may take 22 years or even longer before we get an answer to some of life’s difficult questions, but we can always trust that God is working behind the scenes to bring good out of every situation (Romans 8:28, KJV).
Selah (think about it)
Pastor Kurt Bomar
Walnut Grove Church
walnutgrovechurchnc.org
Come join us on Sundays at 11:00
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Kurt Bomar is the Assistant Pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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