How? Why? When? We can get impatient with revealing truth, but God's timing is perfect. This chapter is the 2nd encounter between the lost brothers and Joseph. All the time Joseph spent with the lost brothers, they rejected him for who he was. (I am not convinced that Joseph was unrighteous in his honesty nor in the father's love for him). Now, with Benjamin, the feasting has begun! The feast is for all, but Benjamin gets 5x as much. Try using this idiom, "Benjamin's portion" in your next opportunity, but make sure it is used as a good thing!
Here is a blog that I found that goes into deep thoughts on Joseph. Consider all that you hear and read from me or from others against the nature of God as revealed in the Bible. We are all on this relationship journey with our Creator!
https://riverofgraciousgrace.blogspot.com/
I will be offline until the week of September 13th. I am going to see my mom who lives 3 states away. I start a new job, Lord willing, on Sept 13th. God moved quickly in my favor to remove me from my Government contract job. He is able!
Blessings!
When God gives me tender mercies and overwhelming love, I weep. Especially when He choses to show me what was difficult for me was really because He loved me. It makes your heart grow so large. It reminds me of the song Reckless Love of God. God is working in our lives, pray for reconciliation and restoration with family, especially if there needs to be forgiveness. God can change hearts.
In God's relationship, there isn't karma. There's mercy and judgement. God is patient, slow to anger and quick to forgive. We should look to this chapter to see good returned for evil, not evil for evil, as our human flesh wants and often craves. Our society is in the middle of seeing evil for evil, revenge upon revenge, more than an eye for an eye. Set yourself apart from that road of devastation, and take the narrow road of reconciliation, feasting and joy for lost brothers.
God often brings me encouragement by sending a sermon my way on sermonaudio.com
Remember when I told you that a brother called Jacob a weeny and I said no, he wasn't? Also, I think I mentioned at the time of Gen 25: 29-34 that I didn't know why Jacob withheld food from his brother, if he was hungry which isn't something I would think right. Well, I pondered and meditated on this conflicting view of Jacob and asked God to bring insight to me. We should not think we have all the answers. God keeps us humble by requiring all the church body to discuss topics. If you encounter a pastor or church member that is adamant they have all the revelation and you are not able to understand Scripture the way God enlightens them, then run. You may be on Spiritual milk and they on theological meat, but all discussions need to be edifying and kind, conducted in love. God is personal and He blesses people who are faithful to read and study His word.
He sent me this sermon to help me think larger and ...
Lady Justice, a blindfolded woman carrying a sword and a set of scales, is a common symbol on courthouses in America and inside some courtrooms. She symbolizes fair and equal administration of the law, without corruption, favor, greed, or prejudice.
The reason I know that the American Justice system is corrupt is because humans are involved. A perfect Justice is God's Justice. Notice that Mercy is not mentioned here in this passage. Only God can give Mercy for the pendalty of death. He shows them that all will be judged and punished for not living a righteous life. Who can stand in front of a Holy God? No one! A life for a human life, that is the payment God sent in Himself as Jesus, the begotten, God made flesh to be the perfect Son of Man.
There is one manner of law, for all! All know the measuring stick. We are heading for human death, no hope. But God made a way back to Him, by fulfilling the ancient Law. That is the story of Edmund in Narnia. Those covered in His blood have hope. ...
Interestingly, the people, who heard the young man blasphem God, took him to a place where Moses could ask God to help them with the penalty. No crazy knee jerk punishment due to the quarrel in the street. That seems a healthy society. The man was an Egyptian so could have cursed by false gods and said hurtful accusations against God's attributes. Whatever the quarrel, the man resorted to vocal ugliness that was seen by the people. To prevent corruption of the society, there needed to be wisdom on what to do with folks that did this blasphemy. God said for the people that heard to stone him. Now, think about this. The punishment and solution were both severe. If the folks know that the man's words will be a danger, they need to rid the group of him. They will lay hands on him for death. This is how our Holy God expects His people to be. To deliver Justice. But if they are lying, their hands will murder the person.
I wish people took seriously the weight of holding the sword. Some folks...
Cake! God tells Moses that there will be 12 bread cakes with Frankincense on the alter as a Memorial each week. We also have memorials with cakes, Food is a powerful memory tool. That is why I like taking the Lord's Supper each week. I wish my church did it, but really my family can do it at home. I think I will ask my husband if he would consider starting a memorial at home.
Reading about the health benefits of Frankincense, I am considering to buy a few boswella sacra trees and experiment with including it in our new yard.