N.T. Wright, an Oxford scholar, correctly observes that our understanding of the Bible is significantly limited when we pull out single verses to find timeless truths.
On the other hand, our understanding is greatly enhanced by reading the Bible as a comprehensive story. We have been reading God’s unfolding story, which lays the foundation for both Judaism and Christianity.
Within this larger narrative is the detailed account of Joseph and his complex relationships with his brothers and father.
You will recall that the brothers traveled back to Canaan with their food. Now, they have returned with gifts and more money to buy food to keep the family from starving. Joseph has prepared a meal for them, and he now asks about their welfare.
He asks the brothers, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?”
They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive”
Then he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” (Genesis 43:27-29).
Overwhelmed by emotion, Joseph excused himself to regain composure. He then served his family, giving Benjamin a significantly larger portion than his other brothers. Their meeting ended well.
Back to Canaan
I’m not a good enough psychologist to understand why Joseph continued to test his brothers, but he did it again. This time, he sent them back with ample food plus money in their sacks. But then, he put his cup in the sack of his youngest brother, Benjamin.
As the brothers journeyed back to Canaan, Joseph instructed his steward to pursue them with some of his soldiers and intercept them, accusing them of stealing Joseph’s cup.
They were to say to the brothers, “Why have you returned evil for good? Why have you stolen my silver cup?
“Is it not from this that my lord drinks? Does he not indeed use it for divination? You have done wrong in doing this” (Genesis 44:4-5).
Joseph’s plan was to accuse Benjamin of stealing the cup and bringing him back to Egypt to be his slave.
The steward and soldiers brought back the brothers to Joseph in Egypt, and still more drama was to ensue. That will be the subject, of tomorrow’s blog article.
Reflections
If asked about the most challenging aspect of a 50-year pastoral career, my immediate response would be: conflict. Over the past several days, our study of Joseph has examined a family embroiled in conflict.
When considering how this story applies to our own lives, let us reflect on God’s word, which calls us to pursue peace.
(1) Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
(2) Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
(3) Ephesians 4:2-3 – With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 