IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH

"JOSEPH IMMEDIATELY REMEMBERED"


After a long journey, the sons of Jacob reached Egypt. When they inquired about purchasing grain, they were directed to a high government official name Zaphenath-paneah.  (Genesis 41:45)  Did they know when they saw him that he was Joseph? Not at all.  They saw only a high-ranking Egyptian ruler, one whose help they needed. To show deference, the did what was natural:  "They "bowed low to him with their faces to the ground." 

What about Joseph?  He recognized his brothers right away! What is more, when he saw them there bowing before him, his thoughts flew back to his boyhood. The account tells us that "Joseph immediately  remembered the dreams" that Jehovah had given him when he was but a boy, dreams foretelling a time when his brothers would be bowing low before him-exactly as they now were!  (Genesis 37:2,5-9; 42:7, 9) What would Joseph do?  Embrace them? Take revenge? 

Joseph knew that he must not act on his impulses, whatever they might be. Jehovah was clearly guiding this remarkable turn of events.  His purpose was involved. He had promised to turn Jacob's offspring into a mighty nation.  (Genesis 35:11, 12) If Joseph's brothers were still violent, selfish, unscrupulous men, the long-term effects could be disastrous!  Besides, were Joseph to act impulsively , he might upset some delicate balance back at home, perhaps even endangering his father and Benjamin. Were they even alive?  Joseph decided  to keep his identity concealed so that he could test out his brothers and see what kind of men they had become.  Then he might know what Jehovah wanted him to do.

You are not likely ever to find yourself in that unusual position. However, strife and division within the family  are common in today's world.  When we face such challenges, we may tend simply to follow our heart and act on our imperfect impulses. It is much wiser to imitate Joseph and try to discern how God wants us to handle matters.  (Proverbs 14:12) Remember, as important as it is to make peace with family members, peace with Jehovah and his Son is even more vital. -Matthew 10:37. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH -"YOU WILL BE TESTED" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015