SCRIPTURE: Genesis 43
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2008)
The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment. When portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as anyone else’s. So they feasted and drank freely with him. [Genesis 43:32-34]
I’m not sure if I see Jesus clearly in this passage, but I see a hint of Him in how Joseph brings his brothers to share in a special feast prepared for them.
He is the brother that they betrayed and sold as a slave, but unknown to them he has become the ruler in Egypt (under Pharoah).
And he knows everything about them, including their place in the family.
And the youngest gets the most…
People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. [Luke 13:29]
Jesus is our brother, betrayed and rejected and yet unknown to most people He has become the highest Ruler in the Universe (under God).
And He knows everything about us, every dirty detail.
People from everywhere are seated at His table, enjoying His grace.
And the youngest, the weakest, the smallest gets the most.
Joseph is a ‘type’ (a pattern) for the coming Messiah, God’s appointed Ruler to rescue and restore His people.
The Lord knows everything about you.
He knows your birth order, He knows your life story, He knows what you’ve done with your life, He knows your guilt and shame.
He knows us, and He loves us, despite how we have treated Him.
And He graciously invites us to come to Him to enjoy the eternal feast with Him.
All people, from the east and west and north and south, are invited.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. [Revelation 3:20]
I am not a universalist, I do not believe that everyone will be saved in the end.
But I do affirm the Lord’s universal love [for God so loved the world, John 3:16], and His desire that all of His brothers and sisters be saved [not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9]
Jesus is Lord of the Universe, and His love for humanity is universal – from east and west and north and sound – but how many will open the door when He knocks?
PRAYER:
Lord, You have prepared a feast for everyone, for me too, even though You know everything about us. Thank You for Your grace and love!