Reflections from January 26, 2011

Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in a dramatic way, and he says in Genesis 45:4 and 7,
"I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life."
"And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

What fitting words that have meaning far beyond Egypt; "...preserve a posterity". With theological reflection, we see how Joseph was instrumental in ensuring that the lineage of Abraham was maintained through Judah so Jesus' heritage would be pure. For only a pure, clean sacrifice would be suitable to God when Jesus was asked to do His part for mankind.

Theological reflection was used by Joseph as well; he had tough questions in his life with being sold to slavery, thrown in prison, and then ending up as prime minister of Egypt. Finally, upon seeing his brothers, should he show them mercy for what they did those many years ago? Joseph had no one to turn to for biblical counseling, no bible to use for guidance from God. He only had his thoughts and prayers and guidance in his heart placed there by God Himself. This in and of itself, shoould show us the importance of a close, personal relationship with God, one that allows us to trust God fully and completely, knowing that whatever God places in our path is for His glory. Joseph saw how God used him to preserve his family, to preserve posterity. What Joseph didn't see was this preservation would come to fulfillment hundreds of years later in the little town of Bethlehem, and finally on in evening with our Lord hanging on the cross.

Like Joseph, we only have limited understanding and experience of God's wisdom and glory. Theological reflection weaves our human limitations into a broader tapestry framed by God's purposes in our life and in humanity.

Psalms 108:12,13 tells us how good it is to have this guidance from God where David says,
"Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies."

Blessings to all