THE MARVELOUS WORLD OF PARALLELS

I've been reading an exciting book by James Ferrell, titled; "The Hidden Christ."
When I came upon the chapter about Joseph of Egypt, my favorite story in the Old Testament, I literally got butterflies in my stomach.  Seriously, if you don't have it already, you need to get this book and read it.

My favorite quote from this chapter, referring to Joseph's dream that his brothers would bow to him, reads:  "Joseph's brothers, filled with envy and hate, were unable to see that this bow would be a bow of gratitude.  By bowing to Joseph, they would be 'crowned with glory' and 'filled with songs of everlasting joy.'"


We are the brothers of Joseph.  In our own story we must relinquish our hold on sin and bow to God in order to receive our crown of glory.  And because of what the Savior (played here by Joseph) has done for us, our bow will also be a bow of gratitude.


I love the part where Joseph seemingly plays games with his brothers when they first come to Egypt to buy food.  I often wondered about his behavior, since he was fully aware that the Lord had placed him in Egypt to save Israel...but then I realized, that we all must be tested to see if we are obeying out of fear or whether we have truly overcome temptation and freed ourselves from sin.  The proof that Joseph's brothers had repented, was in Ruben's willingness to offer himself up as a slave in Benjamin's place--merely to spare his father any more grief.  (A man who already had one foot in the grave)  His sacrifice is illuminated further when you realize that Ruben had a wife and young children at home.  I believe this is the proof Joseph was looking for, and the balm that healed his wounded heart.  


Food for though, eh?