Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28)

Thoughts on the readings for January 26th (Genesis 42, 43 Psalms 46, 47, 48, Matthew 28)

In Genesis 42 we read of Joseph’s 10 brothers being forced by the severe regional famine to go to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph, who was now the Governor in Egypt, spoke roughly to them in order to test them. Joseph did not yet know how events would unfold. The 10 brothers were accused by Joseph of being spies – buy your grain and go, they are told. After being drawn out by Joseph they say that there were originally 12 brothers, and 1 is dead and the youngest remains at home with his father. Part of the trial that the 10 are put through is to endure imprisonment for 3 days (surely Joseph intended to cause them to reflect on their past evil deeds; and to, perhaps, experience some of what had befallen their brother at their hands). Joseph’s action had the desired result and he listened to their self examination (since he used an interpreter to talk with them they failed to perceive that he understood their discussions). They had talked of their guilt over what they had done to Joseph. Simeon is kept bound by the Governor, as the brother who bore the greatest responsibility for what was done. The others were sent home with a warning to not return without their youngest brother. Their money was placed in the mouth of each man’s sack. They discovered this after stopping to feed their animals. They were concerned that God was telling them that what they did to Joseph was being visited on them by the Almighty. When they returned home they told Jacob everything that had happened to them. Their father’s response is to chide them for their loose speech about Benjamin. Jacob also bemoaned his own loss of his two sons, and to say he will never let them take Benjamin when they return to Egypt. Reuben foolishly says to his father to take his two sons as security; and that Reuben will bring Benjamin back with them. He also says that failing that Jacob can kill Reuben’s sons. How carnal was this suggestion. Chapter 43 deals with the brothers’ return to Egypt. Judah takes the lead in encouraging his father to act responsibly for Jacob’s family. Jacob tells his boys to take a present for the Governor of the specialties of the Promised Land – honey, gum, myrrh, pistachio and almond nuts. Finally Jacob invoked the divine blessing upon them. Joseph became emotional on seeing Benjamin, his younger brother. The brothers are invited to dine at the Governor’s house. Suspiciously they tell the steward about the returned money. Don’t worry he said, I got your money; what you found must have come from your God. Simeon was then restored unharmed to his brothers. On his return Joseph enquired of them as to the welfare of his father. He emotionally leaves his brothers to weep privately. Joseph, acting like an Egyptian, sat at a separate table. The brothers were amazed by being seated in order from eldest to youngest. Food was sent from Joseph’s table to their table; with Benjamin’s serving being 5 times that of each of his brothers.

Psalm 46 is another from the pen of the sons of Korah. It speaks of great confidence in the Almighty and His control of circumstances. It speaks of His awesome plans for the earth to bring peace for all time; and to cause war to cease. What an inspiring vision. What heartfelt prayers does this cause in His people. What confidence that He rules our lives now; as He soon will in this earth through the rule of His Son. “Yahweh of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” This is a recurring sentence and beautifully highlights the fact that the God manifest powerfully in hosts – of angels, stars and saints – is the same God who mercifully accompanies and protects the weak individual human, the Jacob. Again we have in Psalm 47 another from the sons of Korah. All nations are commanded to praise and extol their Sovereign king, who reigns over all the earth through His Beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ. All the Gentile nations have been subdued and subjected to the one in whom the Father’s authority has been invested (Psalm 8 verses1-9; Psalm 2). And Israel has as the LORD’s heritage and chosen people been exalted to headship over all other nations. God’s victory trumpet has signalled His triumph in the earth. Let all peoples praise and extol their glorious King, who by His wisdom has fulfilled His promise to Abraham
(Genesis 12 verse 3; Romans 4 verses 13). And has in that process delivered and protected His people. Psalm 48 is a further Psalm from the sons of Korah in which they celebrate the elevation and coming glory of Zion (the Jerusalem of the kingdom age). It is a magnificent city of glorious beauty that brings forth praises and joy to all peoples. It is lifted up upon a mountain raised by a great earthquake (Zechariah 14, Isaiah 2 verses 1-5). Those who walk about its towers and great walls are struck with awe and wonder by what they see. It is now indeed the Eternal City; rescued from war and become the centre of worship and blessing. Its citizens rejoice and wholeheartedly thank their Sovereign for His accomplishments. Meditate on this and praise the Almighty from generation to generation for all eternity. God had always guided His faithful people and will continue to do so for ever. Jerusalem watchers of all ages are exhorted to give God “no rest, till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem a praise in the earth” (Isaiah 62 verse 7).

Matthew 28 tells that just after 6pm on the Sabbath Jesus was raised from the dead in a dramatic and terror induced experience for the guards who witnessed the angel’s powerful demonstration. This provided incontrovertible evidence of the event by impartial witnesses who were in the pay of our Lord’s enemies. The risen and glorious Lord Jesus Christ went to meet with them in Galilee, as he had arranged before his death, to give them further infallible proofs of his resurrection and to give them the great commission to carry the Gospel message into all the earth. What comfort is there in his concluding words, “Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org