Rotting in prison, accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Simeon waits and prays that his brothers find a way to get him released.
Sounds like the beginning to a good story. I wonder what Simeon was thinking as he languished in the Egyptian prison. Was he wishing that he had made different choices when he was younger…specifically about the way he treated Joseph? None of the brothers though Joseph was still alive…was he feeling the guilt of being an accomplice to murder?
Guilt and shame have a way of eroding your self esteem and eventually your health and mental well-being. I wonder if the brothers were feeling the effects of guilt, as they watched their elderly father suffer…knowing in their hearts that it could have been different, if only they had been less selfish.
There are several lessons we can learn from this passage. You could say that God always fulfills His promises, or that what God says is going to happen will happen. (thinking of Joseph’s dreams).
You may notice that “in all things God works for the good of those who trust in Him” Romans 8:28 Thinking of the provision that God provided for Joseph, and later for Joseph’s whole family. Or, you may notice that God allows Joseph to go through some pretty difficult times, 13 years worth…before he promotes him. All the while never telling him what or when this will all be over. As far as Joseph knew, it was permanent. Yes, God allows difficulties in our lives.
Perhaps you notice that the sins of one person create sadness and grief in another, who is innocent.
Or, you may notice that our sins are no hindrance in keeping God from fulfilling His purposes. Try as we might, we cannot stop God from doing exactly what He plans to do. The devil tried to discredit him by having Him ridiculed by His creation, tortured and put to death on a cross….and everything he (the devil) did only served to advance God’s purposes. What an incredible God!
I notice that Joseph is not the petulant youngster that he was when he left home in chains. God has used the difficulties to mature him, and make him into a real leader. I found myself wondering this morning “where did Joseph learn to be such an effective and wise leader”? From the time of his youth he had been a slave. Slaves don’t get leadership training….
That’s when I considered the places that Joseph had been. Working under Potiphar he would have learned the customs and language and social graces. I’m sure Potiphar had many gatherings in his home, and Joseph would have observed high culture and appropriate behavior. As he was promoted, Potiphar likely gave him advice and instructions on how to plan, think and behave. Later, he is in a very special prison. It’s the prison that houses the political prisoners…the ones who have angered or crossed Pharaoh in some way. These men weren’t common criminals, they likely had education. Since Joseph is put in charge of them, they probably had many conversations about what to do…and not to do. All of this is simply part of God’s training camp for Joe. Joseph didn’t know it (I can’t emphasize that enough), but God was working in him and on his behalf….and at the same time working to bless the whole community (and world) through him.
This is what Joseph calls to the attention of his brothers when he says “God sent me ahead of you…”.. So here’s my question and my thought for today: “Has God sent you ahead to prepare for others?” Maybe you find yourself in a tough spot…it isn’t permanent, and it won’t stop God’s plan from unfolding…so why be grumpy or dejected? God can use it for good, right? and maybe He has allowed it to happen for what it could teach you. Are you ready to learn something?
Faithfully,
PR