Joseph shows up well in this section of his biography. Here is another instance where he is most like Jesus Christ. He was not only willing to do what his father asked, but like Christ, 'his own received him not'. How does this story start? Jacob was concerned about his other ten sons and also his vast flocks. Pasture was where you could find it. In searching for it, the brothers had travelled possibly 75 kms north of their home. Then they moved again, about 25 kms further to Dothan. Joseph had a long walk! Another major reason for Jaocb's concern was that he thought the brothers might be camped near Shechem. That could be a dangerous place for them. They had murdered a number of people there several years before (see chapter 34). No wonder Jacob was anxious for news. ACTIONS AND RE-ACTIONS The sequel to Joseph's search is well-known. What do you think a teen-ager's natural re-actions would be to the brothers' cruelty? Confusion, bitter tears, frustration? Twenty years later his brothers still remembered how Joseph had pleaded with them for his life (see Genesis 42:21). Can you picture him, first in the dry pit, then probably chained and being led away in the merchants' caravan? What would have been his thoughts as they travelled south almost past his own home and father? It was possibly 350kms to Egypt from Dothan. How long would it take to walk there? What we're his thoughts as they camped each night? Finally they arrived in Egypt and Joseph was offered for sale as a slave. The brothers had said: 'We'll see what becomes of his dreams' (v.19). They lived to see it but not in the way they thought. God was beginning to fulfil his word to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-16) that Israel would go into Egypt. Some day that young man would be the Saviour of his people. Is it any wonder Joseph is the man most like Jesus Christ? |
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