23 - When Dreams Come True

Genesis 42:6

Chareen's Thoughts:

• Thirteen years of slavery and life in prison before Joseph was released to be second in charge of Egypt. Genesis 37:2 He was 17 years old when he left to find his brothers and was sold a slave and 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh. Genesis 41:46 13 humbling years of training in wisdom and understanding of who God was in his life.
• Can you imagine having so much food stored up that you stop measuring it ? Actually so much food that it is beyond measure ? I can't even picture so much food especially when we see so much famine in the world today. Genesis 41:49
• Genesis 38:6-30 The story of Judah and Tamar. I found the fact that Judah's son spilling his seed on the ground being evil in the sight of the Lord and the Lord killing him for it an interesting part of the story. I also found it interesting that the LORD blessed her with twins after she had been cheated twice by the family of Judah. Once by the son of Judah (Onan) and once by Judah himself.
• Genesis 41:57 The whole world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, for the famine was so severe all over the earth. Imagine that the WHOLE world came to the servant of the most high to buy food.  A famine all over the earth.  I did not realise that this famine was a world wide phenomenon I always pictured it to be in Egypt and the surrounding land but it was not.
• Genesis 42:6 Imagine the feeling of seeing your dream come true ? Your family are bowing before you but do not recognise you ?
• Genesis 42:1-28 It gives me such a feeling of anticipation reading how Joseph treated his family when they were before him. The way that the brothers still were living under the weight of their sin from years before.  How as each negative blow was dealt they said among themselves how they are suffering for what they did to their brother.
• Genesis 42: 29-38 Jacobs response to the request to have his youngest son return to Egypt.  I can feel his heartache as I read this account.  I have never given his words much thought till today. 20+ years had passed since he had lost his son Joseph yet the ache of that loss is still raw and vivid in Jacob. 
• Genesis 43:1-14 Israel concedes allowing Benjamin to return with his older brothers to Egypt to secure the release of his captive brother.  The life of one to secure the release of the other.

 Philippians 1:6 ... He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

The story of Joseph is a story of hope and fulfillment.  A story of completion and healing. I forget so easily in my struggles that actually He is in control and He is the one growing me, shaping me and molding me for a good work and He will perfect this and bring it to full completion.

Blessings
Chareen

For Further Reading:

• The Truth Ministries:  Is Joseph in Egyptian History ? Really encouraging read and interresting history time line of Egypt. 
• The Pyramids at Sakkara.  Lots of photo's of Egyptian building in Joseph's time.
• The Famine Stele on the Island of Sehel. Is a translation of a stone engraving about the history in Egypt.
• Zaphenath-Paneah over at Steven Sauke. An interresting look at the name translations and meanings.
• What does Joseph's Egyptian name "Zaphenath-paneah" actually mean ? by Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel.
• An Innocent Man Imprisoned for Life by Gail Purath  over at WOW Writing on the Word.