A Different Focus

SCRIPTURE
So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”Gen 43:2

OBSERVATION
When people read through these chapters, they usually focus on Joseph. But when you only read these two chapters, the focus falls on Jacob's family. It probably took a long time to eat all that grain. I wonder how Simeon felt locked up in prison, waiting for his family to get him. He was only going to be there until his family returned for him - only a few short weeks, right? As time went on, I bet he began to lose hope. Had his family forgotten him? Were they too afraid to rescue him? Would he spend the rest of his life in prison? What would happen if the famine ended before Jacob's family ran out of food?

APPLICATION
How often are we in a desperate situation? Do you feel locked up in prison waiting for someone to rescue you? It's hard when we don't have the full picture. Eventually, Simeon was reunited with his brothers. Not only did he get out of prison, he had a feast. The steward of Joseph's house cleaned him up and took care of all his needs. And in the end, he found out that his lost brother was alive and doing extremely well for himself.

PRAYER
Lord, please give me the patience and understanding I need to make it through my situation. I thank you in advance for the rewards you'll give me when I successfully make it through this trial. Amen.

John Kuyper
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader