Redemption

Gen 41-42

Gen:41:51-52 ”Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh] and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

At last, all the suffering, all the trouble, all the painful past is gone and forgotten! Joseph is out of prison. He is now rich, famous, powerful, and successful. He even has a wonderful wife and children. He is totally redeemed, he has made good at last! Or has he?

Why is there still a lingering pain from the past? Why is the soul and the heart still not whole?

Look at all the famous, rich, powerful people in the world today. Quite a few had such painful pasts. They’re happy now aren’t they? They’ve everything a man can ask for, no?

Has Joseph really gone out of his prison? Only God knows what is happening deep inside him.

What do you do when you have all you ever dreamed off and then you meet your dark, painful past?

Do you pretend not to recognise them? Gen 42:7 “As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. "Where do you come from?" he asked."From the land of Canaan," they replied, "to buy food."”

Do you turn away from them and weep? Gen 42:24 “He turned away from them and began to weep, but then turned back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.”

For all the riches, power, fame, success in this world, God knows what is truly deep in our hearts. In his mercy, he presented Joseph with a chance to face his past again. It’s a huge struggle for Joseph. He has made good now, what would he do when he face his past hurts? What should he do? What would you do?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we look alright on the outside, but only you can search us and know us deeply. May we take time to let you search our hearts, in Jesus’ name, amen.