From Parasha: Vayigash

 

Man of Sorrows

If the past 2,000 years of waiting has seemed like an interminably long wait for us, how much more so for Messiah, who has lived through these many generations, eagerly desiring to gather the children of Jerusalem under the wings of His tallit (coat): "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!" (Luke 13:34)...
Read...   Print...

 

Preserving the Remnant

Tags:  deliverance, Gentiles, Israel, reconciliation, rejection, remnant, salvation

Paul sees the Jewish estrangement from Messiah as a necessary part of a sovereign, ordained plan whereby God intends to extend salvation to the entire world. In this regard, the Jewish estrangement from Messiah is not at all unlike the Joseph story. Paul concedes that Israel has stumbled (though not fallen), but even their stumbling was part of God's plan. Just as Joseph and his brothers were eventually reunited all Israel will be saved. All Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The deliverer will come from Zion, he will remove ungodliness from Jacob." "This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins." (Romans 11:26-27, quoting Isaiah 59:20-21)...
Read...   Print...

 

Jacob's Hardships

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance." (Hebrews 11:13)...
Read...   Print...

 

The Revelation of Joseph

"When Joseph declared, "I am Joseph," the masterful plan of God became clear to his brothers. Their questions were answered. All that had happened over the last twenty-two years fell into perspective. So, too, will it be in the time to come when God will reveal Himself and announce, "I am the LORD." The veil will be lifted from our eyes and we will comprehend everything that transpired throughout history." (Chofetz Chaim)...
Read...   Print...

 

What Pharaoh Heard

Tags:  conflict, discretion, honor, Joseph, Pharaoh, provision, regard, reputation, retaliation

When we are wronged by someone, it is natural to tell others about it. We want to tell others about how it happened to garner their sympathy and support. Somehow it makes us feel better to know that others are aware of the injustice committed against us. We seek out sympathy and commit a small act of retaliation. ...
Read...   Print...

 

Life's Hardships

Tags:  forgiveness

Joseph did not retaliate. Instead, he broke the cycle by offering complete forgiveness. He told his brothers not to be remorseful for selling him to Egypt. How was Joseph able to offer his brothers such a gracious and total pardon? He did so on the basis of his confidence in God’s goodness. He saw that, though the brothers had meant his sale into slavery for evil, God meant it for good. Everything had worked according to God’s plan and wisdom....
Read...   Print...