Nougat 7

Hello

There are times when words are spoken around us that require some unpacking, as the context and the speaker could shift the meaning of what is being said. It is possible for us to learn from the nuances of the different contexts, as we do in today’s Holy Nougat

““What have you done?” Joseph demanded. “Don’t you know that a man like me can predict the future?””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭44:15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Talk about the ultimate test and complete irony! While I agree that Joseph forgave the brothers, it’s obvious that their words from the past had cut very deeply. Joseph seems to have had several motives in the way he detained those men who were his brothers.

While there is a school of thought that the comment was a reference to Joseph’s Egyptian name, I will confess that I don’t hold that as a strong motive for Joseph’s behavior. Granted, the name Zaphenath-paneah means God speaks and lives; and that is an affirmation of Joseph’s character. (We will backtrack to this tomorrow). I would argue that that name might actually have been part of the reason the brothers didn’t recognize Joseph.

Some argue that Joseph was testing his brothers to ensure that they had changed since their last encounter. That is likely. I would hasten to note the brothers’ strong reactions to his childhood vision and this is perhaps a thinly veiled reference to the conversation in Genesis 37. And while this may seem like bragging or some such actions, I maintain that there is a hint of self-revelation in that statement.

And that is to be expected. There must have been even a little part of him (Joseph), that would desire being recognized by his kin. For Joseph was human.

In that same vein, we also recall that upon seeing the brothers, he recognized them AND remembered the prophetic vision God had given to him. He knew that it was coming to fruition. But for the vision to be reality, the entire family had to be present – all of them! So yes, Joseph was testing them, because he needed to be sure that they would not once again try to hinder the vision becoming reality.

So here’s the thing, when we repent, there is often our own season of testing that sifts our hearts and spirits. And, when others have wronged us, we MUST also test and see how much change has occurred before resuming ‘normalcy’. This is not about forgiveness; but an invitation to recognize that sometimes a separation was God-permitted, and we don’t jump to back to intimacy before God conforms it is time to do so.

A final thought – Joseph asked, don’t you know of my gifts? Sometimes we have to walk into who we are whether others wish to affirm us or not. We may have to quietly state who we are; and/or hold others accountable in the process. What we don’t do, is deny the call God placed on our lives. Can we resolve this day that we will be true to God’s calling? And, if we are still unclear, determine to also discern our call.

Praying grace, favour, unction and direction for us all today and always.

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May all we seek be found in Christ