Bigger Picture

Genesis 42:1-38

When Jacob was the human focus of the Genesis material, survival of the family was an especially evident theme. The family was the bearer of the blessing given initially to Abraham, so things went their way pretty much no matter what.

Now all of that seems to be totally threatened. Jacob’s words to his sons in verse 36 express the exasperation that everything is about to be for nothing. What he doesn’t know is that the son who he believes has already been lost is at work being the instrument of the continuation of the family and the blessing. This is happening through the means of a dream within a dream - the initial pair of dreams of Joseph, which will serve a purpose within the dream given to Joseph’s father (Genesis 28:12-15) and great grandfather (Genesis 12:2-3).

God, the master of dramatic irony, writes an exquisite story with our lives. That's a flowery thing to observe if you're up to your neck in a crappy day, or everything seems to be against you or someone you love. But there really is a bigger picture.

Prayer:
When everything seems to be going against us, Lord, give us faithful patience, knowing that in your time you will reveal what you are doing, that we have a part in. Through Christ. Amen.