Gen 45

Did you ever have a secret you were dying to tell someone that seemed to want to have a life of its own and burst out of you? That was the case of Joseph as he couldn't contain himself anymore. The fact that he could not and would not reveal himself as their brother was eating him alive. The change he saw in Judah was enough to tell him that there had been real change in his brothers and that they care for each other as a family. Even when he spoke to them in Hebrew they could not believe that this was the Joseph they had sold into slavery . Perhaps the greatest test was that of Pharoah himself approving and elated that Joseph had finally reunited with his family. He was forthright in showering his approval to the reunion with his blessing (a far cry from the days of Moses) and what that might mean. The news from Egypt astonished Jacob and when he saw the entourage that came from there to pick him and the rest of the clan up - he believed and saw the prophesy fulfilled. The dreams of Joseph and what God had promised him in Gen 35:11-12. God would let him "see" these things that would occur after his death but for now he was content to see Joseph.

Got back to NJ and Delly yesterday after a tumulous flight from MCO - rain and wind was intense. The drive back was much better going down later after dinner and getting myself settled for the long day ahead. Still, I enjoyed the weather down there and it was just a foretaste of what I hope is to come.

All in all, good to see GG and spend a day with my friend's in-laws (the father is recovering from heart surgery at 87) and pray with and for them.

Praise for today: But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "Let God be exalted!" Ps70:4

Gen 44

The testing continues, Joseph plants a silver cup in the saddle of Benjamin's ride and sends his servant to retrieve them after they have left to go home. The 10 are brought back and Benjamin has to stand in prison until they can prove his innocence. What is truly striking is the change in Judah, the one who sold Joseph into slavery. He was willing to become a slave so that Benjamin could go free. The attitude is one of selflessness rather than selfishness to the highest degree. The importance of the birthright was interesting as well since now Benjamin appear to have be the chosen one with Joseph out of the picture. Their actions proved that they who were passed over for the birthright were accepting of that fact. They knew that they ran the risk of Benjamin becoming a slave for his perceived actions and that the birthright would be given among the ten, but they were beyond that. They truly were concerned for their brother and the effect on their father who was getting older and was miserable without him.

Great day at MK, got to see the lighting of the castle, Main Street Electrical Parade and Wishes from the train station (after we got there at 5 PM) - a lot of standing but well worth it. Going back to Epcot to see CP with GG and Irene.

Praise for today: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Ps 66: 20

Gen 43

Apparently, Jacob and the family seemed content to let Simeon rot there in jail. They are the food that was intially bought and ran out which prompted Jacob again to request that food would be purchased from the Egyptian leader. The brothers told Jacob of the conditions placed upon them and the money in their pouches which caused hm to lament further. He didn't want to see Benjamin go but did so under Judah's care. They went with more cash, more goods to secure more food. They were hesitant, with good reason, but were treated like royalty and even had a reunion with Simeon. The things that Joseph did seemed odd to them but they were still unsuspecting of who they wre dealing with. When Joseph saw Benjamin he had commanded restraint to stop his emotions but made sure that he was treated better than the other brothers at the table. He also learned his father's condition and was pleased. Still he kept his identity hidden.

For Joseph, it was all about seeing if they had changed their attitude and their outlook on life. Were they still cruel, jealous and selfish or have they changed.

We went to  Celebration Community Church's new building that was in town. For the last 7 years they had met at the high school and now unveiled their new facility which was impressive but still a work-in-progress. Enjoyed the service and the sermon immensely. Also saw the movie Descendants which was an interesting flick with the fam. First attempt at a pork roast at the slow cooker - came out pretty decent with mashed potatoes and green squash.

Off to MK today with the troops and looking forward to that.

Praise for today: Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Ps 96: 7-8a

Gen 42

Desperate people do desperate things, and so it was for Jacob and his family. He has already seen the demise of his favorite son, the brutality of his other sons and now he watches as the family is in the midst of a extreme famine. He is angered and sends his idle sons to Egypt to but grain/corn from the ruler there but he leaves the youngest, Benjamin behind. As the 10 make their way to the leader, they bow before the ruler who was Joseph, fulfilling the prophesy that was set years before them. He tested the brothers and called them spies in order to find out how they have progressed over these years. He must have alter his appearance so much that even his brothers couldn't recognize him and he probably spoke to them through an interpreter in Egyptian. One thing that was not mentioned in the earlier chapter was that Joseph pleaded for his life when he tossed into the pit. That was brought out in their first update encounter. Reuben also made Joseph, who was unaware at the time, that he did feel for him and regretted the others' action. Still, despite his own weeping of the situation, he had Simeon bound in prison as they prepared to bring the youngest before him. Joseph not only filled their bags with grain but unbeknowst to them gave them back their money. When they found the grain and the cash, they were dismayed since now they appear as theives. Jacob, is now brought into the picture and doesn't want to give up Benjamin. Jacob, who fears that Benjamin will be lost to him as well as Simeon and refuses to comply despite Reuben's noble offer and thus the chapter ends.

I wonder what Simeon felt when he was placed into prison and how he felt he drew the "short straw". It was Simeon and Levi who massacred the men at the deflowering of Dinah, so he was a man prone to violence and brutality. Does he feel remorse or shame? Can someone like him change his stripes? Does he fall to his knees and come clean before a holy God?

Pretty good day yesterday - went to AK to pick up a free calendar (as a season passholder) and then went shopping before picking up GG at the airport. Went to Smokey Bones (my new fav BBQ place) and had lunch, went with Irene to the Disney Movie Studios to see the Osbourne lights and then came back and made dinner for the family.

Praise for today: Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble Ps 41:1

Gen 41

The tide has turned in c. 41 as now two years have past and the country and its leader faces a dilemma. God had placed a dream in the heart of Pharoah and only through Joseph can and will it be answered and addressed. The cupbearer to Pharoah finally acknowledges who was the one who can read dreams and allowed Joseph a chance to shine in the presence of Pharoah. Pharoah, while he delusional in his thinking that he is a god, still acknowledges his humanity and seeks to be a leader of his people over the long haul. Joseph, through all of this, still acknowledges the Lord and is faithful to His calling. He advised Pharoah what to do and in all things was not self-promoting or scheming to get a better position - still the Lord blessed him. Through Pharoah, he became the second in command  to bring Egypt through the next 14 years. He was also given an Egyptian wife who bore him two sons who had Hebrew names and were raised as such. God saw fit that this was acceptable. Through Joseph, Egypt was well prepared for the famine that was so severe that other countries would be clamoring for food to be bought from the stockpiles of Egypt.

It did take a while and through it all, God  did provide for Joseph and the world back then.

So far it has been a great few days since coming down to FL. Work has been extremely trying and still have to stay close to the BBerry as that world evolves. Still nice not being there.  Went to Epcot yesterday and saw MWS at Candlelight Processional - our annual tradition. With a late lunch, it seemed to have been our only "real" meal for the day. Weather here has been more on the cooler side for FL but still extremely nice and remains the goal for the balance of my life. Wed nite had a great meal at Smokey Bones and looking forward to returning at a future date.

Prayers for my sister-in-law and her family as they lay to rest U. Ralph today. Looking forward to having GG with us the rest of the way down here.

Praise for today: Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Ps 31: 23-24

Gen 40

This is the start of Joseph's tale of interpreting dreams for others. Here lies the fate of two of Pharoah's servants - the chief cupbearer and the chief baker. Joseph maintained his dignity and his integrity during this whole time while being in charge of the prisoners. He respected God and his holiness so much so that the prisoners trusted him. After interpreting the dreams of the two, one was restored while one died according to the dreams. The restored man, the cupbearer did not remember Joseph despite all that he had done for him. I often wondered why he didn't. Was it lack of memory or desire not to remember the past and who was good to him, or was it more that this was not God's timing for Joseph since the famine was not imminent. Still begs the reality of "no good deed goes unpunished" and it was so for Joseph for two more years.

All in all, a good but tiring week. Came back to NJ on Tues and went to one of my favorites, Red Robin. It was the drive from hell with the lousy weather and terrible roads - nearly 3+ hours for a normal 2 hour drive. Still it was worth it seeing everyone. Wed was a work day out of Princeton. Thursday was good since we had a small crowd of 31 for T-giving, pretty easy cleanup - took me an hour to do the dishes, pots and pans. Friday was a work day out of Princeton and went to a Bahama Breeze restaurant locally with Daniel and Irene. Sat was good - did my 2.5 mile walk and got the lights up and dinner with the in-law family at a diner. Sunday was the church luncheon where I cooked and was real tired. Thank goodness for a dental appointment yesterday before heading down to Delly. Today, heading home and off to FL for a week.

Heard some sad news on Sunday about U. Ralph who passed away after an extremely long bout with Alzheimers and a failing body. He will be missed but at least he is now in the arms of Jesus. Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend any of the services/interment since we'll be gone. Prayers fo the my s-i-l and her family.

Praise for today: For God is King of all the earth: sing to him a psalm of praise. Ps 47:7

Gen 39

The story of Joseph unfurls with him being a slave in the household of the captain of the guards, Potipher. Joseph is given a chance to shine and became the head of the household and the affairs of his master. God blesses Potipher through Joseph and the promise is starting. Alas, the "desperate housewife" of Potipher wanted something above and beneath the job description of head of the household from Joseph, who in deference to the Lord, couldn't and wouldn't oblige her. She plots to take her revenge as a woman scorned and rejected and thus sends Joseph to prison where he proves that the cream rises to the top and is put in charge of many things there. The Bible doesn't say if the blessings that Joseph brought through God lasted after Joseph was sent to prison. It is my guess that it wasn't and Potipher and his wife was just given their one chapter of fame and shame and lived the rest of their lives in obscurity and mediocrity. What an interesting chapter due to the intergrity and determination of a young man, Joseph who rose above his situation and was blessed because of his faith and lineage - a sharp contrast to his brothers.

Heading home tonight and working out of Princeton tomorrow and Friday. Looking forward to seeing GG later as well as Dave and Irene. Hopefully the traffic and weather will allow for a reasonable commute.

Praise for today: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Ps 55:22