Joseph's Life StoryBeispiel

Clear sight

The years of famine had come, not only in Egypt but also in surrounding countries. Joseph’s father and brothers heard that there was food for sale in Egypt, so they decided to go there. And since Joseph was the one in charge of the storehouses, the brothers came to him. Of course, they didn’t know about Joseph’s current position. Many years had passed, and Joseph undoubtedly was dressed as an Egyptian now. No wonder his brothers didn’t recognize him!

But Joseph had ‘clear sight’. He not only recognized his brothers, but he also understood that this was the fulfillment of his dreams. “Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground”, just as he had dreamed more than twenty years before: “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf”. At that time, nobody believed his dreams: “Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves to the ground before you?” (Genesis 37:6-7, 10). But that’s exactly what happened here!

Now Joseph’s faith was finally rewarded. He had not forgotten about his dreams, and God had not forgotten His promises!

Sometimes God gives us promises or revelations that are true and clear, but not detailed enough for us to determine exactly how and when they will be fulfilled. Paul compares this to “seeing in a mirror dimly”. Jesus promises his disciples that they will understand “afterward” what they don’t grasp immediately. Till that moment, we should trust and love God for Who He is: our gracious and faithful Lord, Who will never forget His promises.