Genesis 43-45

Daily Reading

Genesis 43-45

Daily Thought

Jacob, knew the sting of favoritism.  His father had preferred his brother.  (Isaac loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. ~Genesis 25:28).  Favoritism produced pain and division, yet, Jacob, in turn, chose a son to love, as well.

Now Israel [Jacob] loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. ~Genesis 37:3

After Joseph was gone, Jacob promoted Benjamin in his place.  The favorite's chair continued to be filled.  Even Joseph played favorites (Portions were taken to the brothers from Joseph's table, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. ~Genesis 43:34).

The chain would be broken, at last, through humility.  Judah, one of Joseph's brothers, chose to be last instead of first.  Judah said to Joseph, "Let Benjamin go back to his father.  Let him be a favorite.  I will be a servant, instead."  Judah offered his life for the sake of his brothers and his father.

Joseph seems to be the hero of the last dozen chapters of Genesis, but God's Son, the Servant King of Kings, came through another son of Jacob.  Jesus...the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham.  ~Luke 3:33-34

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, 

and to give his life as a ransom for many. ~Mark 10:45

Daily Prayer

My God, what humility from the King of kings and Lord of lords.  We don't rule that way, but our Creator does.  How pompous we are, the desire to be first reigns in our heart.  Yet, the One who is truly First places Himself last, in the role of servant.

I have learned from Your Son, my Savior, that to be first I must be last, as well.  That You shine through me when I love and serve others.  May I be one who follows You downward, emptying my own pride, and replacing it with love and sacrifice.

Amen