I did not access the internet on January 17. View a reflection on those readings below.
When Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to buy food he does not reveal his identity to them immediately. Although he recognizes them, they do not recognize him. He accuses them of espionage (Genesis 42:9).
I wonder if there is more of a struggle within Joseph than I had previously imagined. He imprisons the brothers for a time. He lets all of them go, except for Simeon. He sends provisions with them, but has the purchase money returned to them secretly. Joseph seems to be ratcheting up suspense, setting a trap, and inciting terror in his family of origin. He's been made to suffer by being sold into slavery. Is he entertaining thoughts of revenge with his accusations, designs, and intrigue?
Joseph's brothers are "sweating it" for certain (Genesis 42:28), as "their hearts sank." And their father, Jacob, is driven to the brink of despair (Genesis 42:38). Joseph seems really, really close to doing something both vengeful and violent. What tips the scales?
January 17 Readings: Genesis 39-40, Psalm 22
This is an interesting set of paired readings. With Joseph unjustly imprisoned and forgotten by those who might have helped it is easy to imagine his cries going up before God in this way: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest." (Psalm 22:1-2) Yet Psalm 22 is attributed to David, who lived many centuries after Joseph had lived and died.
It's interesting and encouraging, too. Since David's psalm seems to express what Joseph likely felt, I have hope that Psalm 22 (or another passage of scripture) may express my feelings, too.
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