The Genesis story of Joseph was written millennia before a man by the same name would be betrothed to a woman named, Mary. The two would parent this "God become flesh," Immanuel, "God with us"; the Christ.
This ancient story reveals and reinforces the very heart of this Hebrew God, though time and even religion would attempt to paint fear by way of an image of a wrathful tyrant needing appeasement. That's the beauty of the enduring inspiration embedded within scripture, when read with an heart open to the Spirit.
Joseph, a man sold into slavery by his kin, was providentially positioned as their redeemer. There is an eternal storyline being framed here!
Then, out of all 12 of the sons of Isreal, who would become the spokeperson, the intercessor in their moments of crisis, Judah; out of whose loins would flow the seed of this Christ (see first chapter of Matthew).
And get this, the land they would come to inherit was one that had long been named by the Egyptians as Goshen, which means "drawing near", another expression of the desire of God!
You can't make this stuff up, the stories, the probabilities against their fulfillment, yet the realities of what has unfolded over the centuries.
As the story unfolds, Joseph's conversations with Judah, provide even further revelation of the long term intent of God, and offer a parallel assurance of the positional capacity to deliver upon those promises:
"I’m master of all of Egypt. Come as fast as you can and join me here. I’ll give you a place to live in Goshen where you’ll be close to me—you, your children, your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and anything else you can think of. I’ll take care of you there completely...I’ll make sure all your needs are taken care of, you and everyone connected with you—you won’t want for a thing.’
Gen. 49:9-11 The Message.
So much comfort here for you and your family if you will "draw near" rather than succomb to the divisive spiritual famine in our nation. Don't allow all this divisive noise, along with the political attempts to breed fear, distract you from these promises.
Allow the intended message to carry you and yours through the famine, standing strong in your faith, as you bask in the peace and provision of the Father!
Draw near, so that you might provide evidence of the Christ to others in this moment of crisis!
Good morning