Do You Recognize Him?

By Venessa Holtzhausen

Gen 42:8 And Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him.

As nearly twenty years had passed since their betrayal of Joseph, his older brothers did not recognize him. His increase in age from boyhood to manhood, his language and dress, and his new name of Tzafnat-Pa’neah made Joseph appear to be an Egyptian.

Joseph’s new name literally means ‘code’ or ‘secret’ (tzafnat), ‘solver’ or ‘breaker’(pa’neach).

Joseph had all the power to destroy his brothers. After all they sold him into slavery, when he was cast into that dry pit, which most probably would have had snakes and spiders in it, screaming, begging for help, but they turned a death ear, rather they were feasting.

The day Jesus Christ was handed over for judgment, he was cast into prison. The innocent became the judged. He died a horrible death. He was sold for 30 pieces of silver. When He died, His older brothers (the Jews) made ready and had the feast of Pesach. Still, like Joseph, He did not condemn them, He asked His father to forgive them, since He understood His mission. He came to seek and save. Joseph knew his calling. He was send to save Israel from starvation.

When we truly realize our calling and what we are here for, we won’t depend so much on the approval and acceptable treatment of people, we serve the Eternal God and His approval is enough. If we realize that, it will be easy to forgive and to let go! We do not seek to be blessed, but live to be a blessing! Be like your Father in Heaven.

Amen!