Day 3: Vayigash/Genesis 45:9-28

Others are always watching. From Pharaohs to the downtrodden, observers are looking to see what comes next in our lives.

This is the case for Yosef as he is overtaken with excitement when he finally reveals himself to his brothers. Now, his excitement carries over to getting word to his father, Yacov. He relates precise instructions to his brothers, giving them supplies and directives. This excitement was heard in Pharaoh’s house so that both Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. With this news, Pharaoh adds to the details of Yosef’s instructions and ordered wagons to carry Israel’s household and promises the good of the land for possession and the fat of the land for food.

Obviously, this is good. Pharaoh increases the blessings that Yosef has stored up for his family. Yosef’s desire to simply satiate his father and brothers was not enough. YHVH had intentions to truly bless and, eventually, deliver Israel. In doing so, He evokes Pharaoh’s attention to multiply the goodness of the land on behalf of YHVH’s chosen people.

Our work for YHVH or for our flesh is noticed by many. Most importantly, it is seen and recorded by YHVH. Furthermore, He is the one that gets other’s attention when we walk. People around us are tuned to watch our success or our failure. Think about how you have driven by someone that is out of gas or has a mechanical failure and pondered how glad you were that it wasn’t you on the side of the road. Or, think about the success that many have and how your thoughts suddenly turn toward making more money or what it would be like if… We all watch other people; and, we are all being watched.

Through the observation of others, we are seen in positive or negative judgment. All of us want positive things to be said about us when our backs are turned. Nobody desires for slander or gossip to be stirred up about our character. Nevertheless, it happens every day.

Yosef had persevered to have his character tested, tried, and found righteous by all of Egypt via Pharaoh and adversity. His proven character garnished excitement on his behalf so that blessings were multiplied for all of Israel. Remember, Yosef’s actions were not about his desires, but for complete restoration and salvation for a family and possibly a foreseen future nation.

What do you intend to garnish from the observation of the Father and those that He places in your life? Have you been part of smear campaigns; or, do you esteem others when their backs are turned? How you talk and treat others while with people is how they will understand your actions when they are not around. This ideology is applicable to human relationships and our spiritual relationship with Yeshua. As a matter of fact, what you do in human terms shows Yeshua how you attest to Him. He is always watching.

Dwell upon Galatians 6:9-10, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”