Day 7: Vayigash/Genesis 44:18-47:27

The opening words of B’reisheet 44:18 are “and came near.” This is where we get the name for the Torah portions, from the first few words of that reading. The words “and came near” are translated from the Hebrew word Vayigash.

Judah “came near” to the second in command over all of Egypt. He approached with fear and trembling, humility, and submissiveness. Judah went to Yoseph seeking pardon for sins he and his brothers, specifically Benjamin, had not committed. They were guilty until proven innocent and, in this manner, Judah had nothing else to lose but to boldly approach Pharaoh’s, right-hand man.

The book of Esther is another excellent example of how and how not to approach the king. Preparation time, prayer, fasting, and right-standing relationships are all prerequisites to come before majesty unannounced or in a defensive posture.

Peter demonstrated how not to make this approach when he tried to draw near to Yeshua during His transfiguration without the humility or wisdom that was required of him. Unlike Esther who was welcomed, Peter was rebuked by the very voice of Elohim.

We must have boldness to approach the throne of YHVH, even though the blood and life of Messiah. This is not boldness to just barge into the throne room of the Creator. (One should have a perspective that the Holy of Holies is the picture of YHVH’s throne room and that it is also a wedding chamber of our King. You do not just open the door or drop by the bedroom of the Master.) Boldness is coming to the place where the King will see us as His bride and beckon us to come further into His abode (in front of the veil at the Golden Altar). Boldness is to ask for His permission, forgiveness, and audience as anticipation of perfect love being returned as an answer.

This boldness has faith that is the byproduct of belief, obedience, and righteousness in and through the Son. Moreover, the boldness that YHVH requires of us is a complete loss of self-preservation in regard to our flesh and sin nature. In other words, if we die at the doorway, that is an acceptable outcome.

YHVH’s perfection demands that we are emptied out of ourselves as we dare to approach Him with a petition and the truest of worship. It is not enough for us to simply venture into the King’s chambers, but we must have the audacity to accept what the world despises and decries as foolish, and then apply that to our lives.

Judah drew near to Pharaoh as an act of righteousness and faithfulness to his father and brothers, specifically Benjamin. His boldness steps forward and be heard was an aspect of self-abandonment. Judah had abandoned his own freedom for the sake of preserving his father’s well-being and Benjamin’s freedom. He was willing to lay down his life for the sake of others. Not only do his actions stir Yosef to emotion, but it compels him to, at last, reveal himself to his brothers.

What pluck do we have so as to move the Father to compassion or reveal Himself to us? Yes, we have the revelation of the Father as Yeshua, and that is enough; however, are you satisfied with the knowledge of redemptive history? Or, do you dare seek the face, the audience of one, for a personal encounter today? We are tested, even as Yosef tested his brothers, for a reason. Ask Yeshua for His boldness, but be prepared for the encounter.

Dwell upon James 4:5-10, “He jealously desires the Ruach whom He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘YHVH is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit therefore to YHVH. But resist the adversary, and he will flee from you. Come close to YHVH and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of YHVH, and He will exalt you.”