The note below was written by my Dad on November 19, 2010, many years before He went home to be with the LORD (for those of you unchurched people, that's the religious talk way of saying, he passed away). He published it on FaceBook originally, and I am taking the time now to send it around again this time via blog post. My Dad loved the LORD more than anything in the world (which is saying something, because he really loved his family a lot!). He had so much to teach and sadly, and I'm ashamed to admit I didn't always listen as I should. But that is one failing I don't have to regret. So much of his teaching lives on, and we can learn and grow from it still. So without further ado...
Joseph's Schooling
Today's
triennial Torah Portion is Genesis 39
Joseph has in
the past had a prophecy concerning his future in which his brothers and his
father and his mother would bow down to him. His brothers and his father
had initiated him into his schooling at that time by his brothers anger at him
for his prophecies. His father had kept what Joseph said in his heart but
was angry with him. (Genesis 37.)
The 2nd
part of his schooling was when his brothers sold him into slavery. Now
YHWH had a great job for Joseph but Joseph was not ready. He is in school
as he travelled to Egypt as a slave.
This brings us
to today's Triennial Torah Portion.
We have the 3rd
part of Joseph's schooling in chapter 39: 1-6, Joseph is sold to
Potipher. If you will notice however, this is the important
part: YHWH is preparing Joseph for a great work and so he must endure
by patience which comes from faith and hope as he learns what he needs to know
to do the great work. Notice that even as a slave, YHWH is with
Joseph. Notice YHWH blesses Joseph even as a slave. Our
testings may seem hard but we must keep trusting the Creator for we can
be blessed in the middle of out testings even as the Master prepares us
for greater works in the future.
The 4th part of
Joseph's schooling (Genesis 39: 7-23) comes when he is tempted by
Potipher's wife and then falsely accused and thrown in the King's
prison. Most followers of the Creator maybe would begin to
doubt. But notice Joseph is not alone for YHWH was still with him.
Who would believe the place of communion with the Creator would be the prison
of the King of Egypt. If Joseph was anywhere else he would not have been
where YHWH wanted him. Once again he is blessed by the Creator.
"Now no testing at this time seems pleasant but in the future it yields
the fruit of righteousness." Hang in there when HaShem is teaching
you, there are greater works ahead.
In His Name,
Merton
