Vayigash - December 26, 2020

Torah Portion:
Vayigash - December 26, 2020
Torah: Genesis 44:18-47:27
Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

Portion Summary:
—Judah offers himself for Benjamin.
—Joseph finally reveals himself and offers to have his family take refuge in Egypt.
—Jacob takes his family; the members are listed.
—Pharaoh welcomes the family, Jacob blesses Pharaoh.
—Joseph continues to administer wisely, and Israel settles in Goshen.

Devotional by Janet Cothrell:

“For your servant became pledge for the boy with my father saying, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame before my father all my days.’ So now, please let your servant remain as my lord’s slave in the boy’s place, and let the boy go up with his brothers. For how can I go up to my father and the boy is not with me? Else I must see the evil that would come upon my father!” Genesis 44:32-34 (TLV)

Joseph was looking for proof that his brothers had repented of their actions toward him. He needed to see healing in his family relationships before he could trust them. Although he wanted very much to see his father, these brotherly bonds had to be mended first.

Even though Judah was not the firstborn, he took responsibility for Benjamin before his father and Pharaoh’s magistrate. Ironically, he was also the one who first suggested that the brothers sell their brother Joseph into slavery! He offered to become a slave in Benjamin’s place so that his little brother could continue to be with the family. This act deeply moved Joseph and led him to privately reveal himself to his brothers. He saw that he could become one of the family again!

It is joyful to see those who are hurtful to others become those who care for others! When this happens, our conversations can shift from who was in the right to becoming healing. Our bonds with those who we were alienated from can begin again!

Father,
I thank You for the hope of healing. I pray for those that I feel a distance with, either because of disagreement or of hurt, and that You will assist me in remaining loving. Please bring reconciliation between us.
In Yeshua’s name, amen.