Vayigash - Reading #3

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #3 -  Genesis 45:8–18

My Thoughts: 

I’m thinking about how Joseph’s brothers are rewarded. Simply for being his brothers. What is interesting is that they thought about killing Joseph and then allowed him to be sold into slavery. I am sure their consciences bothered them throughout the years, but now they are super gifted by Joseph -- even after all they have done. 

Would you do that? Have you had a situation where someone has “wronged” you, and instead of taking revenge on them you treat them with kindness and generosity? What a better and healed world we would live in if we did this.

Challenge: 

Think back on anyone you may have wronged. Maybe they are not acting forgiving and generous like Joseph did, so what can you do to repair what you have done? Pray about it. Maybe Hashem will show you something special you can do for them. If He does, do not delay in carrying out the task. The sooner the better. By doing so you will feel freedom.

Reading #3 - Genesis 45:8–18

8 So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but Elohim, and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “Elohim has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t wait. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children’s children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have.”’ 12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He kissed all his brothers, and wept on them. After that his brothers talked with him.

16 The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan. 18 Take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.’

Vayigash - Reading #2

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #2 - Genesis 44:31–45:7

My Thoughts: 

Joseph justifies the wrongdoings of his brothers by one simple sentence in Chapter 45:5 “Elohim sent me before you to preserve life." In other words, Hashem has used the past cruelty of the brothers to save literally thousands of people from starvation. Through a series of events, Hashem brings Joseph to the Pharaoh. He brings wisdom and a G-dly plan that saves his people. So, does that make what the brothers did okay? Obviously not. But, it seems many times through Scripture we see where Hashem will make something good out of something bad. He is faithful and just Elohim. And He doesn’t waste anything or any opportunity!

Challenge: 

Can you think of something terrible in your life that happened, but now see how Hashem used it for good? Even those who die who are close to us, Hashem can turn it for good. If you are in the middle of something sad or horrible right now, pray that Hashem will take it all and use it for good -- somehow, some way. Not just when it is over, but right now when things are really hard. You might be amazed when you see the good things He is doing.

Reading #2 - Genesis 44:31–45:7

44:31 It will happen, when he sees that the boy is no more, that he will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our father, with sorrow to Sheol.  32 For your servant became collateral for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I don’t bring him to you, then I will bear the blame to my father forever.’ 33 Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the boy, my lord’s slave; and let the boy go up with his brothers. 34 For how will I go up to my father, if the boy isn’t with me?—lest I see the evil that will come on my father.”

45 Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he called out, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 He wept aloud. The Egyptians heard, and the house of Pharaoh heard. 3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Does my father still live?”

His brothers couldn’t answer him; for they were terrified at his presence. 4 Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.”

They came near. He said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 Now don’t be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for Elohim sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be no plowing and no harvest. 7 Elohim sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to save you alive by a great deliverance.

Vayigash - Reading #1

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #1 - Genesis 44:18–30

My Thoughts: 

The last verse of this reading -- verse 30 reads;  “...Since his life is bound up in the boy’s life.” What exactly does that mean that Jacob’s life is “bound up” in Benjamin’s life? My thought is that Jacob totally lives his life through his son. That all he does and plans in his life revolves around Benjamin. Is that good or bad? It shows partially that he is a good parent, looking out for his son. But, as we all know, a “helicopter parent” -- one who “hovers” over his/her child -- is not a good thing. It can stunt growth and encourage dependency. Also as we see in future readings, this type of favoritism never fares well with the other siblings. The lesson to be learned here may be to be sure we treat all of our children fairly and equally.

Challenge: 

Today take a look at all your relationships. Your family, partner and friends. Do you show any favoritism toward any of them? What does that look like? Do you think it may be a good time to equalize that relationship to others around you? Take a hard look and make sure you are treating those whom you love equally. If you aren't, try and gradually change this. Those who love you will appreciate this.

Reading #1 - Genesis 44:18–30

18 Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’ 20 We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’ 21 You said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 We said to my lord, ‘The boy can’t leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ 23 You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’ 24 When we came up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25 Our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little food.’ 26 We said, ‘We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man’s face, unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 Your servant, my father, said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. 28 One went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces;” and I haven’t seen him since. 29 If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’  30 Now therefore when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us; since his life is bound up in the boy’s life;

Vayigash - Week #11

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Genesis 44:18-47:27

Ezekiel 37:15-28

Luke 24:30-48

1.1 First reading — Genesis 44:18–30

1.2 Second reading — Genesis 44:31–45:7

1.3 Third reading — Genesis 45:8–18

1.4 Fourth reading — Genesis 45:19–27

1.5 Fifth reading — Genesis 45:28–46:27

1.6 Sixth reading — Genesis 46:28–47:10

1.7 Seventh reading — Genesis 47:11–27

Miketz - Reading #7

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7

Apostolic Scriptures: Luke 24:13-29

Reading #7 - Genesis 43:30–44:17

My Thoughts:

Some curious Scripture in today’s reading. Joseph has his cup of “divination” planted in Benjamin's sack. He plots all this to bring him back. But, what is so interesting is why does Joseph have possession of an object of divination? A clear sin against the Father? It could be that he just owned the cup because it was tradition for those in royalty. It really isn’t clear if he ever used it. I am guessing that he did not. He seemed to be very blessed by Hashem and a righteous man. Nevertheless, could it be that Joseph was being a little assimilated into Egyptian pagan culture? Isn’t that what happens to us when we begin to hang out with people and go places that are not acceptable to Hashem? What is the “cup of divination” that you carry around? Search your heart.

Challenge: 

Instead of revealing himself to his brothers right away, he carries out plans of deception. Did he need to? What would have happened if he just exposed the truth in the beginning? Do you ever do this? Instead of being “real” with someone you play games first? Search your conscience and see if you have been manipulating a situation that should not be. And try to confront it with truth instead. Right away. You will be blessed.

READING #7 - Genesis 43:30–44:17

43:30 Joseph hurried, for his heart yearned over his brother; and he sought a place to weep. He entered into his room, and wept there. 31 He washed his face, and came out. He controlled himself, and said, “Serve the meal.”

32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians don’t eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 They sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth, and the men marveled with one another. 34 He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.

44 He commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in his sack’s mouth. 2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, with his grain money.” He did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men. When you overtake them, ask them, ‘Why have you rewarded evil for good? 5 Isn’t this that from which my lord drinks, and by which he indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.’” 6 He overtook them, and he spoke these words to them.

7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing! 8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal silver or gold out of your lord’s house? 9 With whomever of your servants it is found, let him die, and we also will be my lord’s slaves.”

10 He said, “Now also let it be according to your words. He with whom it is found will be my slave; and you will be blameless.”

11 Then they hurried, and each man took his sack down to the ground, and each man opened his sack. 12 He searched, beginning with the oldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey, and returned to the city.

14 Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, and he was still there. They fell on the ground before him. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can indeed do divination?”

16 Judah said, “What will we tell my lord? What will we speak? How will we clear ourselves? Elohim has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s slaves, both we and he also in whose hand the cup is found.”

17 He said, “Far be it from me that I should do so. The man in whose hand the cup is found, he will be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.”

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts:

Prophecy claiming G-d as “Hashem of armies”. What armies? I believe Hashem is the Commander of the angels in heaven. Is that reassuring to you? That the one we serve is the ultimate Chief. With His supreme control over the armies of heaven -- there will never be defeat. This is a very comforting thought. In all reality we have nothing to worry about. Even if the world is spinning around us and sin abounds, we know the “end” of the story. G-d wins! He has all the victory!

Challenge: 

In chapter 4:6 we hear Hashem saying, “...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.” That is how Hashem moves in the Kingdom of Heaven. By His Spirit. Have you thought about the Spirit of Hashem lately? Have ever prayed that His Spirit fills you -- surrounds you in your life? So that you could be used by Him in mighty and wonderful ways? I encourage you to pray this prayer today! And experience a life change.

Haftarah: Zechariah 3-4:7

3 He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before Hashem’s angel, and Satan standing at his right hand to be his adversary. 2 Hashem said to Satan, “Hashem rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Hashem who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”

3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel. 4 He answered and spoke to those who stood before him, saying, “Take the filthy garments off him.” To him he said, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing.”

5 I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.”

So they set a clean turban on his head, and clothed him; and Hashem’s angel was standing by. 6 Hashem’s angel protested to Joshua, saying, 7 “Hashem of Armies says: ‘If you will walk in my ways, and if you will follow my instructions, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by. 8 Hear now, Joshua the high priest, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are men who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring out my servant, the Branch. 9 For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave its engraving,’ says Hashem of Armies, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 In that day,’ says Hashem of Armies, ‘you will invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’”

4 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 He said to me, “What do you see?”

I said, “I have seen, and behold, a lamp stand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it; 3 and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it.”

4 I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”

5 Then the angel who talked with me answered me, “Don’t you know what these are?”

I said, “No, my lord.”

6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is Hashem’s word to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says Hashem of Armies. 7 Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and He will bring out the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace, to it!’”

Apostolic Scripture Reading

My Thoughts:

Yeshua meets two men on His journey. Only they don’t recognize Him. This gives Him a chance to instruct them about Scripture and His specific prophecies. What I find interesting is that these were men that probably had spent years learning Scripture, but it took Yeshua in person to make things clear to them. It is my prayer that Hashem will open OUR EYES to the truth of Scripture. That He will teach us, just like Yeshua taught these two men. That we will understand and be ready when He returns. That we will recognize Him when He returns.

Challenge: 

Spend some time looking up prophetic Scripture regarding the Messiah. Some say there is the “Suffering Servant” Messiah and the Messiah that comes as King and Ruler. We know the first has come, now we must study how He will come again to this planet. To rule and reign forever. We must get ready so that we can recognize Him and believe it is Him. It’s time to do this.

Apostolic Scriptures: Luke 24:13-29

13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 While they talked and questioned together, Yeshua Himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”

18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”

19 He said to them, “What things?”

They said to him, “The things concerning Yeshua, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before Elohim and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see Him.”

25 He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, He explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 They came near to the village where they were going, and He acted like He would go further.

29 They urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”

He went in to stay with them.

Miketz - Reading #6

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #6 - Genesis 43:16–29

My Thoughts:

Isn’t it amazing that a supposedly Egyptian ruler (Joseph) says to Benjamin in v.29 “G-d be gracious to you.” Is he speaking of the Hashem of Abraham, or is he just speaking to “their'' G-d?  In other words, do his brothers just think he is recognizing their G-d, and of course not really believing in Him? Probably. But, in all reality Joseph really did believe in the one true Elohim. I have friends who recognize the Hashem I serve, but they do not believe in Him. Not yet. It is my prayer that I will be His light to them, and that they will be attracted to His light. And that ultimately they will choose to believe in the one true Elohim. 

Challenge: 

I challenge you today to be such a “light” to those around you that do not yet believe in Hashem. To reflect His love, His truth and that He is Life. That you would so strongly reflect Him, that they would say to you, “G-d be gracious to you.” Even though they do not yet believe in Him. Pray about how you can be that “light”.

READING #6 - Genesis 43:16–29

43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”

17 The man did as Joseph commanded, and the man brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18 The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” 19 They came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food. 21 When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand. 22 We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.”

23 He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the G-d of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” He brought Simeon out to them. 24 The man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys fodder. 25 They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves down to the earth before him. 27 He asked them of their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?”

28 They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly. 29 He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” He said, “G-d be gracious to you, my son.”

Miketz - Reading #5

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #5 - Genesis 42:19–43:15

My Thoughts:

This reading seems to be abundant in “fear”. The brothers are fearful for their lives, for their brother’s lives and for the reaction of their father. And probably fearful of starvation and accusation of stealing money. Jacob is fearful that he might lose Benjamin. It seems like not only in Scripture, but in our own lives that fear dominates us at times. I know it has happened in my life. It is so easy to trust Hashem when things are going well, but when they are not -- we exhibit great fear. Maybe we need to practice having trust when little disturbing things happen in our lives, so when larger things come our way we are more prepared. Also, it is good to have other people pray for us during those tough times. They can help us to have “peace” during hard situations.

Challenge: 

Regret. Clearly the brothers are displaying regret for what they did to Joseph years ago. They feel that the sin of abandoning him is now “catching” up with them. Do you have any regrets in your life? Is there something you can do to repair what you have done? Spend some time in prayer and ask Hashem to show you. Ask Him if there is a way to fix what has occurred -- to restore the situation to something good. I know it’s hard to do things like that, but rather than regret it forever.

READING #5 - Genesis 42:19–43:15

9 If you are honest men, then let one of your brothers be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses. 20 Bring your youngest brother to me; so will your words be verified, and you won’t die.”

They did so. 21 They said to one another, “We are certainly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us, and we wouldn’t listen. Therefore this distress has come upon us.” 22 Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen? Therefore also, behold, his blood is required.” 23 They didn’t know that Joseph understood them; for there was an interpreter between them. 24 He turned himself away from them, and wept. Then he returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes. 25 Then Joseph gave a command to fill their bags with grain, and to restore each man’s money into his sack, and to give them food for the way. So it was done to them.

26 They loaded their donkeys with their grain, and departed from there. 27 As one of them opened his sack to give his donkey food in the lodging place, he saw his money. Behold, it was in the mouth of his sack. 28 He said to his brothers, “My money is restored! Behold, it is in my sack!” Their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that Elohim has done to us?” 29 They came to Jacob their father, to the land of Canaan, and told him all that had happened to them, saying, 30 “The man, the lord of the land, spoke roughly with us, and took us for spies of the country. 31 We said to him, ‘We are honest men. We are no spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father; one is no more, and the youngest is today with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33 The man, the lord of the land, said to us, ‘By this I will know that you are honest men: leave one of your brothers with me, and take grain for the famine of your houses, and go your way. 34 Bring your youngest brother to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest men. So I will deliver your brother to you, and you shall trade in the land.’”

35 As they emptied their sacks, behold, each man’s bundle of money was in his sack. When they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were afraid. 36 Jacob, their father, said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children! Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin away. All these things are against me.”

37 Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Kill my two sons, if I don’t bring him to you. Entrust him to my care, and I will bring him to you again.”

38 He said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him along the way in which you go, then you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.”

43 The famine was severe in the land. 2 When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little more food.”

3 Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you’ll send our brother with us, we’ll go down and buy you food; 5 but if you don’t send him, we won’t go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’”

6 Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly, telling the man that you had another brother?”

7 They said, “The man asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ We just answered his questions. Is there any way we could know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down?’”

8 Judah said to Israel, his father, “Send the boy with me, and we’ll get up and go, so that we may live, and not die, both we, and you, and also our little ones. 9 I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever; 10 for if we hadn’t delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now.”

11 Their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the man, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds; 12 and take double money in your hand, and take back the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take your brother also, get up, and return to the man. 14 May Elohim Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.”

15 The men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and got up, went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.