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Fellowship at Cross Creek
Gen. 43:1ff
  A Place to Cry…
4.27.14

Intro… Israel bemoans the fact that he has to entrust his youngest son in the hands of his older brothers in order to obtain grain to save the entire family. When his sons do reach Egypt and are escorted to the home of the harsh, mistrustful ruler that they have been having to deal with, they fear that the slavery they sold their younger brother into many years ago is about to unjustly overtake them. Joseph, gazing upon the younger brother whom he thought he would never see again, as well as, witnessing the fulfillment of his youthful visions, is now caught off guard by the thoughts, feelings and emotions he is experiencing and must find a private place to weep. Fears and tears.

Have you ever caught yourself feeling all or any of the emotions being described within this story…whining about water that has already gone under the bridge or fearing the worst case scenario or being suddenly brought to tears without having even see it come to pass?

I had a small moment like this just last night. It seemingly came out of nowhere. I was watching a film in which the dog reminded me of our Cairn Terrier Gracie which we had for just under 15 years and whom we lost almost five years ago. I would take winter naps with her on the couch in which she would lay on my stomach. I treasured those days. And then she was gone. I remember looking heavenward and telling God that it’s not fair that a pet can live long enough to become deeply rooted into one’s heart, but not long enough to go the full distance. So far we have not replaced her. And I have had perhaps hundreds of other moments within my lifetime when emotions suddenly came exploding out to the surface.

These are not bad. They just mean that something in the present is lancing a boil of previous pent up hurt, anger, sorrow, fear, trauma or joy. Thoughts are connecting. The brain says I know this thought, this feeling. We have been here before because I filed it right over…oops! Already there are you? In tears? Yep. I was about to tell you that this previous moment was powerful, so you had better be prepared to cry, and crying is not bad. Crying can be very cathartic. Very healing. So go ahead and have your cry…

If you have had one of those moments, then you know what Joseph may be feeling within this story…

Recently, we began a new unit or section or person of study…the life of Joseph. Essentially, the story of Joseph, is for the most part, our story. Chosen by God for a special purpose, Joseph must first endure much suffering and injustice before arriving at his God-ordained purpose and calling, and what a purpose it will be.

As we read, I want you to continue pondering, your special identity in Christ, and that just because you may be going through difficult days, your suffering…your waiting is NOT in vain. As God’s child…as God’s children, just as with Joseph and his brothers, you…we…all have a purpose in Christ (Romans 8; Eph. 1; 1 Peter 1).

Your servant,

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