Because He Speaks for Us, We Can Be Honest

I love this little moment in Joseph's life with his father. He has brought him to this foreign land. Jacob probably apprehensive about what to expect does not realize that his own occupation could get him in a bit of trouble with Egyptians. So Joseph does what Christ does for us. He intercedes on his family's behalf.

Genesis 46:31–34 (ESV) Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 And the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

I see in this passage a form of confession and grace. Jacob and the 11 brothers are shepherds. This was not an honored profession in Egypt. In fact, it was an abhorrent profession. Joseph tells them as much and then he does something strange. He tells his family to be honest about their jobs which their new countrymen will hate. 

You can imagine how fearful this moment may have been for them. They may have thought about how they previously handled complicated situations like this. This family was built on so many deceptions (beginning with Jacob himself) and on down through the brothers in their many sinful tendencies. Yet now, they are now able to be exactly who they are without fear. Why? Because Joseph has gone before them and secured their standing as they are before the leader of the world.

In the same way, Hebrews describes Christ for us. He is our great high priest who has passed through the heavens and offered a perfect once and for all sacrifice. He has sat down having completed and secured our righteousness for the Father. He has made it completely possible for we to enter with boldness into the throne of grace. You can come to God as you are because Jesus has gone before Him as He is!


Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV) Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Notice what the Bible makes clear as well: We do not approach God as we are without Christ. For as we are is unacceptable. We are stained with sin. We are separated from God and at enmity with Him. But through Jesus, our great high priest at God's right hand, His family can come and boldly rely on the goodness of the Father.

Notice Pharaoh's response:
Genesis 47:5–6 (ESV) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”

They don't settle for the average land. They get the best. That is because Joseph had so pleased Pharaoh, nothing less than the best would do. To be a Christian is to live with the same expectation. God wants what is best FOR YOU. It may not always feel that way. And it may not materialize in wealth and possessions, but God longs to be good to His children who come to Him by faith in His Son!

We can and should expect the goodness of God. The Psalmist believed as much:
Psalm 27:13 (ESV) I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!

What an awesome redemption our true and better Joseph has secured for us.