The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 43:29-32, “As (Joseph) lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, he said, ‘Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?’ And he said, ‘May God be gracious to you, my son.’
30 Joseph hurried out for he was deeply stirred over his brother, and he sought a place to weep; and he entered his chamber and wept there.
31 Then he washed his face and came out; and he controlled himself and said, ‘Serve the meal.’
32 So they served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is loathsome to the Egyptians.”

Have you ever been faced with eating something you vehemently disliked? Have you ever been faced with eating with someone you vehemently disliked? Probably you could recall several instances.

Now, together in Joseph’s house in Egypt, the twelve brothers came together for a meal. It was Joseph’s first glimpse in many months of his youngest brother, Benjamin. Emotionally moved by the situation, Joseph rushed from the room to hide his tears. When he composed himself and returned to his brothers, Joseph was served separately from his brothers and from the Egyptians of Joseph’s household.

We are told in these verses that the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews. In all probability, there are some people with whom (for various reasons) we would elect not to share a meal. Perhaps, the most acceptable reason for such a refusal would be our unwillingness to be thought acceptable with some of their ways.

It is necessary, however, that we show Christian love to those who do not follow Christ. We just must not neglect to show love, even to the unlovely. That was Jesus’ way. He suffered ridicule for eating with sinners, while those who ridiculed Him were as guilty of sin as were those they accused. It was Solomon who said, “The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips” (Prov. 16:23). May God richly bless you!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom