S) " 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,' that you may live in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians."
Genesis 46:33-34 (NASB)
O) The word "loathsome," used here, is also translated as "an abomination." That is strong language, Joseph used. Egyptians hated shepherds, and his entire family was just that. He warned his family to be honest about their work, though, because Joseph knew how Pharaoh would react. He knew that they would be separated into a land that could become their own, in the land of Goshen. Despite God bringing them into a foreign land, that hated their livelihood, they needed to face it without fear. God was in the middle of doing a mighty thing, in providing for this fledgling nation.
A) There is a lot of foreshadowing in these verses, to the warnings and promises Jesus made (see Luke 6:22, for example). There was a long period of time, when being a Christian in this country was a given. While I'd still rather be a Christian in the United States than any other country, it's getting harder and harder to open about my faith, without feeling the pressure of misconceptions, ridicule, or even open disdain. The Bible is pretty clear, this is only going to get worse. The important thing for me to remember, is that the opposition I may face about who I am is planned by God. Joseph warned his family to be truthful because there was a plan to use the social opposition for God's purposes. In a similar way, I need to trust that the social opposition I feel about who I am, who I have been since I was a youth until now, this may still glorify God and fulfill His plans.
P) Father, Your plans are so much bigger than I can know. You see everything in truth and light, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. You know all things, in all time, from every point of view. Nothing surprises You, and You are always prepared. No one could ever give You advice about how to proceed, or give input about what may come to pass. You know it all and make no mistakes. You warned Your followers, Lord, that there will be hatred for being a disciple of Jesus. Let me take comfort, if I ever face true persecution, that I am only being treated as my master was treated. Everything up until that point, let me focus only on glorifying You, Father. Let Your will be done, even using social opposition as an opportunity to allow You to bless me and accomplish Your plans. Let Your will be done in my life, but also in Your kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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