Removing and Replacing

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son. Genesis 30:24

It is interesting to look into the life of Joseph. He was born into a family of strife, rejection, and competition. He had a mother and step-mother who were at odds. His mother, Rachel, is the one loved by her husband but is barren. In that culture it was more socially unacceptable to be barren than unloved. Her marriage followed a seven year wait only to have her sister given in her place. Imagine spending your first years of marriage as the second wife. And then to watch your sister conceive time and time again. Then your handmaidens. Although loved, grief and loneliness came from an aching heart. No other experience for me topped the ability to bear children. It is hard to rejoice with even friends when they are having children and you are unable to conceive yet. But imagine being in a marriage where your sister is the one conceiving.

What a precious verse that says “God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.” He touched the very part of her that had been her thorn. After Joseph’s birth she said, “God hath taken away my reproach.” Her shame and disgrace. What a picture of salvation! A limitless God reaching down to a limited person and removing our shame and disgrace of sin. He adopts us as His child and begins touching the areas of our lives that have wounds, disappointments, heartaches, etc… He brings purpose to our life.

Joseph was not born into the most ideal of families. He would not revel in the closeness of siblings. He would face many years of seeming to be under the control of other people’s choices for him. But none the less his life remains a stunning picture of God’s involvement, protection, and favor. God defined him, equipped him, blessed him, and prospered him. I belong to the same God!

Father, may I look back and see all You have done for me so far. I trust You with today and every tomorrow. Amen.