Torah Portion--Parashat Vayigash-And Came Near Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 44:18-47:27; Ecclesiastes 1:9; Isaiah 11:11-13; Genesis 31:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; Hosea 3:5, 11:2

We are walking in today:  Torah Portion--Parashat Vayigash-And Came Near Genesis 44:18-47:27

Witness came near throughout the Bible:  H7127 to draw near, to approach
Genesis 19:9, 27:27, 33:3, 33:6-7, 37:18, 43:19, 44:18, 45:4; Numbers 36:1; Deuteronomy 1:22, 4:11, 5:23; Joshua 17:4; Judges 20:24; 1 Kings 18:30, 18:36; Jeremiah 42:1; Daniel 3:26, 8:17; Acts 9:3, 21:33

This portion we find Joseph as the second in power, in Egypt and dealing with his brothers, who do not yet know who he is.  They are in the middle of a discussion regarding Joseph's directive given to them to purchase food for the family back home.  Judah is now taking a leadership role in his charge to protect the youngest son, Benjamin.  Where the elder brothers failed in their leadership roles here Judah is now in a protective role over his younger brother and to preserve his father's feelings.  Recall that when Joseph was sold as slave at the idea of Judah to not kill him but to make a profit from his life--he also participated in bringing Joseph's coat soaked in blood as proof to his death, to their father.  The stance that Judah takes in protecting Benjamin and letting Joseph know that he even pledged his life to guarantee his safety at the comfort of their father.  This bold and unrelenting position to keep the younger brother safe is now in effect as it could have been when Joseph was in peril.  With Joseph being sent ahead to Egypt in the manner that he was--all orchestrated by Yahweh's hand to deliver out the whole house of Israel in a time of famine.  The lengths that Judah went through with his brothers in the deception of their father in the lost of his favorite son are now clouded in the protection of Benjamin.  Now we find that Judah will now stand up for what is right and protect his family.  At this point Joseph tells his brothers who he is, letting them know that they don't need to fear him, even telling them to come near to him.  They were no longer to worry for this was all done to prepare the way for the rest of the family.  At Joseph's preference with Pharaoh, wagons of supplies were sent to bring Jacob and the rest of their belongings to move to Goshen.  This shows us the restoration of Joseph to his brothers and Jacob receiving him back alive. 
Fiveamprayer we have to see ourselves in this portion.  The things that Joseph went through were all for a purpose.  This is the plan of Avinu Malkenu, our Father our King.  Their are situations that we go through not for our benefits but those around us.  Or it can be the process to bring us to the appointed place or time.  For the all-seeing, all-knowing Elohim--plans will be realized!  In our processing we learn patience, trusting in He who is worthy of our trust.  When we really look at the whole situation we find that no one but Him set forth or prevented what could or would have happened.  We are learning more and more of the ancient paths and have set our feet upon what has been established of old.  Yahweh, open up our understanding to Your Way, Truth and Life!  For all else fails utterly!  Thank you for refining us, and having us to lead the way out to those caught in the same situation with us.  That we could be a beacon of light of Your glory and holiness.  Will we remain in position and right standing with You or attempt to wield our own power without You?  To hear this again click here.