Devotion for Wednesday, November 18th
Kevin Peterson
Devotional Text: Genesis 42 (To read and even listen to this text for free, click here.)
Verse in Focus: Now Joseph was governor over the land. He was the one who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brothers came and bowed themselves before him with their faces to the ground. Joseph saw his brothers and recognized them, but he treated them like strangers and spoke roughly to them. "Where do you come from?" he said. They said, "From the land of Canaan, to buy food." And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him (Genesis 42:6-8).
Related Verse: If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:18-21).
Devotional Thought:
“Revenge is a dish best served cold.” This very familiar proverb has a very uncertain history, to be sure. Its first documented appearance seems to be in a 19th century French novel, subsequently translated into English. The novel, however, seems to use it as if it is an already existing proverb. But what is certain is that it made its way into popular culture through movies. In the Godfather series, it was quoted as an old Sicilian proverb by Michael Corleone, by Khan as a Klingon proverb in Star Trek II, and as just a well-known saying in Tarentino’s “Kill Bill” flicks.
But just what does this well-used proverb mean? Well, most often revenge is an act of passion—an emotional striking out at the offender while the offense is still fresh. An aggrieved husband killing his wife and her lover when he discovers them together in bed, would be a rather obvious example of this. The wisdom of the proverb states that revenge is far better when it is not carried out in the heat of passion. Instead, allow the mind to think rationally. Be patient. Bide your time. And then, when the time is right, bring down your wrath for maximum suffering for those who hurt you, while minimizing any backlash on yourself.
Let’s face it, Joseph is in the perfect—and I mean perfect—spot for dishing out an ultra cold helping of revenge. The last time he saw his brothers was when they were dragging him, bound and gagged, and selling him off to slave traders on their way to Egypt. They turned his whole world upside down. Sure, he had been a bit of a spoiled brat—but since when did that warrant the treatment he received at their hands? He has endured years of slavery and consignment to prison—all entirely undeserved—because of what they did to him.
Now the day, I suspect, he has long anticipated has finally come. I wonder ... did Joseph ever entertain any fantasies where his older brothers were concerned? Did he ever secretly ponder what he could do to them should they ever show up seeking grain? He had to have known it was a distinct possibility. I mean, all sorts of foreigners were coming to Egypt in search of food—the famine was that widespread. And Joseph knew how long it would last. As Joseph’s former family were located not all that far away in southern Palestine—their arrival at his doorstep was a foregone conclusion. It was just a matter of time.
And here they are, standing in front of him. He knows them. He no doubt still saw them in his dreams. But they did not recognize him. How perfect! What an incredible set-up! So what will Joseph do, now that the dream he first had as a boy has finally come true? Blessings on your day!
Vaya con Dios!
Pastor Peterson
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