Ramadan

    I saw that Ramadan was a religious holiday, but I did not know anything about it.  In the Jewish calendar it is the ninth month set aside by Muslims for fasting.  I am not going to go against a religious holiday, but I also do not believe as the Muslims believe.  Their religion seems to be based on so much hate especially toward Christians like me.  So, I am going to acknowledge Ramadan to focus praying for the Muslim community.  It is not becoming a personal religious system, so I will not be fasting.  It last until May 23 at night fall.  If you want to join me, lets spend the next month praying for the people that hate us: Muslims, non-Christians, enemies, anyone.

    Speaking of people taking care of people that hate them, lets get back to Joseph and his life.  His brothers were back home where they felt safe, but the food they had gotten began to run out.  They had to start making plans on how to survive.  Israel wanted them to return to Egypt to get more, but he seemed to forget what they must take with if they returned: Benjamin.  They probably thought that none of them would ever return if they dared go without him.  The dire situation and Judah's vow that Benjamin would return no matter what forced Israel to see things more clearly.  He finally submitted to them to take Benjamin.  He allowed it, but he spent a fair amount of time pouting.  It is sad that he seemed to care so much for one son over all the others.  

    When the 10 brothers entered the city in Egypt, Joseph saw that they had indeed brought Benjamin with them.  He was truly happy to see his baby brother.  He held a feast for the 11 of them in his home.  Simeon who had stayed behind got to join his brothers.  Joseph found this all overwhelming, but he hid it well.  His storm of emotions was still raging within.  It was a lot to deal with and it was taking a toll on him.  Joseph left the room, so that they would not see how his emotions were coming to the surface.  Once he regained composure and washed his face, he returned to the gathering.  The Jewish custom does not allow Jews to sit at the same table as a Gentile (in this case Egyptian).  Joseph was still acting like an Egyptian, so he ate separated from them.  Maybe he felt like it had to be this way since he had given up such customs long ago to survive.  I do wonder where his wife and children were during all of this.

    Things have not changed when it comes to the storm of emotions and never will.  Many things change over the years, but there are some constants.  The only thing that is different is the players and the circumstances behind the situation.  That means we can find comfort in prayer, the Word, and in finding unity with other people.  If you search you will find people that have faced similar things as you.  Emotions are real and if you feel alone it is because this is the first time this has affected you.  You are not alone.  Your feelings are valid, but we all have to learn how to handle them in a healthy way.

Genesis 43