The Inside Story

PRAY Jesus, draw me closer to you as I read and reflect today

READ Genesis 42 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2042;&version=31;

REFLECT Have you ever heard the expression, "What goes around comes around?" In our reading today Joseph realises that it's payback time! His brothers were not thinking about the cruel things they had done to him in the desert years earlier - they were simply trying to find some food for the family. The question is, do you think Joseph took pleasure in accusing his brothers of being spies? (42: 7-17)

However as we dig deeper we realise that our story today is not simply a story of revenge there is something deeper going on. Take Joseph for example, on the surface he appeared to be extremely powerful and in control. Inside though was a different story - he was longing for the love and acceptance of his family (42:22-24; 43:30).

The brothers seemed like honest, responsible family men doing their duty in a time of crises. But inside they were racked with guilt (42:21) and afraid that at any moment God would "zap" them. And as for Jacob - he looked like the wise family patriarch. But inside he had become bitter and afraid.

Have you ever felt the tension of trying to look good while you feel miserable? We all experience this at some point and it is one of the worst dilemmas of life. But looking good alone will never solve our problems. In fact, looking good makes it more difficult to get help. "How can I admit the way I really feel when people think I am such a good parent/employee/pastor/christian? They'll never understand"

Therapy can identify our inner problems but only God through his Holy Spirit can truly resolve them. That's why the church is not a place for people who think they are perfect, rather its a place where people can be healed and set free.

APPLY What do people think about you? How are you feeling on the inside today? Are there issues you need to resolve? What steps could you take this week?