Joseph on a Journey
Scripture Reading — Genesis 37:12-17
“Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.”
—Genesis 37:14
In this short segment of the story we see a caring father sending his son to see about the welfare of his other sons and the family flocks. This is a mission to ensure that all is well.
Joseph makes the journey to Shechem, and he puts his heart into it. Unable to find his brothers at first, he doesn’t abandon his mission but keeps on searching.
A local resident notices him, and he’s curious about this stranger who is “wandering around.” The man asks Joseph who he’s looking for, learns the facts, and points him toward Dothan. So Joseph heads that way, adding more distance to his journey.
This picture of a father sending, and a son obeying and persevering—all to ensure the well-being of others in the family—might remind us of Jesus’ mission to God’s people. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was sent into the world by the Father to call out to us, his “sheep,” to find us, and to ensure our eternal well-being (see John 6:38-40; 10:27-30).
In addition, Joseph would soon be in a dire situation that can also remind us of Jesus’ mission: “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (John 1:11).
Jesus comes calling for us too. Have you met him? Have you received him well?
Lord Jesus, thank you for refusing to allow people’s rejections to hinder your mission from the Father. Thank you for coming to find us and to secure our well-being forever. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Kenneth D. Koeman
Rev. Ken Koeman is a pastor at Bellevue, Washington, Christian Reformed Church. He has written Today devotions in past years and has also authored numerous articles for The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church. Ken and his wife, Kay, live in Bellevue and have two children and five grandchildren.
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