Genesis 50:19-21
As we reflect on Joseph’s harsh experiences in Egypt, it can be unwittingly overlooked that Egypt needed this refugee – immigrant as much as this refugee – immigrant needed Egypt. As Joseph’s odyssey into Egypt began, little did they know at that time, that their deliverance and preservation were mutually dependent upon each other. Joseph indeed finds asylum in Egypt, but never can it be denied that Egypt benefits greatly by entertaining this stranger in their midst. This point is made for us when Joseph declares “…For God did send me before you to preserve life” (Genesis 45:5). It is further driven home when, he further enlightens the reader by stating “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20). Not only is Joseph used to save his own shameful brothers, but God uses him to save all of Egypt and many others. If only we could see up ahead! Those whom we casually overlook and treat disparagingly sometimes, end up being our savior! May God help us not to have such a hard time understanding that we are all mutually dependent upon each other. I need you! You need me!
Sometimes even as children of God, we tend to forget that this whole land, this whole world in which we live, is borrowed space and that we are all tenants, and to a certain degree, all landed immigrants, all on our ways home. I reiterate, we are all living on borrowed-time, in borrowed space and according to the Holy Writ, we are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13), even though we often like to think of ourselves as owners, citizens and permanent residents on planet earth. We readily forget how fragile, impermanent, and perishable we all are. The fact, that we came here before others, should not make us arrogant and territorial, but rather humble and more desirous of helping each other out. The unchangeable Word of God still enjoins us “…by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
Joseph received the clear vision that Egypt was to be a source of blessing, survival, and sustenance to the rest of the world. It has always been the divine intent that the “haves” share with the “have-nots.” This has never changed! Any nation, individual or church that has been blessed cannot afford to forget the less privileged and less fortunate. The more developed nations of the world owe a debt to the less developed nations of the world, to help lift them and come alongside them as much as possible. That we are our brother’s keeper is a foundational truth of Scripture, not just a pious platitude, but a principle to be diligently enacted and painstakingly observed. That’s the message of heaven and must remain the message of this church.
We, as His church, have a global responsibility. We must yet have a global vision, actively involved with global missions, driven by a Christ-like global worldview. The universe matters! We as Americans cannot forget others. This church must remain an all-nations, a church not only in mouth but in practice, not only in precept but by example.
As the living body of Christ, may God help us to feel committed to those not as blessed and favored as we are. We remain convinced that the great commission is universal in scope and that our God still loves the “cosmos” (John 3:16). Any nation, entity, or individual that is blessed and chooses not to bless others, seals their own doom. We as His people cannot be blessed and forget the strangers within our own gates. That’s what this inerrant, infallible, authoritative book says. It says “Love ye therefore, the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). This we will do, as we help each other out until the work is done!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
