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It is interesting that the portion Mikketz always falls at the time
of Chanukah, a time when we as G-d's people are remembering our fight
against assimilating to the world systems. In Yochanan 17, Yeshua
told us to remember that we are in the world but not of it. We cannot
live totally separated from it like many sects try to do, however
we are to be a light to it. That is often very difficult especially
to those who know that they are called to be in full time service
to G-d.
What
exactly does that look like? If we draw a lesson from the life of
Joseph, it will bring us a lot of insight. He was sold by his brothers
into a life of slavery; he spent 13 years in prison from the age
of 17 until 30 - first as a slave in the home of Potiphar where he
was falsely accused by his wife and then spent another 2 years or
more in the king's prison. Through all this, we never hear of him
complaining or murmuring against G-d or anyone. He accepted his fate
and always did the best he could with whatever he was given to do.
He never lost his trust or hope in the G-d of his fathers. Finally,
he was conveniently "remembered" by the cup-bearer who
was looking to gain points with Pharaoh and brought before Pharaoh
to interpret two dreams which no one else was able to do. Even in
this, Joseph never took the credit but instead gave all the glory
to G-d for his ability to understand and tell Pharaoh what he dreams
meant.
Wouldn't
it have been easy for Joseph to cry out to Pharaoh about all the
injustices that had been done to him; to claim compensation for all
his years in prison and to then put himself up on a pedestal for
his wonderful ability? There is an important principle here for us
to learn for those who believe that G-d has called us. It is not
important what we receive from man; it is important what we receive
from G-d and it doesn't always look like we want it to.
There
are days ahead which will look very much like the lean years which
Joseph spoke about to Pharaoh. They will be difficult and we need
to be ready. It is very easy to trust G-d when we can see his blessings.
If we look at our lives right now, we can easily count them. We have
a roof over our heads, plenty of food, hot running water, relatively
good health, healthy children and so much more when we take the time
to examine our lives closely. One day we may be thrown into the pit
like Joseph and live in very uncomfortable situations. Where will
our trust be then?
There
are those in the religious world who believe that they will be air-lifted
out of here before the terrible days of awe begin. Other religions
glorify the position of the martyr. Neither of these positions is
Biblical. There are also those in the religious world who say they
are serving G-d but it is really a business for them, an excellent
source of income. They are expert marketers but never lift a hand
to actually serve G-d. Let us be careful not to fall into these traps.
Are
you one of those who would do anything to preserve or extend your
life here on earth, working hard to store up for the hard times?
Have you forgotten that it is better to be eternally in His Presence?
I am certainly not advocating suicide but I am saying that we need
to take the Scriptures for what they say instead of what we would
like them to say. Do you really trust G-d?
Joseph's
life formed the preamble for the development of the nation of Israel.
This was done in a terrible environment; one of heathens, in a foreign
land. They lived in it but were separated from it, having been given
the sumptuous green lands of Goshen since they were shepherds. They
actually lived in a "shtetl" similar to the villages in
Europe where the Jews were forced to live so that they would not
contaminate the other people of the country.
A
similar thing happened in Germany as it had back in Egypt. Life became
very comfortable for the Jews and they began to assimilate with the
people of the land where they were living instead of understanding
that they had been chosen by G-d to be a light to them. The Jews
of Germany were leaving the shtetls and becoming "enlightened".
They forgot the language of their fathers and their faith in G-d
and preferred instead to convert to their gods in order to gain favor
and grow in stature, wealth and power. Thus Reform Judaism emerged;
a Judaism which followed the ways of the church instead of their
fathers. Shabbat was left behind and Sunday became the day of worship;
16 year old confirmation became the norm and assimilation was the
order of the day just like the Egypt and the days of the Maccabbees.
Little by little we were losing our identity. That is when the G-d
who created us stepped in to remind us that we did not choose ourselves
but that He chose us. The same thing is happening today and as He
did in the past, G-d will do whatever He chooses to do to keep us
in line for the sake of His holy Name.
Even
after Joseph was elevated to the highest position in the land after
Pharaoh, that of viceroy, he never forgot who he was or where he
came from. Everything that happened to him was for a purpose. G-d
used Joseph to preserve the nation of Israel and in so doing preserved
the world. Even though the world does not realize this, salvation
comes through the Jews as Rav Shaul said. G-d is fighting against
assimilation at every turn. For us, life will not be easy and we
need to be continuously keeping our eyes focused on Him. Let us constantly
be reminded from where our help comes.
The
message for the righteous gentiles who live among us, the ger is
that if you are part of us, you too will suffer for your decision.
Your life will change. It will be a sacrifice for your families will
not understand what you are doing. Most of the people who have left
this congregation did not want to pay such a high price. Relatives
have a lot of influence on you and you will want to be accepted by
them. It is the same for the Jews who accept Yeshua as Messiah and
who live in this foreign world. The reality is that world is still
stronger.
Ask
yourself…"am I following G-d or man?" Joseph as far
as we can see, never doubted and was faithful in good times and in
bad. The world has much to offer and it is natural to prefer to choose
what we can see, taste and feel than what we cannot. My challenge
to you today is to be like Joseph; always put G-d first and foremost
in your life no matter what.
May
G-d add blessings to His Word!
Rabbi
Percy Johnson
Netanel
ben Yochanan
[nxy
[b lantn
©
2008 Use by Permission
Kehilat
She’ar Yashuv
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