The Guilty Party

I wrote this poem after reading much of Genesis during my morning quiet time. What intrigued me was seeing how the Joseph story mirrors the story of Christ. I am not trying to spiritualize Genesis. I am not arguing that somehow the story of Joseph is an allegory. Rather, I am drawing parallels between Joseph’s brothers and us today.

As a human race, we come to Jesus poor and needy. We have nothing to offer yet are hungry. Like Joseph and his brothers, He was one of us, yet we rejected Him. We deserve worse than nothing—we deserve justice and retribution—yet because of the favor the King has shown Him, and the undeserved favor He chooses to show us, we receive the King's best portion. The one we betrayed, the one thought to be dead, is alive again, not seeking vengeance, but holding His arms out with joy and forgiveness.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you, and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land.” Genesis 47:5-6

I am not the king who raised him to his place.

I am not the father of Israel’s chosen race.

I am not his steward, serving at his side.

I am not his blushing, new Egyptian bride.

I am not the cupbearer, restored to my position.

I am not his servant, who attends him in submission.

I am not his subjects, who bow and make a way

For the one who was exalted on that unexpected day.

I am not the woman who tried desperately to hold him.

No, I am his brothers who in greed and hatred sold him.

There is a famine in all the world, yet the king is giving

To me the blessings of the one who, though dead, is living.