Not Without My Brother

Maybe I'm just seeing things, but I find an interesting parallel between today's two scripture lessons that I had never considered before. 

Genesis 43 tells the continued story of Joseph and his now estranged family.  In this particular scene, we do well to note Joseph has been transformed from 'spoiled little brother' showing off his coat, to 'beat to a pulp brother' lying destitute in the ditch, to 'prisoner of the enemy brother' in Egypt.   Now, rather suprisingly, he is 'brother in charge' over the area food supply.  This role is so unexpected that the rest of his brothers don't even recognize him (a good reminder that keeping company with God can have that effect)!  At this point, Joseph is longing for reconciliation and it appears so close that he can almost taste it.  But not without the youngest brother of all, Benjamin.  Thus, after making veiled inquiries about Father Israel (Jacob), he tells them "You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you."   Upon returning home, Judah becomes the messenger.  In response, the Father is grieved to relinquish his son in this way, but he knows that such a priceless offering is the best path for the rest of the family.  How much better to only have to offer a bag of pistachio nuts for the occasion (43:11)!  What everyone will soon realize, however, is the great joy that comes when 'your brother' and 'my brother' is discovered to be one and the same--'our brother.'

In similar fashion, I believe, Mark 1:1 tells us about "the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."  Quoting Isaiah 40, he proceeds to declare: "See I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way..."  In the original Greek text, it translates as behold, I send the messenger of me before the face of thee...  In so doing, our brother John the Baptist comes to help make our paths straight.  It can be done, says the messenger, but not without our brother, Jesus.

Reconciliation happens when see him face to face!