Pistachio Nuts & Almonds
Most bible reading plans start off in the book of Genesis, which is fitting since it tells our story from the beginning. It’s the end of January and I have once again familiarized myself with Creation, The Flood and the great patriarchs. I have probably read Genesis far more than any of the other Old Testament books. It amazes me how know matter how often I read the same passages, something new draws my attention.
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift-a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds. Genesis 43:11 NIV
Mmmm, pistachio nuts and almonds! Yes, these are the words that struck me. I know you are like what is so interesting about nuts. Nothing in particular other than the fact these are my two favorites and I can relate to how these two nuts were included in the big gift pack for Joseph.
If you are not familiar with the story of Joseph, in a nutshell, while he was a teenager, Joseph was sold to be a slave by his own brothers. Through a series of circumstances Joseph find himself in prison and later through some supernatural dream interpretation he became second-in-command to Pharaoh. A famine had broken out and Egypt became the food center of the world. Joseph recognized his brothers when they came to Egypt to purchase food. His brothers did not recognize him, but they quickly noticed they had become his targets as he sent them back home to bring back the youngest brother, Benjamin.
When you think of the story of Joseph, often we are enamored by this man’s faith through some pretty serious circumstances. He could have chosen the bitter route, but he didn’t, he chose to trust God and flourish where God had placed him. Even more startling is Joseph’s decision to forgive instead of taking revenge when he had the opportunity.
While the nuts caught my eye during this particular read through, something more important came to mind while reading about this preparation of gifts. A transformation took place in Canaan while Joseph worked as a slave and prisoner in Egypt. I imagine during the days, months and years that went by Joseph’s brothers suffered. The decision they made that day probably tore at their hearts whenever they looked at their father’s (Jacob) grieving face. It brings a sense of hope to see how these brothers strived to protect Benjamin, the “remaining” son of Rachel, but years before out of pure jealousy and hatred, they thoughtlessly sold Rachel’s firstborn son. Judah was the ringleader in this hateful decision, but when Joseph tried to detain Benjamin in Egypt, look who spoke up.
“Now then, please let your servant [Judah] remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come upon my father.” Genesis 44:33-34 NIV
This man learned a lesson about love and the value of life. In his maturity, he no longer merely thought about himself and his obvious hurt over his father’s favoritism of Rachel’s sons. His love was genuine as he sought to protect the father and younger brother he loved.
How often do we make impulsive or plain bad decisions based on our emotions? Who do we grieve over and continuously pray that he/she might see the errors of his/her ways? The story of Joseph and his brothers gives hope that people DO change and that God has a purpose for every season of our lives. Even those seasons we wish we could forget! Don’t give up on that individual because it seems like he or she will never change. God is always working in the background preparing them (and us) for a specific purpose.
But God sent me [Joseph] ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:7 NIV
