How To Read Scripture, Part 6

As the hiker moves gradually through the forest, he gains information, insight, and guidance from careful observations along the way. However, the best part of any hike is taking the time to reflect on what cannot be experienced when we move too rapidly through the forest. When I was a boy hiking with my dad and brother through the Blue Ridge Mountains, my dad would often have us sit on a log for about 20 minutes and wait for the forest to come alive. Things began to appear--things we would have otherwise missed because of a quickened pace. Creatures began to emerge. Birds and squirrels found their way back into the clearings. A deer crept out from the late afternoon shadows as a chipmunk scurried by.

I remember camping out in chapter 40 of Genesis several years ago. Joseph was in prison and observed the discouraged faces of his two cellmates, the butler and the baker. He lovingly asked them why they were so sad. They told him they had had dreams that no one could interpret. What seemed like simple dialogue brought life to my soul through meditation. Had I remained at the lower levels, I would have missed the message waiting at the summit. What appeared to be an innocent question from Joseph was actually the turning point of all history. Had Joseph not inquired about his friends’ sadness, he would never have interpreted their dreams; had he never interpreted their dreams, Pharaoh would never have sent for Joseph to interpret his dream several years later. When Pharaoh saw the wisdom of Joseph he responded, “Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou” (Genesis 41:39-40). Consequently, Joseph’s life took on a whole new meaning. Just like the excitement in Joseph’s life, we are now at the summit. At first glance, one might ask what could possibly live at this elevation? However, Joseph’s life has many hidden treasures that, once discovered, give a 360-degree view of life that would otherwise be missed if we remained at the lower elevations.

Joseph was now in a position to sell grain to his 11 brothers and eventually reveal himself to them. The 12 tribes were birthed out of Joseph’s simple inquiry while in prison. The Messiah would come through the line of Judah. Through meditation I learned that what might seem like a small concern for others can in fact be used by God to change the world. That's the way I see things.