Wrong Corrections
Gen 48:18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.
This devotional is not to encourage rebellion or disobedience – but it is possible that the correction you are proposing is wrong – not of God. How can you be correcting your spiritual father or leader? It is true that you appear to have observed the mistakes of a blind man and have said nothing but now you must correct the elder on an important matter. You are convinced that you have a clearer sight and keener senses? Often when we notice failing physical senses, we conclude the spiritual is also in decline. But not necessarily. Your leader may be aging, but his spiritual insight may still be razor sharp. Indeed Joseph had observed the blindness and it was obvious that Jacob who was in need of a guide to be led around will need help in blessing correctly. Joseph concludes that here was a man who was ready to plunge into error. Joseph proceeded like any other would – moving decisively and meaning well to correct Jacob – but this was a wrong correction.
Often times, youth will observe the faltering steps and the shaky steps of elders and come quickly to the conclusion that God has ceased to work through His authority in a situation. Remember that physical aspects are often very different from spiritual …and being able to drive home unaided or push aggressively on a matter is extremely different from spiritual accuracy.
Joseph was young, strong – the star in Egypt – the Prime Minister of a great nation – but he was very wrong spiritually and had perhaps the right heart but his father had a discernment that was for the far future – a dimension completely unseen to the young Joseph.
It is great to be young and full of new initiative – but remember not to be quick in dismissing leadership and the perspective of fathers – we need them to see into dimensions too far for us to possibly understand … we will need fathers in touch with God to unravel mysteries that are beyond human insights. Joseph was young – but wrong. Do not be quick to despise the elders and do value the role of fathers – spiritual and physical – who God has preserved to correct our zeal. Fathers have gone through much that we do not know and have been shown far more than we can possibly discern. Jacob had paid a heavy cost in his life to eventually understand that God does not need help – even that of the virile, intelligent and honest Joseph. Ponder over this – when next you are tempted to deride the counsel of those who have gone before us – in ministry. The wisdom of past fathers is priceless. May our fathers not be like Eli …who gave control to vagabonds.
Song.
O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free;
tell me thy secret; help me bear the strain of toil, the fret of care.
Help me the slow of heart to move by some clear, winning word of love;
teach me the wayward feet to stay, and guide them in the homeward way.
Teach me thy patience; still with thee in closer, dearer company,
in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong;
Prayer : Lord, open my eyes O Lord. Spare me from presumption. Amen
