It’s no coincidence that during Hanukkah the Torah readings included the portions of Vayeshev and Mikketz. Of all the stories in Torah, Joseph’s most closely parallels that of Messiah.

The beginning stages are set in Vayeshev, there’s an unexpected digression in the middle of the tale that, if you miss it, will leave the story incomplete, and the portion ends on what appears to be a hopeless situation. On the other hand, we see Joseph’s fortunes take an upward turn in Mikketz and the tests of repentance, humility, and forgiveness expertly woven into the narrative.

I’ve often imagined myself as a casual observer, perhaps a maid in Joseph’s house, watching these strange events unfold. Or sometimes, when my imagination explodes, a time-traveling reporter with the powers of invisibility who inserts herself into the scene. But even as a modern-day reader of a story with which I am very familiar, I find that every time I read the tale, I am no less excited as Adonai brilliantly crafts the scene and what I lovingly call “The Big Reveal.”

Genesis 44:18, where Judah speaks, always thrills me. In that small break between verses 17 and 18 hangs the fate of Joseph’s brothers and the world. I encourage you to not rush from one verse to the other without considering everything that came before and everything that will follow. It is in such pauses that Adonai can be found.

Circle back to Joseph’s situation at the end of Yayeshev. The cupbearer may have forgotten Joseph, but Adonai did not. In another read-between-the-lines moment, HaShem is making Joseph wait. Why? We have no idea what took place during those two years, and yet . . .

How many times has HaShem made us wait for something, seemed like He was beyond reach, and our hope began to wane? There’s your answer: never give up hope because Adonai is always in the middle of your situation, whether it’s illness, financial loss, attack by genocidal maniacs, or being sold into slavery by the hands of your brothers. It’s in the waiting that we grow and mature. We don’t require the specifics of Joseph’s situation to know that this applies to us.

Unless you live as a total recluse, you know we’re living in dark days wherein the battlefronts change daily in a war that is rarely, if ever, well defined. But the Light still burns as strongly as ever, and it will not be extinguished. Again, it’s by design that we’re celebrating Hanukkah—a time of miracles, light, truth, and victory achieved by small numbers with the assistance of Adonai—right now!

The next Torah portion is Vayigash, and it reads like a reporter’s dream scoop. What a story to give a world in need! Pay attention to the important key that Joseph only revealed himself when all the brothers were present. Chew on that for a moment before rushing toward the exciting conclusion, which, in truth, is a glorious beginning.

I’m praying for Israel and the world during the eight nights of Hanukkah, that sacred time when hidden things will be revealed (John 10:22 – 30), when strength in small numbers does amazing things, when Adonai’s hand is in the middle of the situation up to His elbow!

Take this time to pause, reflect, and rededicate yourself to Yeshua HaMashiach. We’ll see you at sundown for the seventh night of Hanukkah celebration. Baruch haba b’Shem Adonai!

~The Gibsons