Chapter 4-“…for special purposes and some for common use.”

Author’s note: Once again I ask that you read Hebrews 11 and 12:1-2 when you get done reading today’s chapter. It will further you in your understanding of this chapter. Now, enjoy chapter 4 “…for special purposes and some for common use.”

The men had all filed into the room as the King had announced their names. They all looked a bit awkward as they looked at the small child. They smiled and looked unsure as to what to say and do. All the men were divinely beautiful, much like the King.

“Hello, it is nice to meet you all,” Eileen said shyly.

There was silence and then Joshua said, “Hello,” and then an echo of “hello’s” filled the room.

“Come, let us go somewhere much more comfortable,” the King said opening the library door.

The King led them all out of the small library and into a large sitting room with the far wall being covered in windows from the ceiling to the floor. There were velvet couches by the wall of windows, where they all decided to settle in. Eileen placed herself in between the King and Joseph. The little girl couldn’t help but feel special.

Joseph leaned forward to talk to Eileen. “I have heard you are in search of a place to belong.”

Eileen slowly nodded and waited for Joseph to continue.

“I know how you feel. I don’t know if you know my story, but I spent years in a prison feeling abandoned by my family, friends, and sometimes even by my King.”

Joseph stopped speaking for a moment and glanced up at the King, who seemed to glow at the sound of His Name.

Joseph continued on, “Years later I got word that I was to be brought before the great Pharaoh of the land. I quickly realized that the Pharaoh wanted me to determine what his dreams meant. I was honored that Pharaoh would choose me, but I knew only the Ruler of Heaven could do that. The King opened my eyes and allowed me to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. That is when Pharaoh made me second in command of all of Egypt.

I say all that, to tell you this: All my life I searched for a place to belong. I searched for it in my family, my status, and even my prison, but none of that made me feel like I belonged.” Joseph now stood, walked, and then knelt before the King with tears brimming his eyes.

“But I have found a place to belong in serving my King and my God.”

The King stood and embraced Joseph. Though Joseph was tall and strong, the King seemed to wrap Joseph up in His arms, as if he was a little boy again. Then the King kissed Joseph on the forehead and said, “Yes, my son. You belong here with me because I created you and you are mine.”

Joseph smiled and returned to his seat next to Eileen. Eileen sat thinking about what Joseph had said. Was it true that the King offered her a place to belong in serving Him?

Another man, who Eileen remembered as Gideon, approached and knelt before the little girl.

“I, too, thought God had abandoned not only me, but my people as well. My people were being overrun and defeated by many other nations and rulers. I wondered when it would all stop! That is when the King came and visited me. He told me I was to be His vessel to stop the fighting!

I was terrified! I was no warrior or commanding officer, but God Almighty was with me. He was the true Warrior. He led us to victory!

Before the King came to me, I wondered what my life was worth. Then I found a place to belong in being an instrument for the King of Kings. I found a place to belong in being God’s warrior.

It wasn’t always easy; I often doubted, I will admit that, but the King was always faithful, even when I was not.” Gideon shifted his gaze toward the King and they both got up and embraced each other.

“Gideon, you are my beloved son. You don’t have to be afraid that you are not as great as the others. For I created you and you belong to me!”

Gideon was almost in tears and then he simply nodded and sat back down again. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and the King walked over to the door.

“I believe our last visitor is here.” The King opened the door and in walked the visitor.

“Mom?!” Eileen gasped.

“Hello, Eileen,” her Mother said with a small smile as if she was almost embarrassed. “I hope I am not late,” she said turning toward the King.

“You have arrived precisely on time. It is good to see you again. How I have missed you!”

To be continued…

If you would like to read any more on Gideon, see Judges 6-8. If you would like to read any more on Joseph, see Genesis 37-50.

Alyssa Rasor (2 Timothy 2:20-21)