Has a friend ever predicted your decision before you made it? Or has someone ever gifted you exactly what you needed? Has someone been totally present with you and listened to you with their full attention?
One of the deepest human desires is to be known, understood, and loved. Many people in our lives can play that role, but likely only a few have.
The ancient Israelites experience that void acutely. After Jacob’s family made its way down to Egypt and prospered, we read that, “A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph (Exodus 1:8).” He didn’t know of the vital role Joseph played in saving Egypt from a famine. Joseph and his family were no longer recognized for who they were – and, consequently, they became vulnerable to the whims of a ruler.
Let us be inspired by our ancestors to make ourselves known, to know others, and to be lovingly present for each other.