Luther Compares Joseph With the Return of Christ
By Rev. Jack Cascione

 

As we close the church year, it might be of some interest to read Luther's brief comparison of Joseph's brothers' surprise when they learn he is alive with the church's expected surprise at the return of Christ.


Genesis 45:3. But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

"That sudden manifestation of Joseph, contrary to every thought and expectation of his brothers, aroused such great joy in their hearts that they were benumbed by fear and joy at one and the same time and almost died. The soul is something more excellent than the body; nor can the body bear the height of such agitation and joy. But what the soul is speculatively, or, as the philosophers say, metaphysically, we cannot know; but from6 its emotions and fruits we know that it is something very noble and wonderful, so real and powerful that the body cannot endure its force. Just as the body has to die when extraordinary and excessive grief of heart exercises dominion over a man, so the same thing happens in excessive joy, as very many examples in the histories of the Gentiles testify.7

Joseph and his brothers felt such emotions, and he himself undoubtedly was close to death because of the powerful affection of his heart. Consequently, he can say nothing more-except that his tears continue to flow.

Accordingly, the power of the soul is so great that when it alone rules, the body with all its senses-sight, hearing, feeling, etc.-is benumbed. It is a wonderful little creature. Speculatively, of course, it is easily defined by Aristotle, who says: "The soul is the chief motive force of the body, organic, physical, etc."8 But he cannot express what it is-except only objectively. But to understand or feel the soul, so far as its feelings and most powerful emotions are concerned, is a matter of practical knowledge, not of knowledge that is speculative and objective, as when boundless joy seizes and nearly kills the body, or when tears flow from the eyes for joy.

Concerning this the monks and the votaries write a great deal: that nothing is sweeter than tears of joy, but, on the contrary, nothing is sadder and bitterer than the weeping of those who mourn.9 Therefore the soul is something wonderful and is unknown to us.

Accordingly, I give this warning in order that we may not look at this manifestation of Joseph only in passing but may consider the great affection of the heart by which both Joseph and his brothers were benumbed. I would not know how I should have reacted when he said: "I am Joseph." Nor do they know. What will happen, then, when our Lord and Savior JESUS Christ comes, who also disciplines us in various ways in this life and allows us to be troubled, scourged, killed, etc.? What great joy there will be after that sudden and unexpected change, since we previously felt that He was a very harsh tyrant who wanted to destroy everyone in a trice! Then He will say: "I am Joseph; I am your Savior."

I cannot explain this revelation of Joseph worthily; but it must be read and pondered often, in order that we may learn from his example and that of his brothers to pray diligently, to hope, and to wait for divine consolation, and that in the meantime we may endure with a firm and steadfast heart the hand of God, who plays with us and disciplines us on account of that sluggishness and coldness of original sin, because of which the hearts of the godly are benumbed and rendered rather sluggish toward faith, hope, prayer, and other spiritual exercises. For when that game of God is lacking, we snore and are cold. Therefore with this goad, as it were, God pricks and drives the stupid and lazy ass, our flesh, which oppresses us with its huge bulk."

Luther, M. (1999, c1966). Vol. 8: Luther's works, vol. 8 : Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 45-50 (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther's Works (Ge 45:4). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

November 27, 2001