February 16, 2022 – “Cool as a Cucumber” (Genesis 43:26–34)

“When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought inside, and they bowed down to the ground before him. He asked them how they were doing. Then he said, “Is your aging father well, the one you spoke about? Is he still alive?” “Your servant our father is well,” they replied. “He is still alive.” They bowed down in humility. When Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his motherʼs son, he said, “Is this your youngest brother, whom you told me about?” Then he said, “May God be gracious to you, my son.” Joseph hurried out, for he was overcome by affection for his brother and was at the point of tears. So he went to his room and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out. With composure he said, “Set out the food.” They set a place for him, a separate place for his brothers, and another for the Egyptians who were eating with him. (The Egyptians are not able to eat with Hebrews, for the Egyptians think it is disgusting to do so.) They sat before him, arranged by order of birth, beginning with the firstborn and ending with the youngest. The men looked at each other in astonishment. He gave them portions of the food set before him, but the portion for Benjamin was five times greater than the portions for any of the others. They drank with Joseph until they all became drunk.” Genesis 43:26-34

“Cool as a Cucumber”

This phrase may have originated from the fact that even in hot weather, the inside of cucumbers are approximately 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Therefore, a person who stays cool, calm and relaxed in a difficult situation can be compared to a cucumber staying cool inside, even in hot weather!

As much as Joseph tried to remain “as cool as a cucumber” before his brothers, his emotions were beginning to get the best of him. He wanted to reveal his identity, but he was worried what Pharaoh would think — and he was probably afraid that his brothers would once again turn against him. But, in the end, the brothers reconcile and his family joins him in Egypt.

Who is it you need to reconcile with? Who in your life are you hoping will allow you to reconcile, but you are afraid how they will actually respond? If we always choose the easy path, we will never find the courage to make amends with all who deserve it — and those who need it. While we may not feel as “cool as a cucumber” inside, the Holy Spirit can give us the courage we need to make things right in our relationships with others.

Let us pray,

Lord Christ, daily doses of scripture, prayer and devotional attention help us stay “cool as a cucumber” when life assails us. Oh, we may not always feel as “cool as a cucumber”, but the power of the Holy Spirit will bring us the cooling winds of peace. Amen.

Pastor Dave