Genesis 45: 1-15
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.’
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Now hurry back to my father and say to him, “This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me–you, your children, and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’
“You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
A Thought
Wow! What a picture of full reconciliation when judgement and punishment was really due, This story brings tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart. Joseph showed his brothers love and grace showered with blessings. Joseph shows us how to forgive. This truth points us to the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ in many familiar ways. We are all guilty of disobedience to God. When we are confronted with the guilt of our sins we deserve the punishment of death. God gave One who knew no sins to suffer the payment for our sin so that we might be reconciled back to him. This gift is not only for us but is also available to our children, grandchildren and all who will believe.
Our Prayer
Father open our eyes and heart to this story of Joseph to see your love for each of us. We can be reconciled through the blood of Christ to be in obedience and a right relationship with you. Help us to forgive others, to forgive ourselves and grow to become more like Christ. Thank you that we can be reconciled and made righteous in Jesus’ name, amen.
