SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 45
BIBLE VERSES:
“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 be no 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.” (Genesis 45:4-7)
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and return to the land of Canaan, and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you can enjoy the fat of the land.’ (Genesis 45:17-18)
“And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” (Genesis 45:28)
JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWS (vs. 1-28)
Joseph could no longer control himself so he directed all his attendants to leave. He wept loudly and told his brothers that he was Joseph and asked about his father. His brothers were terrified at his presence but he told them not to be distressed for selling him because it was God who sent him ahead to preserve a remnant and to save lives by a great deliverance. He told them to hurry back home and take his father to live the region of Goshen.
When the news reached Pharaoh, Pharaoh told Joseph to load animals, take some carts, bring provision for the journey and get his father to come here. They sent 10 donkeys loaded with best things of Egypt and 10 female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and other provisions for their journey. The brothers left and when they arrived, they told their father about everything. Jacob was stunned and his spirit revived. So, he decided to go and see Joseph before he died.
THOUGHTS:
Joseph had seen that his brothers were humble and had repented of their past sins. So he forgave and reconciled with them and explained to them that it was God who had sent him to preserve the nation so that Israel could be a blessing to all the earth. Joseph reassured his brothers by giving them gifts and provided to care for the whole family.
In Jacob’s mind, Joseph was already dead. But when he knew that he was still alive and taking charge of Egypt second to Pharaoh, he could say: “All things work together for good”. Sometimes when we encounter misfortunes, we become discouraged and desperate. But remember this verse. “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
Joseph’s brothers had evils plans to get rid of him. But God used their evil actions to fulfill his ultimate plan. God is sovereign. When others intend evil towards you, remember that they are only God’s tool for a better purpose.
Joseph was hated, rejected, accused and imprisoned. Despite of how his brothers had treated him, he graciously forgave them and shared his prosperity. It demonstrated how God forgives us and showers us with blessings. It also teaches us to forgive others.