January 16 - Genesis 42:1-45:15

Good morning everyone,

As we continue with Joseph’s story this morning, the famine he predicted is in its second year and the effects are being felt not only in Egypt but in the neighboring countries as well; Canaan, where Joseph’s family lived, among them. I rather imagine Joseph knew his family would show up in Egypt sooner or later looking for food and to insure he wouldn’t miss them appointed himself the person who sold grain to all its people.

Well, the day finally came and Joseph recognized his brothers right away, but Joseph spoke to them through an interpreter so they might not guess his identity. They had no clue who it really was they were talking with. Joseph, spoke harshly to them asked where they came from, about their father and about their brother, then accused them of being spies and threw them in prison for three days.

He then released all but Simeon with orders to take food back to their starving households but warned they must bring their youngest brother back to Joseph, so that he knew they were speaking the truth, if they ever wanted more food.

Eventually they made it back to their homes, went through all the grain they were given and were getting hungry again. Jacob once more instructs them to go to Egypt for more. Judah flat out tells him, unless Benjamin goes, they will not get an audience with Joseph. Reluctantly, Jacob concedes and allows Benjamin to make the trip with them. When they arrive they are told they will be a eating with Joseph at noon. Imagine the fear and confusion they were most likely experiencing. In that fear they went to talk to Joseph’s steward. He told them, “It’s all right, don’t be afraid.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

Joseph would send them on their way home again, but not before setting them up just one more time placing a silver cup in Benjamin’s bag. The guards ride out, discover the silver cup in Benjamin’s bag, and bring them back to face Joseph for the alleged theft. Judah stepped forward and began to plead for Benjamin, he appealed to Joseph’s heart. Judah told of his father’s grief when one of them had disappeared from home. He revealed that should they come home without the other one, their aged father would never survive the calamity. Finally, Judah offered himself in the boy’s place, pointing out that he would be of so much more value than Benjamin as a slave.

Judah’s moving selfless appeal on behalf of Benjamin touched Joseph’s affectionate heart. He knew then that his brothers had changed completely, and that they would rather die than give Benjamin away as a slave. Joseph could now forgive them for all they had done to him and so he revealed himself to them. He assured them they had nothing to fear, that Joseph knew it was God’s plan all along. And we’re told, “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.”

Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers demonstrates how God forgives us and showers us with goodness even though we have sinned against Him. Let’s pass it forward, shall we? I would encourage you, encourage us all, to forgive those who you feel have wronged us. Start by praying for them and for your heart to be changed toward them. Then sit back and see how God will heal your heart and how He used that season to bring Him glory. Friends, our God is such an awesome God. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..