Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Genesis 45:1-15 (NRSV)

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Send everyone away from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.’ And now your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my own mouth that speaks to you. You must tell my father how greatly I am honored in Egypt, and all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, while Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

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Reflect

Reconciliation can be a difficult and frightening experience, just as it was for Joseph’s brothers. Just imagine thinking that someone is dead only to have that person appear in front of you. And, not only appear, but have the power to determine whether or not you live or die. No wonder Joseph’s brothers were scared! They remembered how they had treated Joseph and expected retribution.

Joseph had had many years to come to terms with what had happened and realized that God was in those situations. God had used Joseph’s experiences to put him in a place where he could provide for the nation of Israel. Joseph sought God’s favor and guidance and trusted the provision. He could have chosen to be bitter and revengeful, but because he did not, he and his family received the blessings and providence of God.

Today, what do I need to release to God? What reconciliation do I need to seek, trusting that God has already provided?

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Pray

Thank you, Lord, for the example of Joseph and his power to forgive and to see beyond the actions of his brothers. Help me today, to gain the same kind of understanding. Help me to be courageous enough to seek reconciliation and your provisions. Amen.

Go with God.