When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.” Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt….
Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. – Genesis 42:1-3, 6-7
Sometimes brothers don’t get along. Sometimes the older brothers sell the younger one into slavery. Well, at least that’s what happened to Joseph. He had every reason to be angry at his brothers. He had every reason to exact revenge.
A great famine was upon the land and Jacob and his sons were running out of food. So, they went to the only place they could to get food, Egypt. There is where Joseph now was and he was in charge of the food distribution.
Joseph could have had his brothers arrested and thrown in jail, like he had been. He could have sent them away without food and let them starve. He doesn’t do either of these, though.
First, Joseph tests them.
Joseph hides his identity and accuses them of being spies and then forces them to bring Benjamin, the youngest brother (also Jacob’s new favorite). Once they bring Benjamin, Joseph treats them well and invites them to dinner. Then, however, he sends them home with grain and has one of his servant place Joseph’s silver cup in Benjamin’s bag. He then sends his steward to catch up to them and search their bags for the “stolen” cup. It is found, of course, so they are brought back and Joseph threatens Benjamin’s life as the one who “stole” the cup.
Will the brothers treat Benjamin as they did Joseph so long ago or have they changed? One of the brothers, Judah, offers himself in exchange for Benjamin. Joseph then knows that his brothers have changed.
Joseph then reveals who he is.
Joseph brings all the brothers in and tells them he is Joseph and is still alive. Were the brothers excited? Happy? Nope. Try scared out of their minds. They figure Joseph is now going to kill them all. But Joseph says,
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. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. – Genesis 45:5-8
Joseph not only forgives his brothers but shows that he understands that everything that happened was according to God’s will. God was saving lives and preserving his people. He was keeping His covenant. Even though it had been tough on Joseph, he realized that sometimes God takes people through hards times to serve His purposes.
Heavenly Father,
We do not always understand Your ways. Help us to trust that You are with us and are at work in our lives both when things are going the way we like and when they are not. Also, help us to forgive those who harm us just as Joseph forgave his brothers and as Jesus has forgiven us.
Amen.
You can read the full account of Joseph dealing with his brothers in Egypt in Genesis 42-45. Click here to read it.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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