January 17, 2025 - Genesis 43-45

The story of Joseph continues:  “Now the famine was severe in the land.  And when they had eaten the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, ‘Go again, buy us a little food’” (43:1-2).  Things were bad and, from the brothers’ perspective, things were about to get even worse.  Per Joseph’s command, they had returned bringing Benjamin with them.  Heading back home, they were overtaken by Joseph’s men who “discovered” the silver and gold that had been placed in Benjamin’s sack.  The brothers returned to Egypt.  They were distraught, surely thinking they would be severely punished.  However, when brought before Joseph, “Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him.  He cried, ‘Make everyone go out from me." So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.  And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it.  And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph!’”  (45:1-3)  And, then, remarkable words from Joseph:  “And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (45:5).  Joseph was quick to acknowledge God’s sovereign hand in it all and, also, displayed such a forgiving spirit.  A good model for us!

O God the deep immutable,

the changeless, wise and still,

You’re the absolute, eternal One;

You wield the sovereign will.

Deep Heav’n itself and even time

must bend beneath your sway.

With a whispered thought you banish night

in a flash of blinding day.   --Neil Barham (2005)