Suggested Bible Reading: Genesis 43-45
Devotional Thought:
“So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.” (Gen. 45:8) Joseph had one more strategy in his plan for bringing his brothers to repentance, and this one involved his one full-brother, Benjamin. Once the brothers had faced their sins and repented, Joseph could reveal who he was, and they could be reconciled. When a wrong has been committed, there is no such thing as simply turning a page and pretending nothing happened. True reconciliation will always include admitting wrongdoing, repenting and righting the wrong. When the eleven brothers left Joseph’s house, they certainly had reasons to be joyful (vs. 34). They hadn’t been arrested for stealing the grain money, Simeon had been released, Benjamin was safely traveling with them, and they were going home at last. They had also been honored guests at a wonderful feast, and the generous ruler had sent them on their way with their sacks full of grain. It had indeed been a wonderful trip. However, their joy was only a mirage. There is NEVER true joy when you feel you are getting away with something. Real joy and peace can never be based on lies; they must be founded on truth. To build on lies is simply buy time until the truth comes out. Apart from doing right and upholding truth, there can be no real peace, but only a fragile truce that eventually erupts into war. Today, lets explore Joseph’s path to true reconciliation and peace. First, Joseph learns from false accusations. (vs. 1-6) Joseph helps his brothers see the danger of accusing falsely, the damage of getting people involved, and the destruction of insisting on false accusations. Secondly, Joseph learns from faulty assurance. (vs. 7-12) Joseph’s brothers dismissed their past, denied their precedence, demanded their purity, and denounced their participation. Thirdly, Joseph laments his brother’s guilty actions. (vs. 13-34) Joseph witnesses hisbrother’s legitimate concern, condemnation, consequence, and Judah’s lengthy confession. (vs. 17-34) Fourthly, Joseph learns the loveliness of genuine acquittal. (45:1-15) Joseph manifests his identity, ministers his intentions, manufactures his idea, and marvels at God’s involvement. Warren Wiersbe says it well: “This reconciliation was possible only because Joseph had suffered and triumphed, and it’s a beautiful picture of what the Lord Jesus Christ did for sinners in His death on the cross and His resurrection. Like Jesus, Joseph went from suffering to glory, from the prison to the throne, and was able to share his wealth and glory with others.”
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to always be quick to forgive and biblical in my reconciliation.
• Lord, thank you for the wonderful example of grace, humility, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
• Lord, please help me to have a gracious attitude toward those who have desired to do me harm, and yet you have been meant it for good.