Jan. 21

Gen. 42-43


Joseph's story is one of reconciliation.  Neither Jacob or his sons could see Gods overall plan from the time Joseph was sold into salvery, through the famine that brought the family to Egypt which ultimately united them.  The years of separation didn't cleanse any of the brothers of their guilt.  Joseph could have chosen to conceal his identity, hold on to his anger, live in pride, and not feed his family.  Jacob was petrified to loose yet another son.  A lot of emotion going on here.  Joseph could have just killed them all.  We learned on Sunday to look for turning points which change attitudes and bring about reconciliation.  Joseph was watching and testing his brothers to see if their attitudes had changed for the better.  This was one point of change I noticed.  It was Judah's idea to sell Joseph into slavery (37:27) and here we see him putting himself forward so Benjamin could return to their father.  A courageous act which caught Joseph's eye - perhaps the beginning of softening of hearts for the family.  Joseph had been rejected, kidnapped, sold into slavery, and thrown into prison by his own brothers but demonstrated Gods love by forgiving them.  In my opinion, an incredible example to follow.  If we go one step further, Jesus was spat on, mocked, beaten and crucified to reconcile us to God because He loved us.  Through this work on The Cross we, in His strength, can extend His love and forgiveness to others.  We all have someone or something to reconcile with.  Take it to The Cross.


Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters reading this blog.  It's hard to come to a place where we can lay down pride, anger and hurt and reconcile with one another but You have already provided that place for us - at the foot of The Cross.  I pray we all find strength in You to forgive anyone who has hurt us and follow Your example to love one another.




Randi