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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Your spirit of mercy and forgiveness is displayed in all its amazing beauty in the story of Joseph and his brothers. You are eager, no, you long to forgive those who have rejected you. Anyone who turns to you in true repentance is welcomed with open arms! How wonderful is love like this! I worship you and rejoice to sing your praise! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me how Joseph was reconciled to his brothers. It had been many months since the brothers returned from Egypt with grain but without their brother Simeon. The famine continued, and the last of the grain was gone. Jacob still refused to let them take Benjamin, and Judah finally offered himself as surety: “Let me bear the blame before you forever” (Gen 43:9). Jacob relented, and they set out for Egypt with Benjamin and the money Joseph had slipped back into their sacks. Joseph welcomed them with a feast, but he had one final test for his brothers. They had shown themselves honest with the money and faithful to their word to bring Benjamin and ransom Simeon. But Simeon was one of their own. What would they do if Benjamin’s life was at stake? Would they risk their necks to save Rachel’s last son, the son to whom Jacob had no doubt shown even more favoritism than he had toward Joseph? Joseph watched in wonder as they did. They tore their clothes and fell down before him. Judah begged for Benjamin’s release and offered himself as Joseph’s slave. The man who had wanted to make some money off Joseph’s life now willingly gave up everything to save his brother. The man who had watched in silence as Jacob wept over Joseph’s death, now pleaded to spare his father this further grief. Here was true repentance indeed! Joseph could stand it no longer, and he revealed himself to them with tears. He forgave them with all his heart and honored them with the best of Egypt. They returned to Jacob with the exciting news, and he determined to see Joseph once again. Reflection Joseph told his brothers, “It was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen 45:8). I marvel at such wisdom and humility: the humility to submit to your will and the wisdom to see your hand in all things. What I would give for even a fraction of such a spirit! Request Father, I long for the heart of Joseph, a heart that waits on you and delights to see your will accomplished. Grant me this rare gift, the ability to see life from your perspective! Thanksgiving Thank you for your love and faithfulness to me. Even when I was lost in sin, you loved me enough to die for me. May my life always reflect the glory of your grace! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Joseph and His Brothers” by John Newton. Meditation Verse: Genesis 45:5. |