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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 334

"If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I am awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:18

Text: Genesis 45:1-28

A LOVING WORD

Joseph knew that it was hard for his brothers to comprehend and accept that he was the brother they had sold into Egypt. There would be a myriad of mixed feelings in their hearts. There would be feelings of misgivings, regret, sorrow as well as fear! He must try harder at allaying their fears especially.

“And Joseph said to his brothers,
‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near.
Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother
whom you sold into Egypt.'”
GENESIS 45:4

Joseph spoke of his being sold as a matter of fact. The focus was on the fact that he was still their “brother”. It was as their brother, and not as a powerful Egyptian official that he was addressing them.


A GENTLE ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE

Joseph knew that his brothers would much rather he did not bring up the perspective of his being sold as a slave. Nevertheless, that fact must be brought up, only this time, a new and gentler perspective was offered.

“But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves
because you sold me here; for God sent me before you
to preserve life.”
GENESIS 45:5

Joseph spoke freely of God in his life. He had spoken as freely about his faith in God to the Pharaoh. This approach was almost novel and new to the brothers. They knew about God, but to speak of God in this personal way was something almost alien to them. They had heard about how God spoke to Abraham, Isaac and even their father Jacob. But none of the brothers could speak about God in this personal way! How could Joseph speak of God in this manner? But this was Joseph who was the most powerful man in Egypt next to Pharaoh – but of course he may speak of God in this way! How did God feature in the sordid affair of the brothers selling off Joseph as a slave? Two thoughts may be highlighted.

1. The Sovereign Will of God

God’s sovereign Will overrode the wickedness of the brothers. They meant to harm Joseph, but through God, good came out of it. Joseph may be said to be sold to Egypt. He may also be said to have been sent to Egypt!

2. The Foreknowledge of God

God’s foreknowledge saw the severe seven-year famine that would take place. In His grace and mercy, He sent Joseph and imbued him with wisdom so that he could save many lives through careful management of the country before and during the famine!