It must have been eighteen months or more into the world-wide famine before Jacob and his family began to recognise their desperate situation. Their first move was for the ten older brothers to band together and travel the 300 kms into Egypt. How long would it take them? They made that journey at least three times. The inter-play between Joseph the Prime Minister and his ten older brothers is fascinating. It occupies several chapters. But the main point is his goodness to them. On their second visit he even accommodated them in his own home. It must have been over 22 years since Joseph had seen his younger brother Benjamin. And can you imagine the real astonishment and consternation when Joseph finally said to them all: 'I am your brother Joseph'. Skipping over the details of the story to the last chapter of Genesis, two incidents are worth noting. After the death of their father Jacob, the ten brothers were fearful that Joseph would take revenge on them. Turn to chapter 50:19-21. Read again Joseph's great words on the over-ruling sovereignty of God. 'You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.' Then before Joseph died he reminded his family of God's promise to Abraham that one day the whole nation would return to Canaan. Joseph made the Israelites promise that when God delivered them from Egypt, his remains would be carried to Canaan and buried there. At the time of the Exodus Moses did this and Joshua finally buried them in that land. Joseph stands out as a man tested over and over again. But his forgiving spirit and faith in God are a wonderful lesson for us today. Can we remember those lessons? REMEMBER: THE WILL OF GOD WILL NEVER LEAD YOU WHERE THE GRACE OF GOD CANNOT KEEP YOU. |
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