May 10, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Genesis? Here’s today’s reading:
Genesis 45 (NIV)
Joseph Makes Himself Known
1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.……Continue Reading
What a reunion this became! Joseph was so emotional and his brothers were so afraid and rightfully so after what they had done. But Joseph’s response was a great example of forgiveness.
“And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
He does not diminsh what they did but yet revealed how God used it for his glory! And the joy Jacob experiences as he hears his son is still alive after all this time of mourning and the realization that before he dies he will get to see him again is just amazing.
Genesis 45
Joseph finally tells his brothers who he is.. He wept so loud. He told his brothers Not to feel angry with themselves for selling him. Because it was to save lives that God sent him ahead of them. God has made me Lord overall Egypt an households and father to Pharaoh. There was no bitterness. He instructed them to go back and get Jacob. And when Pharaoh heard about that, he said they would have a land of their own and would have plenty..Jacob was very excited that he would see Joseph before dieing.
The eleven brothers soon discover, it is not a bad thing to bow before another. For Joseph makes very clear that they are saved! Five years of famine remain, yet in Egypt they will have the land of Goshen, and have all the bounty of Pharaoh. They will be preserved. They have gained their brother. Not a bad thing at all to willingly subjugate oneself under the rule of another. Have we not just read?
“That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things of earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phillipians. -reb
Chapter 45 :24 Genesis, Joseph tells his brothers not to quarrel on the way, what’s that about?
Most likely with Joseph revealing himself, they might have had a tendency to point fingers as to who was most responsible for what they did to him and maybe even greater, arguing about how they are going to tell Jacob Joseph is alive…
What an amazing story.
I feel like God is always working. Even when things don’t look good or right, many times we can look back and see his purpose.
”And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. 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. 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 45:2-5 NKJV
Exodus 2-3.
Genesis 45
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. They are astonished that they are seeing Joseph still alive and in a powerful position. Joseph weeps and hugs his brother { Benjamin} and then cries with his other brothers. Then they talk awhile among themselves. Joseph tells them not to worry for even though they did harm to him; God directed it all out for good to save them so that they would become a great nation. He tells them to go back to Israel and family and bring everything that they have including people to Egypt. Pharoah hears of it and sends food, carts, etc. to help them on their journey to come back to Egypt. And of course they are to tell Israel that Joseph is still alive and in charge only under Pharoah. Israel finally believes that Joseph is alive and will be able to die in peace once he sees Joseph. The dreams that Joseph had when he was a young man have come true for they were sent by God. It is a reminder to us that when bad things are happening to us and we don`t know what to do; that God is in control and will work it all out.
Genesis 45
It is interesting that once Judah reveals that he cares more about Benjamin and Jacob than he does himself, Joseph can’t help but reveal himself to them. And what faith and self control Joseph had to treat them well and effectively forgive them for what they did. What a fine lesson for us all to see the higher purposes of God in things and not be so quick to judge or criticize and make it easy to forgive and be patient for God’s plan to unfold. And how gracious Pharaoh is to Joseph’s family as he recognizes the role that Joseph has played to save all of Egypt and to have all the world coming to Egypt for food. Jospeh has made pharaoh the most powerful and wealthiest ruler in the area…and Joseph’s wisdom and planing have now reflected well on him. But he chooses to be humble and generous in the context of that which is another important lesson for us. To be humble in the context of success is an important thing to choose and live in.
Genesis 45