January 15th | Genesis 45

     When I read this story, I can actually see the movie playing out in my head. The writer of Genesis (most likely Moses) gives vivid details about Joseph’s emotions during this chapter. And after all that Joseph has gone through to get him to this point with his brothers, I can understand the deep emotions he shows. Chapter 45 opens with this, “Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood before him. He cried…He wept…” I can only begin to imagine how Joseph felt after seeing his brothers. He was overcome by all that had happened over the years to get him to this point. 

     Joseph could have lashed out in anger at his brothers, but he shows them such grace in how he responds to them. He recognized that it was God who had allowed these years away from his family so that he could preserve life during the famine in Egypt. Joseph didn’t want his brothers to be distressed or angry at themselves for causing Joseph so much hardship because Joseph recognized God’s sovereign hand over the situation. In verses 5 through 8 he recounts it was God who had sent him three separate times! 

     Joseph tells his brothers to tell his father he is alive. Joseph wants his brothers and father to come and dwell with him in Egypt so that he can provide and care for them and their families. It says he lavishes gifts on his brothers to take back with them for their journey. Because Joseph recognized that God was at work through his hardship, he was able to respond with grace and kindness towards his brothers. 

     What a reminder for us today! Joseph didn’t look at his circumstances or situation from an earthly lens- he saw it through God’s Kingdom lens. He recognized that God was using Joseph for a greater purpose than he could have ever dreamed. And because he recognized God’s hand, he could respond in grace and love to others who had hurt him and didn’t deserve it. God may be allowing you to be in a situation in this season of life when you are questioning what he is doing- maybe you’re in a pit like Joseph. Look at your situation, not by the circumstances, but look to see how God’s hand is at work. And when we recognize God’s hand at work, let’s show the same grace and love that we have been shown.