Genesis 44

Bible Gateway link Chapter 44


Anyone with brothers and sisters recognizes this chapter painfully well. One might think that Joseph has taken things a bit far this time, or that he is just being mean, and using his position to put his brothers through some serious mental anguish. I know that I have done the same to my siblings, and they did not come even close to the pain that Joseph's brothers inflicted on him. As we have already seen several times, experience is the best teacher. I know that I put my brothers through some tough times for no other reason than to see them have to fully realize their actions. I believe God allows this to happen on a larger scale in our lives often. We might not realize the impact we have made on someone until we experience it for ourselves, or we are put in a situation that we might have created in the past, but this time we have no control over it. That is when life comes full circle, and we have to come to terms with what we have done. Much like David and his shame, often what we do in private will be revisited upon us publicly.

Joseph has seen his dreams become a reality, and now the brothers that were so quick to sell him off to be rid of him, are at his feet begging for mercy, trying to save their younger brother from the same fate they happily sold Joseph to. All of the trials that Joseph had suffered up until now must seem quite small at this point. The Lord has delivered him, and has shown to be a God of kept promises.

Peace,
Brian