STMA: Quiet Time

Genesis 42-47 §

I just heard a pastor preach on these passages last week. He said that Joseph plays games with his brothers to hide his own emotional pain. I can see that pain.

Joseph was ripped from family by his brothers’ disdain and anger (which was not undeserved). His brothers were hurt by their father Jacob’s obvious preference for Joseph (and Benjamin). In my own life, I am one part of a family that has been ripped apart, and often I am the only connection between two (or three) warring factions. I daydream of happy reunions and forgiveness….

Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them.
Genesis 45:14-15a

And here:

And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” … Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept a good while. Israel said to his son, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.”
Genesis 45:28 and 46:29-30

Many times Joseph’s story is hailed as a picture of divine foreknowledge and provision — and it is that. But it is also a story of forgiveness; a forgiveness that can be reached between fallen humans by the grace of God. I pray this forgiveness, borne of humility, for my family. Help us, O God!