Genesis 45 - 46

Genesis 45 – Reconciliation

Joseph had tested the hearts of his brothers to see if there had been any inward change.  They passed the tests and he could no longer continue to hide his identity and control his emotions.  He realized his brothers had real repentance and he had to reveal himself to them.  “I am Joseph!  Is my father still living?  But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.  Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.  When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!  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.  For two years now there has been famine in the land and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping.  But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.  He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.  Now hurry back to my father and say to him, This is what your son Joseph says:  God has made me lord of all Egypt.  Come down to me; don’t delay” – Gen. 45:3-9. 

Joseph credits God 4 times with having brought him to Egypt. 

“…God sent me ahead of you” – Gen. 45:5

“God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives” – Gen. 45:7

“So it was not you who sent me here, but God.” – Gen. 45:8

“God has made me lord of all Egypt.” – Gen. 45:9

How consistently do you give God all the glory for your success?

When they heard this was Joseph, they were terrified and probably expecting prison or even death, instead they heard of God’s sovereign plan to protect them.  If God had not placed Joseph in charge of the food in Egypt, the people of Israel would die in the famine.  Joseph told them to go home, take Benjamin, tell their father the whole story and bring him back with them.  He threw his arms around them.   They kissed, wept with joy, and talked.  Can you imagine what all they talked about?  What a joyful time they must have had.

Sin separates us from God.  Apart from Jesus Christ we face condemnation.  Joseph called his brothers to come close to him.  God calls us to come close to Him and be reconciled.

Joseph gave them a tough love, but God was with Joseph and clothe him in holy love.  God hates sin, but loves the sinner.  Joseph wanted them to recognize their sins and repent and that’s what God wants for us.  Joseph teaches us what real love is.  Real love is not self-centered, but a redemptive love.

Joseph wept so loudly that it was heard by the whole palace.  When Pharaoh heard the news that Joseph’s brothers had come, he and all his officials were pleased.  Pharaoh told Joseph that they should return with their father and he would give them the best land in Egypt.  Joseph gave them new clothes and provisions for their journey.  He gave Benjamin 3 hundred shekels of silver and 5 sets of clothing.  He sent his father donkeys, grain, bread and other provisions.

When the brothers returned home, they told Jacob all that had happened and that Joseph was alive.  Jacob was revived.  He said he would go and see Joseph before he died.

Principle:  God invites repentant sinners to come close to Him for eternal abundant life.

What can you do to show love and forgiveness to someone in your family?

Are you willing to trust God’s when your life seems to be going in the wrong direction?

Joseph’s humiliation is compared with Jesus:

Joseph – sold for money, accused falsely, betrayed, suffered, felt shame, rejected by his own, was a servant, humble, loving, compassionate, unselfish, obedient to God, gave God the credit, he was put in a high place, every knee bowed to him.

Christ – sold for money, accused falsely, betrayed, suffered, felt shame, made Himself nothing, had the nature of a servant, humble, loving, compassionate, unselfish, obedient to God, had the title of Savior, gave God the credit, God exalted Him to the highest place, every knee will bow to Him.

Genesis 46 – Trusting God to Go

Jacob and all his family left Canaan to go Egypt.  He stopped along the way at Beersheba to worship God.  He wasn’t really sure what God wanted him to do, but was confident he would hear from God.  He faced a major decision to move his family out of Canaan, the land promised by God.  He wanted to see his son, Joseph, but wasn’t sure it was wise to leave.  In Genesis 26 God told his father Isaac not to go to Egypt so Jacob needed to know what to do.  What would you do?  Jacob prayed.  He sought God’s guidance.  God told him not to be afraid, but to go and He would be with him, but that He would bring him back to the Promise Land.

What do you do when faced with a decision? 

Do you ask others what they would do?

Do you read books to find the answer?

Do you pray first to God for guidance?

How do you know God’s will?  It begins with worship.  When you are worshipping, you are focused on God and are open to Him and his guidance.

God gave 4 prophecies to Jacob in Genesis 46:1-4:

I will make you a great nation.  I will be with you in Egypt.  I will bring you back again.  Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.  All these promises were fulfilled.  See Exodus 1-12.

Jacob and his family needed to go to Egypt so his people would be preserved and not starve to death during the famine.  Jacob took his entire family – 66 in all.  Counting Joseph and his sons there were 70 in Jacob’s family.  The number 70 is like the number 7, symbolizing perfection.   All the names of Jacob’s family are listed in this chapter.  Why do you think it was necessary to list these names?  This is a list of every tribe which would later become the nation of Israel.  They are also listed, because God wants us to know that each one of us is important and special. 

God records the names of people today.  All of the names of the church are written in heaven in the book of life. (Luke 10:20, Rev. 20:12-15).  It includes anyone who has accepted Jesus as Savior.  Are you sure your name is listed?  There is no reason not to be sure.

Principle:  God works through our individual obedience to grow and strengthen the body of Christ. 

After 22 years Joseph and Jacob met.  When Joseph saw his father he threw his arms around him and wept for a long time.  Imagine the emotions of their hearts.  

God had a plan and a place for His people.  Through Joseph He prepared a place for them in Goshen.  Since they were shepherds, Goshen had the most fertile land for their sheep to graze.  It was also on the border of Egypt separating the Egyptians from the Hebrews.  The Hebrews needed to be isolated, because Egyptians considered sheep unclean and hated shepherds. 

There are many lessons for us from the study of the life of Joseph.  Here are just a few:

God tests us.

God rescues us.

God works in our lives to restore individuals.

God is always sovereign even if it seems He has forgotten you.

God is never unfaithful.

God’s promises are true in His timing, not ours.

We are not responsible of others’ behavior.

We are responsible for our own behavior and attitudes

God’s grace is sufficient.

When others wrong us, we should not hold a grudge. 

God will do the judging.

It’s never too late to change when we have made wrong decisions.

God will always forgive us, if we repent.

God hates sin, but loves the sinner.

Always give the glory to God.

Forgiveness brings reconciliation.

Real love is not self-centered.

Man’s problems are really love problems. (Example: Potiphar’s wife trying to satisfy her desire for love by satisfying her lust.

Joseph is being like Jesus is to us.  Jesus tests us as Joseph tested his brothers.  Based on what we do in this life, Jesus will reward us.

Joseph prepared a place for his people and Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us.

Join me here next week for the next chapter in Genesis.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus. 

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Genesis 43 - 44

 

Genesis 43 – Another Trip

The food finally ran out and Jacob’s family needed to go back to Egypt for more.  Judah persuaded Jacob to let Benjamin go back to Egypt with him and that he would be responsible for his safety.  Jacob feared he wouldn’t see his Benjamin again, but agreed.  He recognized that only God would protect them.  He said, “If I am bereaved, I a bereaved.” – Gen. 43:14.  Sometimes we need to let go of control and trust God.  That’s what Jacob did. He surrendered to God’s will.  He sent his 11 sons back to Egypt.  Jacob sent gifts and doubled the money. 

When the brothers arrived, they told Joseph’s steward about the silver found in their bags and made it clear they wanted to return it.  The steward assured them they weren’t accused of stealing and that God had given it to them and they shouldn’t be afraid.  Then Simeon was brought out to them.  The brothers were taken into Joseph’s house and given water to wash their feet and fodder for their donkeys.

The brothers received blessings of love and kindness from Joseph without really knowing who he was.  God gives us love and blessings even when we don’t recognize from who our blessings come.

When Joseph returned to his residence, they presented him with gifts and bowed before him, once again fulfilling Joseph’s dreams as a youth.  He began to ask questions about his father and his emotions grew.  Then when Joseph saw Benjamin, he was deeply moved and left the room to weep in private.  When he returned, he ordered a celebration with a feast.  Joseph still didn’t tell them who he was.  He wanted to test them further.  In the past they had been jealous and cruel.  Joseph needed to know if their attitudes had changed.

There is joy and celebration in heaven when someone receives Christ as their Savior.  There is also a celebration when someone falls away from the Lord and then returns.  Maybe you have left him, but He has never left you.  All you have to do is come back to the Father and ask His forgiveness.

The brothers were seated at the table in order of their age.  The brothers were astonished as to how Joseph could have known their ages.  Joseph ate by himself, because Egyptians weren’t allowed to eat with Hebrews.  I am sure Joseph listened and observed his brothers as they ate.  Benjamin’s portion was five greater than the others.  This was probably another test to see if the brothers would be jealous of Benjamin.

Principle:  When things seem to be against you, trust in the God who is for you.

Joseph is a picture of Jesus.  Jesus wants to eat with us and He wants a close relationship with us.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” – Rev. 3:20.

Genesis 44 – Another Test

Before his brothers left for home Joseph gave them a final test.  He instructed the steward to put his silver cup in Benjamin’s sack.  With this test Joseph gave his brothers the opportunity to make Benjamin a slave.  Maybe they were now jealous of Benjamin.  This would tell Joseph if they had truly changed. 

The next day they left, but hadn’t gone far when Joseph’s steward was instruction to go after them and accuse them of theft of his cup.  Of course it was found in Benjamin’s sack.  Judah told Joseph that they are his slaves and that God had caught them.  He was referring to their sin committed against Joseph as a youth knowing they would have to pay.  Joseph pretended he didn’t know what they are talking about and let them go except for Benjamin.

Judah pleaded for Benjamin’s life and told Joseph the whole story of what they had done years ago.  Judah showed love and concern for the grief it would cause his father if he lost Benjamin.  He laid his heart before Joseph.  He volunteered to take Benjamin’s place and serve as a slave in Egypt.  What an amazing change!  He showed great humility and real repentance.

Principle:  God uses daily life challenges to test our character and turn our focus to Him. 

Do you have regrets?

Is there some sin you need to repent?

What do your daily challenges reveal about you?

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Are you tempted to be bitter and seek revenge?

You may think you have already forgiven them, but have you truly?

Will you be able the repay the evil with good?  That is the true forgiveness.

Can others see evidence of God’s work in your life?

When has God used a fearful time in your life to accomplish His purpose?

Is there a difficulty in your life that requires you to give God control?

 Join me here next week for the next chapter in Genesis.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Genesis 41 - 42

 

Genesis 41 – From the Prison to the Palace

The sovereignty of God is a major theme in the whole story of Joseph and it’s very obvious God had His hand on all the events of Joseph’s life.  Joseph had honored the Lord, whether he was in Potiphar’s house or in prison and the Lord continued to honor Joseph.

Pharaoh had 2 strange dreams.  In the first, 7 thin cows ate 7 fat cows.  In the second, 7 thin stems of grain ate 7 good ones.  He was very troubled and didn’t know what they meant.  He could find no one to interpret them.  Then finally the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told Pharaoh that Joseph could interpret dreams.  Joseph was brought out of prison to Pharaoh and as he stood before him, Joseph refused to take any glory for himself.  He resisted temptation and gave the glory to God.  He said, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” – Gen 41:16. 

Pharaoh realized his dreams were from God as God showed Joseph that both dreams had the same meaning.  For 7 years there would be a good harvest, but afterwards there would be 7 years of famine.  God revealed to Joseph what Pharaoh should do.  Joseph advised Pharaoh to store food from the good harvests so it would be available during the famine.  “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you.’” – Gen. 41:39. 

God allows tragedies, but He also can send them, “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.” – Is. 45:7.  God is in control of everything, but we shouldn’t just sit back and wait and do nothing and say it’s God’s will.  We need to be like Joseph.  He had knowledge of the coming famine so he made preparations.  All the while he was a witness to a sovereign God who is in control.

Pharaoh was so impressed by Joseph that he was made governor over all of Egypt and in charge of the food.  He was put in charge of Pharaoh’s house, his business, the people, and authority over all the land of Egypt.  Joseph was a slave at 17 and at 30 he was second in the kingdom behind Pharaoh.

In Joseph’s God-given wisdom he saw the coming crisis and put a plan into place.  He understood the problem.  He put the right people in place and prepared for what was to come.  Pharaoh saw the Spirit of God upon Joseph.  Others can see the power of the Holy Spirit in Christians today.  They see Him in our character, in our humility, and in how we treat others.

Joseph was given new clothes.  He went from the coat his father gave him, to the cloak with which Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, to garments given to him by Pharaoh.  He was given a new name.  He was given a wife and God blessed him with two sons.

The famine came as Joseph said it would and covered all the earth.  The entire world had to come to Egypt to buy grain.  Famine is not a good thing, but God used it in His plan for Joseph’s life.

Principles: 

Waiting is common in the life of a Christian.

Sometimes it seems good deeds are unrewarded.

When we think God isn’t doing anything, He is developing our character.

God can be trusted for His perfect timing.

How often do you ask God for His wisdom and discernment?

Do you give God the glory for your talents, abilities and success?

Are you prepared for upcoming hardships in your life?

God can speak to us in our dreams, but today God usually speaks to us through His Word, the Bible.  In those days they didn’t have the Bible so it was very common for God to speak to people through dreams.

Joseph was patient in waiting on God’s timing; he was courageous in living out his convictions; he was diligent to carry out the plan God had revealed to him; he lived a righteous life so Pharaoh could see the Spirit of God; and he remembered God’s faithfulness to him.  God had His hand on all the events of Joseph’s life: his dreams as a boy, his brother’s selling him into slavery, his being sold to Potiphar, his imprisonment, his release, and his authority over Egypt. 

When you are waiting on God to complete His purpose in your life, live with confidence that what He is doing or allowing is being used to accomplish His purpose.  While you are waiting, continue to live faithfully and courageously, trusting Him for your future.

Genesis 42 – The Examination

There were 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of famine just as God had told Joseph.  All the countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the entire world. 

Jacob learned that there was food in Egypt so he sent 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy food leaving the youngest, Benjamin at home.  When they arrived they bowed down before the Joseph who was governor of Egypt.  This was the fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams as a youth.  Remember 20 years ago Joseph told them his dreams that they would bow down to him.  His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us?  Will you actually rule us?” – Gen. 37:8. 

Joseph recognized his brothers, but they didn’t recognize him because he used an interrupter.  He began testing their loyalty.  They gave Joseph all kinds of details about themselves and their families.  Joseph was in complete authority and could have done anything with them that he wanted.  He put them through a series of questions probably hoping they would think about how it felt for Joseph when they mistreated and sold Him.  God does this to us sometimes.  He lets us think about what we have done.  He wants us to realize that we have sinned so we will not do it again.  He gives us time to ask for forgiveness.

Joseph is another picture of Jesus.  Jesus sees who we really are long before we see who He is.  He recognizes you and all your flaws and still He loves you.

After 3 days Joseph tested them again wanting to know how they felt about their younger brother, Benjamin and if they would treat him as they had Joseph in his youth.  He wanted to know if they had changed.  He knew his father loved Benjamin and I am sure he was anxious to see his brother.  The brothers realized they were being punished for what they had done to Joseph many years ago.  “Surely we are being punished because of our brother.  We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come upon us.” – Gen. 42:21. 

Guilt makes us afraid and uncomfortable.  Unresolved sin comes back to haunt us.  They acknowledged their actions as sin and when Joseph saw this, he wept.  He was overcome with emotion as he saw God work in the conscience of his brothers.   The brothers didn’t deserve anything Joseph had to offer.  When we sin we don’t deserve anything, but God gives us grace. 

Joseph told them to go get Benjamin and bring him back to Egypt.  Joseph not only sent food with them, but secretly put their money back in their sacks so the food didn’t cost them anything.  He bound his brother Simeon in front of them and kept him in prison to insure they would return.  This probably showed them they too are bound by their sin against Joseph.  The only way to get Simeon back was for them to confess their sin to their father.  Sin binds us, too stealing our joy.  We need to confess it to our heavenly Father.  He already knows about it anyway. 

The money put in their sacks was another test - a test of their hearts.  Would they be deceptive and hide it; would they lie about it and make up a story; would they be proud and think they deserved it; would they simply think nothing of it?

We are tested by what God give us, too.  He does this to develop our character and grow our faith.  Joseph accepted no payment for the food.  Jesus accepts no payment from us.  Salvation is free.  He only wants us to appreciate and be grateful for what He has given us. 

Even 20 years later the sin against Joseph is still fresh on their minds.  His brothers returned home and told everything to their father, Jacob.  They didn’t lie to him as they had done in their youth.  They respected him.  Jacob found the money in their sacks and feared that Simeon will be killed. 

As time went by they needed to buy more food.  Jacob didn’t want Benjamin to go back with them as Joseph had instructed.  Reuben pleaded to take Benjamin back offering his 2 sons’ lives, if he didn’t return with both Simeon and Benjamin.  But Jacob said no.

Reuben was willing to lay down his own sons to reassure Jacob and rescue his brothers.  He didn’t have to, of course.  However, God did give the life of His own Son, Jesus to deliver us and rescue us.

Have you sinned against someone as much as 20 years ago?

Have you asked them for forgiveness?

You can brush your sin under the rug, but one day, God will stir your conscience as He did for these brothers.  Your sin will flash before your eyes.  God could have washed His hands of Joseph’s brothers and us for our sins, but He loves us too much to let us go without a fight.  He uses tough love by bring crisis into our lives that forces us to address our sin.   He is trying to awaken us.  He put Jacob and his family in the middle of a famine in order to draw them to Himself.

Are you going through a tough time?

Is God trying to awaken your conscience?

Could it be that God is trying to get your attention?

Principle:  God wants us to realize our sin while giving us time to repent.

 Join me here next week for the next chapter in Genesis.  -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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