https://esv.literalword.com/?q=genesis+45
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 21 December 2024:
Genesis 45:2-3 — And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.
“Though Joseph endured many low points in his life (Gen. 37:28; 39:20; 40:9–23), God used the betrayal of his brothers to get Joseph administrative experience in Potiphar’s house, and He used the Egyptian prison to get Joseph into Egypt’s highest court, preparing him to lead the empire safely through a great famine (chap. 41). Painful and circuitous was the path on which the Lord’s hand of providence took Joseph, but the loss of his many-colored coat led finally to Jacob’s favorite son wearing the Egyptian colors of authority.
Mercifully, God included in His plan for Joseph the salvation of those brothers who had done what would have been — apart from divine, empowering grace — an unforgiveable act. Clearly, Joseph wanted his relationship with them to be restored from the moment they came to Egypt in search of food. We see this in his demanding that Benjamin be brought before him and then in his weeping as a result of the overwhelming joy and love he felt toward them (chap. 42–43). Engaging in an elaborate plan to put the fear of God into his brothers and to discern whether they still hated their father’s favorite son, Joseph finally saw their repentance for all the sins they had committed against him (chap. 44). This set the stage for Joseph to reveal himself dramatically to his brothers in one of the most ironic episodes of all history — the man whom the brothers had tried to kill ended up being their savior (chap. 45).
Few things are lovelier than reconciliation, and Joseph’s restoration to his brothers was so incredible that even the strongest king in the world rejoiced to see it (45:16). This reconciliation was possible because the brothers were repentant and because Joseph was willing to pardon them, which is instructive for us. On a human level, when someone sins grievously against us or we sin grievously against another, forgiveness can be extended. But forgiveness is not the same as reconciliation, which requires genuine repentance accompanied by a willingness to do what it takes to make things right. The offending party cannot expect the offended to pretend nothing has happened, but the offended party must accept reconciliation when humble repentance is evident. As we respond to repentance with reconciliation, we imitate God, who in Christ “was reconciling the world to himself” (2 Cor. 5:19).
We often long for things to be “just as they were before [fill in the blank] happened” in our relationships with other people. If we are the main offending party, however, we cannot realistically expect this to happen if our tendency is to sweep the offense under the rug without making an effort to make things right. At the same time, we cannot hold the sins of others against them if they show genuine repentance.” (Ligonier Ministries)
Genesis 45:5-9 – And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry.
With the right perspective on God and God’s purpose for his life, Joseph was able to forgive his brothers. Joseph did not see himself as a mere hapless victim whose life was subject to the will of others. He knew that God was in complete control of His life and had a greater plan through it all. Consider this in context with Romans 8:28-29. Consider what this means for your life and for what you are going through. The victim mindset imprisons too many Christians and robs them of their joy. And the idea that we are controlled by others makes too many Christians fear people rather than God. If God is for you, who can be against you? How does your perspective on God effect how you treat those who mistreat you?
Jesus said His greatest command for us is love, but not just love for who are lovable: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” Jesus didn’t say do good things for your enemies, He said love them, which requires a heart which desires only the very best for them. Controlling your outward behavior is hard enough. Controlling your sentiments is seemingly impossible. You cannot arrive at Christlike love until you share Christs mind and heart by coming to know Him for who He is, abiding in Him, and being filled with His love, joy, and peace, which depends on no other thing by Him. The more you become like Him, the more loving your enemies will become your genuine desire rather that something required, who you really are rather than what you know you ought to be. Joseph desired to forgive and save his infamous family because of His perspective on who God is, what God is doing, and for the joy of serving God in a godly way. In His perfect perspective, Jesus washed Judas’ feet the night Judas had chosen to betray Him: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God,” Jesus washed Judas’ feet. How does your perspective of God shape how you treat those who treat you poorly?
Genesis 45:18 – “…and take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land.’”
After Joseph had enslaved all of the Egyptians, Pharaoh gave Joseph’s family (foreigners) the choicest land in Egypt. The seeds of racial conflict are being planted. God is providing for His chosen people, but how Joseph managed the blessings of God will cause his people much pain and suffering in the future. Wouldn’t it be better to live in accordance with God’s sovereignty and grace and not to add our own curses to God’s blessings?
Genesis 45:28 — And Israel said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
How do you think Israel’s perspective on His God changed when he learned that Joseph was alive?
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 21 December 2024: Today, see everything and everyone from the perspective of who God is and who you are because of whose you are. Re-read Romans 8:28-29, and John 17. Glorify God in your response to everything.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 