Week 3 - Day 2

Genesis 44-47; Psalm 13

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Genesis 44-47 YouVersion(NIV)

Psalm 13 YouVersion(NIV)

In chapter 44 it appears that Joseph is tormenting his brothers a little.  While honestly that would be quite understandable, it doesn’t really fit with who we’ve learned Joseph to be.  The commentary in my Bible says this: “Joseph is testing his brothers, much as God has tested him.  A truly changed heart, like faith, is revealed not in what a person says but in how he or she behaves while under continued pressure.  Judah’s request to take Benjamin’s place as Joseph’s slave-out of concern for his aged father’s feelings-shows a true change of heart.” 

When Joseph sees this, and when he can’t stand it anymore, he reveals that he is their brother.  They immediate fear him, but instead of wrath, he shows them love and forgiveness.  Joseph is once again pointing others to God.   He says, “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….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.”

Not only is he not angry with them, not only has he completely forgiven them, but he can also look back and realize that God used everything for his good and in turn for the good of his whole family. 

Joseph had trusted in God’s unfailing love.  People in our lives can and will let us down, but His love never changes; His love never fails! 

“But I trust in your unfailing love;

         my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

         For he has been good to me.”

(Psalm 13:5-6)