2006-02-20 - An Ego Has No Chance

In Search of a Father's Love - Part 3

But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout 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. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children's children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. Genesis 45:5-10 (NKJ)

Ironically, the brothers' early deception comes back to bite them, as Joseph is the one who can save their skins. Jacob's eldest boys probably thought they were in the free and clear. The last person they expected to meet would be Joseph. The only mission on their minds was food for their family, not drudging up the past. Life has a way of making a person face unpleasant things, at times.

After 13 years, they were face-to-face with Joseph. The boy whom they sold was now telling them to move their families closer to him, to survive the famine. Joseph didn't show any animosity toward them, and said he would take care of the family. Joseph was most concerned with his brothers' reaction to seeing him and told his half-brothers not to be angry with themselves or feel guilty. Joseph showed he was the mature one, despite the differences in age.

The brothers didn't argue or complain when Joseph told them what to do. They accepted their lot in life. Ironically, the joke was on them, for it was by the brothers' hands that led to Joseph's position of power.

Upon the reunion, the older brothers talk to Joseph, but the Genesis passage doesn't elaborate on what was said. Do the brothers have a change of heart and ask for forgiveness? Do they beg Joseph not to tell dear ol Dad? Or are they still just looking out for themselves, grateful they will survive the famine?

Joseph would be the saving grace in the family of Jacob. There is no doubt that Joseph endured a lot after his brothers got rid of him. In the end, Joseph could see how God used him to save his family.

Lord, It is no fun to be disappointed, and I am mostly to blame, since I took control. I see that now. I don't want to be like Jacob's unhappy and selfish sons. I want to live the life you have called me to. Help me shake off this unwelcome feeling and get back to the business of thanks and faith that things will turn out right. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Lisa

lisa@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org