Scripture

“So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me adviser of Pharaoh- the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.”

Observation

Joseph has become the top leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. His brothers have come seeking aid in the famine and have not recognised their long lost brother.

Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. Rather than being angry with them for their ill-treatment of him, he recognises that God is the one who sent him to Egypt for all of their sakes.

Joseph tells them to go and tell Jacob their father to come with the extended family and live in the region of Goshen until the famine ends.

Application

Joseph is an example of a mature man of faith.

Firstly, he sees his whole life, even the bad parts, as being directed by the Lord for the long term good of himself and his family.

Secondly, he has learned to forgive this brothers for callously selling him into slavery.

Both of these are big challenges in all of our lives- faith and forgiveness.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to see your hand in every part of my life and to always forgive those who hurt me. Amen.