Day 27 – Genesis 43-45

Talking Points

• Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt with their youngest brother, Benjamin. Joseph is overcome with emotion upon seeing his beloved brother, and he hosts a feast for all of them, seating them in the order of their birth, which astonished them, as they still don’t recognize him. 
• Joseph creates another test to see if they will sacrifice Benjamin out of jealousy, as they had done him, or if their hearts had really changed. Judah offers to take Benjamin’s place. Joseph sees that his brothers have sorrow and reveals his identity to them, extending great mercy and forgiveness that leads to life, and showing great understanding of God’s sovereignty in all circumstances.
• Pharaoh tells Joseph to bring all of his family to Egypt and promises to bless them with “the best of the land” (45:18).
• Jacob hears the news that Joseph is alive. He is stunned and then overjoyed and plans the trip to see him.

Thoughts

Good grief! It seems treachery, deceit, and jealousy are intertwined throughout this family’s story. And, yet, God continues to mercifully move them forward in His plan. As the process unfolds, we see the work of God in different lives. Take Judah, for instance. He was the one who wickedly sold his brother into slavery and acted immorally with Tamar, and now he offers himself in the place of Benjamin. How unimaginable! And — get this — his Descendant would offer Himself in the place of all sinners!

Praise God that He works in our hearts to make us look more like Christ!