Village Schools of the Bible

Genesis: A Devotional Study
by Max Frazier, Jr.

Joseph was a political figure in his day, and a very important one at that. We might say that he held the equivalent role of Secretary of State and Chief of Staff all rolled up into one office. Egypt's daily life did not function without his say-so. Politically, there was only one person greater than he - the Pharaoh himself. And, as we have seen, here was a politician that was not afraid to give credit to God for what he did. He did not wear his faith on his sleeve, but modeled it with his life.

We re-enter his story this week in Genesis 45. Just to recapture that moment. Joseph's brothers have appeared the second time before Joseph to buy food. They have brought Joseph's brother Benjamin with them this time, much to the sorrow of and aging Jacob's heart. Now, Benjamin has been accused of stealing Joseph's royal cup and stands condemned to be sold into slavery. Finally, the brothers plead for Benjamin's life. Now we come to that moment when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers.

Genesis 45

Key Words: "God sent me"

Key Verse: Verse 7 summarizes the reason fro Joseph's being in Egypt. Oh the trouble we would save ourselves if we would only see our lives and their events from this perspective.

Purpose Statement: The final step in God's plan to get Israel to Egypt is now completed with Joseph's revelation of himself to his brothers.

Outline: Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

I. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers (vs. 1-15)
II. Pharaoh invites Israel to come to Egypt (vs. 16-20)
III. The brothers return with bounty to their father (vs. 21-28)

Questions to Probe: Why was Pharaoh so favorable to Joseph's family? Was it because of the testimony of Joseph?

Thoughts to Ponder: What a glorious family reunion there in that palace of Pharaoh. Fears were replaced with celebration. And Joseph did something very special for his brothers - he forgave them. He did not accuse them. He did not seek to punish them. He forgave them. His brothers were stunned, yet soon accepted that forgiveness and joined heart to heart with their brother. Forgiveness brings beauty from ashes. It turns mourning into dancing.

One can only imagine the terror Joseph's brothers felt when Joseph finally revealed himself to them. For all those years they had lied enough that they had convinced themselves that Joseph was truly dead. That is the great danger in telling a lie...you come to believe it is true.

This chapter demonstrates the great respect that Pharaoh had for Joseph. He could have provided for them without inviting them to Egypt. Or, he could have invited them to Egypt but put them in a place that was less than favorable. But Pharaoh really opened not only his wallet (verse 18), but also his heart to Joseph's brothers and their families. This could only have happened because of the relationship of respect and trust he had built over the past nine years with Joseph. Pharaoh may never have become a believer, but at least he knew that Joseph was different from the others who served him.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Two marks of a real man are to dream and to dare. (J. Gustav White)

Genesis 43-44 Return to Table of Contents Genesis 46