Law – Genesis 44-47

One word came to mind immediately when I read today’s passage.

I wonder what word comes to your mind?

Bible Passage:  Genesis 44-47

What strikes you the most after you read today’s passage?

?

?

?

For me, if was Recounciliation.

Joseph was recounciled with ALL his brothers … finally.

No more secrets.  No more hidden schemes.  No more wondering what will happen next.

Joseph – the brother that was lost and thought dead all these years now stood before their eyes.

Jacob – the patriach of the family – was able to see Jospeh – his most  beloved son whom he thought had been torn apart by wild beasts all those years ago.

Jacob and Jospeh back together.  A father and son recounciled.

Joseph and brothers back together – no more enmity – only love.

What brought about this recounciliation?

Genesis 45:5

“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 recounciliation to take place, it requires forgiveness that comes from within.

God calls us to have a forgiving spirit.

And when we know and believe that God remains in control of all that happens to us, we will have it within us to forgive others.

None of us have been as badly treated before as Joseph (perhaps we think we have).  But the remarkable thing is that Joseph was willing to put aside all his past sufferings and unhappiness to see the bigger picture – God’s picture – and forgave his brothers.

Every one of us have been hurt by someone before.  And through these times, some of us have, like Joseph, have learned to trust and obey God day by day.

But let us also learn the greatness of forgiveness so that we can be recounciled with our brethren once again.