Old Testament - Genesis 44 & 45 - March 15, 2022

3/15/2022 – Genesis 44 & 45

All 11 of the brothers of Joseph are back in Egypt to show Benjamin to Joseph in order to get Simeon out of jail, but Joseph devised a plan that would prevent the brothers from heading home to Canaan. The plan is to send Joseph’s steward after them and accuse them, once again, of thievery. The brothers explained they were not thieves last time nor thieves this time, and they told the steward that if any one of them was to be found with Joseph’s silver cup, then that person should be put to death and the rest of the brothers would serve as bondsmen. (v9) 

The steward had placed Joseph’s cup in Benjamin’s bags, and once found they were taken back to Joseph as thieves. Judah felt they were being punished for selling Joseph. Judah is feeling great guilt and said: ”God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants…” Judah pleads with Joseph to allow him to take Benjamin’s place as the main thief, and let Benjamin return to his father, for their father would die if he found he had lost another precious son. Judah’s heart has certainly changed from 20 years ago when they sold Joseph as a slave.

Genesis 45

Joseph has learned what he wanted to know. He brothers have had a change of heart! Joseph sends everyone out, except for his brothers. He then reveals himself: “…I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, not angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither for God did send me before you to preserve life. …And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (v’s 3-7) Joseph has seen the big picture, the unselfish picture: that he was put into a position of power and authority and wealth, so that he might NOW…20 years later…that he might preserve THEIR lives. 

Not only is Joseph completely forgiving and loving, but he’s modeling for his brothers and for all who will read these scriptures that if we are faithful, God can direct our lives and help us make our trials become blessings for ourselves and for others!

Joseph is not the only person who can teach us to choose the higher road: “When a car crashed into Bishop Christopher William’s vehicle, he had a decision to make, and it was to ‘unconditionally forgive’ the driver who had caused the accident so that the healing process could take place unhampered.” (Ensign, May 2007, p 69) 

When Pharaoh heard the news that these men were Joseph’s brothers, he invited their entire family to join Joseph in Egypt, and Pharaoh would give them good land, and he provided men and wagons to help bring Joseph’s family come to Egypt. Most of all, Jacob was astounded that Joseph was not only alive, but doing very well.

If we, in our everyday lives, feel that we’ve been wronged, then our first thoughts are to forgive, and that’s the way for us to grow, and with that growth will come greater healing and joy.

 

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