INTRODUCTION: Three things especially stand out about this part of the narrative:
A. This chapter gives us the climax of one of the great stories of history. The simplicity of Moses's style has often been admired.B. Here we have the providence of God deeply emphasized. We are as actors in a play that God directs.
C. Joseph's life teaches us how to forgive others and live without frustration or bitterness.
Judah's intercession revealed to Joseph the changed heart of his brothers. His own heart was melted. The servants were sent out so that Joseph could lay aside the protocol of state and speak to his brothers as family. It is also probable that he did not want his servants to know of his brothers' former actions [I Peter 4:8].Bible teachers have often compared this revelation to the future revelation of Christ to the Jewish nation. What remorse must have flooded the souls of Joseph's brothers. Did not this pre-figure the sorrow that will be felt by the Jewish people at Christ's return [Zechariah 12:10].
II. THE COMFORT OF DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY - verses 5-8.
A. God's sovereignty assures that human affairs are so ordered that His people are preserved and His purposes are carried out. God sees into the future and prepares well in advance for our needs. Even evil men who sin freely end up as instruments of the divine will [Psalm 105:16-24; Psalm 76:10; Ephesians 1:11].B. Joseph was in no way denying the guilt of his brothers [Genesis 50:20]. Having, however, seen evidence of their repentance, he hastens to comfort them by reminding them that even in their rebellion God was working for their future good. Repentant sinners are sometimes in danger of "overmuch sorrow" and need to be appropriately comforted [II Corinthians 2:7].
C. Notice that Joseph refused to take credit for the preservation of Israel. He realized that he was only an instrument in God's hand. Man should always ascribe the glory to God [Romans 11:33-36].
D. Joseph's forgiving spirit toward his brethren teaches us a great lesson: Those who believe in God's predestined plan are helped to forgive the evil deeds that men do to them. When we see in men's actions a higher hand at work, we are freed from bitterness at our treatment [Job 1:21]. There are other keys to forgiveness [Ephesians 4:32], but this is definitely a part. Note how this worked in David's life [II Samuel 16:5-13].
III. SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS - verses 9-15.
Joseph was a very spiritually-minded man. This especially manifests itself in the following ways:
A. Joseph was very aware of God's work and gracious plan in his life. Egypt was a place where Israel could be preserved as a nation while it grew and was saved from starvation. Egyptian customs assured that Israel would not be absorbed into Egyptian culture [Genesis 43:32]. Joseph saw and rejoiced in the divine wisdom. Some Christians seem to see little into God's wonderful works in their life.B. Note again the complete forgiveness that Joseph extended toward his brothers. This required real spirituality.
IV. PHARAOH - verses 16-20. This Pharaoh appears in a much better light than the one Moses had to deal with. He was truly a grateful and magnanimous man. Rulers often forget former kindness. Pharaoh, however, remembered that the salvation of Egypt was a result of God's blessings through Joseph. For that reason he promised to liberally care for Joseph's family. The wealth of earth's greatest nation would be at their disposal. (One cannot help but reflect that the great Pharaohs were in God's hand. Here one showers blessing. Later another showers Israel with cruelty. Both however were used of God to bless Israel and glorify His name - Romans 9:17).
V. BACK TO CANAAN - verses 21-24.
For the journey home they were provided with everything needful and more. We have felt that this was partly given to convince Jacob of the truth of his sons' story. Likewise as we travel this earth on our way to meet the Lord Jesus, we are provided with everything needful for the journey. He even sends gifts that assure us of future blessings [Ephesians 1:13- 14].There is no doubt Joseph's warning in verse 24 was needful. Perhaps the brothers would fear the exposure of their former deed and bring on strife as they attempted to shift the blame to each other before their father found out about Joseph.
VI. JACOB RECEIVES GLAD TIDINGS - verses 25-28.
What a glorious scene. Old Jacob unable to believe for joy is convinced only after hearing the whole story and seeing the Egyptian wagons. He then felt that upon seeing Joseph his life would be complete.Graciously there is no mention here of Jacob rebuking his sons for selling Joseph. They had repented and had been reconciled to Joseph. What need was there of remembering their former sins? Like Jacob let us learn when to leave skeletons in the closet. Note that even Joseph never mentioned their sin. The Egyptians never knew of their crime [I Peter 4:8].
Notice also how Jacob is referred to as Jacob in verse 25, but as Israel in verse 28. As his faith revives he realizes that he is truly blessed to be a "prince" with God. We too are "Jacobs" by nature, but by grace we will reign with Christ.
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