January 14, 2024 - Genesis 42-47

Continuing thoughts about relationships . . . Upon hearing that his father was still alive, and upon seeing his brother Benjamin, “Joseph hurried out, for his compassion grew warm for his brother, and he sought a place to weep.  And he entered his chamber and wept there” (43:30).   Concerned about his father, “Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him.  He cried, ‘Make everyone go out from me.’  So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers.  And he wept aloud” (45:1,2).

“Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck.  And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them.  After that his brother talked with him” (45:15).  And when the brothers brought Jacob down to Egypt, Joseph “presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.  Israel said to Joseph, ‘Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive’” (45:29,30).  What a sweet reunion, though it should never have come to that.  Watch those relationships!

The kindness of Joseph:

When Joseph his brethren behold,

Afflicted and trembling with fear;

His heart with compassion was fill'd,

From weeping he could not forbear;

A while his behaviour was rough,

to bring their past sins to their minds;

But when they were humbled enough,

He hasted to shew himself kind.

"O this is a brother indeed!"

God's kindness toward us:

“Go publish to sinners around,

That they may be willing to come,

The mercy which now you have found,

And tell them that yet there is room.”

Oh, sinners, the message obey!

No more vain excuses pretend;

But come without further delay,

To Jesus, our brother and friend.   –John Newton (1791)