The Life Of Joseph - From Prison to Prime Minister - Part 12
Joseph Reveals himself! Genesis 45 verses 1 - 46
In our last study we saw the fear of Joseph’s brothers as they faced up to the challenge of leaving their young brother Benjamin behind, whilst they returned home. They had passed the test with flying colours, as with courage and faith Judah offered to take his place, as a willing substitute. Little did they know that a far greater One of the tribe of Judah would become the substitute for sinners upon the cross of Calvary many centuries later.
As we study Genesis chapters 45 and 46 we will discover a Revelation, a Realisation and a Reunion …
A Revelation
We can picture the scene as Joseph decided that the time had come when he could safely reveal his identity to his brothers. He was the Prime Minister of the great nation of Egypt, and his brothers were still shepherds from a distant land. He was the one they sold into slavery and he was the one who had them at his mercy. They were in desperate need of food in a time of famine, and he was the one who would decide whether or not they received it. Now we see this powerful ruler telling all his servants and courtiers to leave the room whilst, in mercy and grace, he revealed himself to his brothers. We enter into the pathos of the situation as Joseph wept aloud, and the civil servants outside his room listened in wonder. He told his brothers to come near to him and tenderly revealed himself: “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” We read that his brothers were terrified at his presence. No doubt they thought that their end had come as their brother took revenge for all the ill-treatment they had given to him so many years ago. Yet all Joseph could think about was his father’s health, and the welfare of his family. What a beautiful picture this presents of the Lord Jesus, who was abused by so many people, mocked, scourged, spat upon, and finally rejected and hung upon a cross. Did he seek revenge? No! We read that he prayed for his persecutors “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23 verse 34). This was matchless grace. Love which we can never really understand. Yet the message comes through to us in our day, for although we did not physically abuse and crucify the Lord Jesus, it was for our sins that He suffered upon the cross. He had our welfare at heart. He was seeking our forgiveness. As Peter puts it, so graphically, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2 verse 24). Have you repented of your sin, and thanked Him for taking your punishment. That is the only way for you to experience God’s forgiveness and blessing.
A Realisation
At last the brothers grasped the wonderful truth that this really was Joseph, whom they thought to be dead. He was not seeking revenge, but genuinely wanted to forgive them, and be the means of blessing to them and their families. He explained to them that this had all been part of God’s plan, so that through being promoted to the position of Prime Minister, he could provide them with food. Although the way he was sold into slavery was harsh and brutal, he had to take that rough and stony path, so that in being exalted to a position of power in Egypt he could be the one who would ensure that God’s purpose for Jacob and his sons was realised. He had been sent before them in order to be their saviour. They recognised that this was the one they had rejected, and he was welcoming them back into fellowship with him. This reminds us of a great New Testament truth. The One whom we have rejected, and whose fellowship we have spurned, is the One who has given Himself for us in sacrificial love. He took the hard and rough path to Calvary’s cross in order to become our Saviour.
The next words of Joseph must have sent a chill into the hearts of the brothers: “Now hurry back to my father and say to him, `This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don't delay … you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come’.” It must suddenly have occurred to Joseph’s brothers that the lie they had been living with for so many years was now over. Their father still believed the tale they had told him that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal, now they would have to confess to their deception. With a brother like Joseph, and in such a powerful position, he would insist upon them telling the truth. They must have had some very uncomfortable moments on that homeward journey. All they could hope for was that the good news of Joseph still being alive might take away the shock their father would experience when he realised that his own sons had deceived him so cruelly. Perhaps I am speaking to someone today who has been living a lie. You’ve been deceiving someone very close to you; your father or mother, husband or wife, or your parents or children. Now God is speaking to you, telling you to confess your sin. May I encourage you with the words of 1 John 1 verse 9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Such confession must not only be to God, but also to the people we have sinned against. When the Biblical instructions are followed, God’s forgiveness will be freely given.
A Reunion
After a time of weeping together with Joseph, the brothers took their leave, and we next see them in their home surroundings, breaking the news to their father. At first he just would not believe them, but when he saw the food and presents Joseph had sent, carried by no less than twenty donkeys, his spirit revived and he said to them “I'm convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."
Just in case there were still lingering doubts in the mind of Jacob, God appeared to him in a dream, giving him all the assurance he needed that this journey was the right one to take. God again gave him the promise that He would make him a great nation and would bring him back to the land again.
As soon as the party arrived in Goshen, which had been allotted to them by Pharaoh, Joseph prepared his chariot and went down to meet the father he hadn’t seen for so many years. It was a touching reunion, as Joseph, the powerful courtier met his father. The record tells us “As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time” (Genesis 46 verse 29).
Joseph then left no stone unturned to ensure that his father and brothers settled into their new homeland quickly and happily. He told them that he would spell out the position to Pharaoh, explaining that his family followed the trade of shepherds, which was a detestable occupation to the Egyptians. Knowing his brothers as well as he did, he told them that when they were officially asked what their occupation was, they had to make it clear that they were shepherds. He also told them that this was going to ensure that they were left alone in the area of Goshen, for once the Egyptians knew that it was occupied by shepherds they would give it a wide berth.
Here we see again God’s gracious provision, for had Jacob’s sons followed a trade acceptable to the Egyptians there would almost certainly have been inter-marriage, and their faith in the One True God would have soon been watered down. Only by remaining a separate people could the Lord fulfil His purpose of forming from them a nation for Himself.
There are clear lessons in this study for us at the beginning of a new millennium. We need to search our hearts to ensure that we have no unconfessed sin; we should also make sure that we have no unresolved family conflict. If we have, it needs to be settled as a matter of urgency. Then, finally, we see from God’s over-ruling in the life of Joseph, that if we are walking in line with God’s will, we can safely leave the outcome of our lives to Him. He will never fail those who completely trust Him.