Gen 45:5a “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here….”
What really strikes me in this chapter, in this whole section of Genesis, is Joseph’s attitude. He seems utterly at peace with the past 22 years, even though no one would have begrudged him feelings of anger and bitterness. Perhaps that’s why the past several chapters, where he was testing the brothers and their change of heart, were so difficult for me—because if he were just getting back at his brothers, it would indicate revenge instead of contentment. Throughout this experience, however, throughout all the false claims and unfair actions, Joseph has been at peace in God, content in Him, and that is a beautiful thing.
Gen 45:5b “…because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
Just thinking about anger and bitterness gets my heart rate going. I physically feel my breath quicken. My muscles contract, perhaps in fight or flight mode. The physical sensations of anger, bitterness, anxiety, and stress are real and incredibly unpleasant. The feelings of peace and contentment, which Joseph finds in God, are just as real. The ability to take deep, nourishing breaths, the slowing of the heartbeat, the relaxing of the muscles—it feels totally different. I feel like Joseph has been able to tap into that peace the whole time because he contented himself in God, in where God placed him, and the fact that God is in control.
Gen 45:8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this example. You know it is so easy for me to get caught up in my humanity, so easy to give in to anger, bitterness, anxiety, and fear. But I don’t like what those emotions do to me, Lord, and I know that if I can find contentment in You, I can wrap myself in Your peace. Always. Help me, Jesus. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 45:15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.