Genesis 42:31 But we said to him, ‘We are honest men; we are not spies.
Did Joseph react to his brothers, who sold him into slavery, calling themselves honest men? Did he have to bite his tongue not to say something when these “honest men” said that “one was no more”? Was this part of his struggle, his needing to let go of his anger at his brothers so he could be in a restored relationship with them?
Genesis 42:32 We were twelve brothers, sons of one father. One is no more, and the youngest is now with our father in Canaan.’
Am I projecting? Placing onto Joseph emotions I think I would struggle with had it been me in his situation? Honestly, at this point, I have no idea. What I do know is that God is in control. He is present. He is willing and able to work all things–even this–for their good and His glory if they will allow.
Genesis 42:33 “Then the man who is lord over the land said to us, ‘This is how I will know whether you are honest men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take food for your starving households and go.
Precious Savior, We have all had people who have wronged us, and many times those people show back up in our lives, claiming we can trust them. Trust, once shattered, is hard to repair. Help us, all of us, to seek to love as You love–fiercely, deeply, completely. Protect us, draw us closer, work all things for our good and Your glory. Amen.
Genesis 42:34 But bring your youngest brother to me so I will know that you are not spies but honest men. Then I will give your brother back to you, and you can trade in the land.’ ”
Have a blessed day.