Genesis 45:1 Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers.
I have tried and failed to imagine what I might do in this situation. This Egyptian official, who has been incredibly stern, who has accused me of stealing (and made it look like I was stealing), who demanded I bring my youngest brother, is actually the brother I helped sell into slavery 22 years ago, the brother I was all set to murder before the slavery plan was hatched.
Genesis 45:2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
I would be terrified, afraid for my life, convinced that said brother would murder me (or at the very least, sell me into slavery) to settle the score. I’d be incredibly confused by said brother’s tears and crying out. I would not feel that I deserve forgiveness because I would not have been able to forgive myself.
Genesis 45:3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.
Precious Savior, That last sentence resonates: “I would not feel that I deserve forgiveness because I would not have been able to forgive myself.” We are human, flawed, deeply fallible. We make mistakes every single day. Help us to forgive ourselves and to come to You for forgiveness so that we don’t live shackled with chains that You never intended for us to bear. Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!
Have a blessed day.