At this point, Jacob, their patriarch, has died. His life has been completed and fulfilled. Now, Joseph’s brothers realize the loss of their father and what that may mean for them. Had Joseph been treating them kindly just out of respect for their father? How would Joseph treat them now and what would the impact be? Joseph’s brothers fear that now Joseph would detest them. Again, their concern is only for themselves, just as it had been when they schemed and plotted evil against him initially. For years, Joseph had been caring for them and taking care of their physical needs. Yet they do not understand his love.

They were so blinded they were unable to see Joseph for who he had become. They could not see Joseph’s true heart. They could not comprehend that Joseph had forgiven them although it had not been sought. Fear caused them to send a messenger with a message they say their father gave them. They needed to test the waters, seeing what the response would be so they would know if it was safe or not to go talk to Joseph. Their ability to think clearly was clouded by their past treatment of Joseph.

Do you allow fear to cloud your thinking, creating scenarios that you think may happen before you approach another person you have wronged? Or is it fear that keeps you from repenting before God as you can’t believe he loves you enough to forgive you? I know that many times I create these scenarios, stressing myself out, thankfully to have none of what I imagined become reality.

Finally, they go to Joseph and just as he had prophesied earlier, they bow down before him something I am sure they never thought they would do. Joseph understood his role and limits, knowing that he could not take God’s place, that it was God’s role to bring judgment on them as he saw fit. He taught his family that God took what they had intended to harm and for evil to bring good in the preserving of many lives. 

I’m so glad that God loves me and when my thinking becomes clouded and distorted, through his Word and prayer I can seek clarity and corrected thoughts.

Eleanor Chew, Fairhaven, Mass.

Extended Scripture: Genesis 49–50 (NKJV)