The emotion and agony of it all overcame Joseph and he broke down and wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and the news of the presence of Joseph’s brothers even spread to Pharaoh’s household.  As the band of brothers had no idea of Joseph’s real identity, it is understandable that they were incredulous as well as terrified!  With the exit of the attendants from the room, at last Joseph was alone with his family. How do you think the brothers reacted as he said, “I am Joseph!”  Did they doubt him initially?  Did they question the truth of his claim, did they think they would be punished for their past behaviour?  What turmoil of emotions they all must have experienced!

When life deals us a nasty blow, we very frequently turn straight to “family”, and so at last as Joseph exposes the family secret, he was able to express his emotions which had been bottled up for so many years!  Joseph’s loving and comforting words came from his forgiving heart.  It was a fact that long ago his brothers had certainly done wrong and were guilty of their deeds, but Joseph told them not to dwell on their wrongdoings, but to look at the way God’s plans and purposes had overruled in all of their lives, ultimately for everybody’s good.  God allowed Joseph to be taken to Egypt so that his family could be preserved, the nation of Israel be born and ultimately Jesus, the Saviour of the world to come to earth.  Joseph explained to his family about the five years of famine yet to come, and arranges for his brothers to return to Jacob in Canaan and then bring his father and all their families and livestock to Egypt, where Joseph would take care of them with Pharaoh’s blessing!

Reconciliation was enabled because hidden sin and guilt had been exposed and forgiveness granted.  Joseph had suffered over many years and triumphed, and this is a wonderful picture of what the Lord Jesus Christ did for mankind through his death on the cross and his triumphant resurrection.  As Romans 11 v. 3 says: -  “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!”

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Dear Father of Compassion, Thank you that we can trust every part of our lives to you, and that you are constantly watching us and directing us along the paths you would have us go.  Please help me always to remember how you led, guided and protected Joseph from seemingly impossible situations, and that ultimately your perfect plans all unfolded just at the right time, Amen.