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Joseph has been sent ahead by the providence of God to Egypt in order to make provision for all the surrounding region, including Canaan. His brothers are facing the famine there, and Jacob (Israel) sends his sons to Egypt to get grain. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but they do not recognize him. He plays the role of the Egyptian ruler, and does not reveal his identity to them. He accuses them of being spies, and requires one of them to stay there in custody while the others go back with the grain and bring their youngest brother (Joseph’s brother), Benjamin back to Egypt to him.
They discuss among themselves how this must be a judgement against them for selling their brother Joseph into slavery. Joseph hears them and understands their discussion, and has to turn and weep. Simeon stayed with Joseph and the rest head back to Canaan. He had their grain loaded, and ordered their money put back in their bags. When they camp for the night, they find their money and they are mortified to find it.
They get back to Israel and tell him about all that happened, and bemoans the idea of Benjamin going back with them. Reuben promises him his two sons if Benjamin does not return. Israel denies the request and says that Benjamin will not go.
This reunion is not the Norman Rockwell picture of a family reunited with one another after long last. Instead, there is still some level of deceit and trickery. Joseph tricks the brothers into bringing his full brother to him. Well, Joseph is in the position of authority that he had dreamed of years before. He is trying to live out the destiny of God prepared for him from the foundation of the Earth. The reunion is not the picturebook story, but nevertheless, the dreams are coming to fruition. The reunion starts the clock in earnest on the fulfillment of Joseph’s purpose. What have you been waiting for? What little part of your destiny is coming to pass to help you understand that the rest is on the way? Faithfulness pays off, friends; faithfulness pays off!
Devoted To You 