GENESIS 45
10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, and your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, for there are yet five years of famine to come, so that you and your household, and all that you have, do not come to poverty.’ 12 And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 You must tell my father of all my honor in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. Hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him. – Genesis 45:10-15
GENESIS 45 JOSEPH’S PROVIDENCE FOR HIS FAMILY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers
They were speechless from panic and surprise
Then Joseph laid down his plans for all of them
God placed him in authority so they can survive the famine.
It is to Goshen where their father and all their children will dwell
Joseph wanted them to be near him so he can look after them all
He needed to warrant that they have enough for the next years of famine
Then Joseph kissed all his brothers and their fears were all swept away.
I am curious as to what these evil brothers of Joseph were thinking now that Joseph is a powerful ruler in Egypt. It must have crossed their minds how they were going to explain to their father and confess the truth about their lies about Joseph’s death and how it would impact their relationship with him for the remaining years of his life. They must have panicked and feared what Joseph might do to them, but Joseph’s weeping and telling them his plan to bring them all in Goshen so they can be provided for all the next five years of famine must have comforted them and given them peace. Now they can speak freely and know that Joseph has truly forgiven them and that he is still their younger brother. Joseph’s generosity and providence come from God’s grace.
REFLECTION
- What does 1 Timothy 5:6 say about taking care of your own family?
