Genesis 45:1-20 - So Joseph could no longer control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry. 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. 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.’ And now your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 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.” Then he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck. And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them. After that his brothers talked with him.

In this passage, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers who had sold him into slavery many years before. Though they had intended evil, God used their actions to place Joseph in a position of power in Egypt to save many lives during a severe famine. Joseph reassures his brothers that this was all part of God's plan, and urges them to go quickly and bring their father Jacob and their families to live in Egypt where Joseph can provide for them. The passage ends with an emotional reunion and reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers.

This story shows the wonder of God's providence despite human evil. Joseph's brothers were jealous and ruthless, but God redeemed their sin to bring about an incredible plan to preserve life. As Joseph told them simply, "It was not you who sent me here, but God" (v. 8). We often cannot understand the hardship and injustices in life, but we can trust that God ultimately works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Though we face troubles, God promises to be with us and guide us if we trust in Him. For the brothers, their sin must have weighed heavily once they stood before the brother they betrayed. Yet Joseph did not condemn them, but rather chose forgiveness. He demonstrated God's grace and reconciliation. There is power when we choose to forgive others rather than harbor bitterness. It breaks the cycle of evil and opens the door for redemption. As we reflect on this passage, let us cling to the truths that despite hardship and even evil, God is still sovereign, and He desires reconciliation over condemnation. Wherever we have sinned or been sinned against, God calls us to forgiveness and restoration.

Gracious God, thank You for the reminder in this passage that You are over all and You work in all things. Forgive us for the times when we doubt Your purposes or fail to trust You in difficult circumstances. Give us the grace to forgive those who have wronged us, just as Joseph forgave his brothers. Heal broken relationships and bring reconciliation. Help us to cling tightly to You, knowing that You will never leave us. Thank You for Your amazing love. In Jesus' name, amen.