Genesis 45

Reading Genesis 45 this morning. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers. He broke down and cried as he told them. They were speechless, dumbfounded. Joseph had to tell them again; they were shocked.

4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. 5But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. ‘

Genesis 45:4-5

Joseph’s trust in God amazes me. He knew God had a plan; he couldn’t see the big picture, but he believed and trusted God. He doesn’t try to get revenge; he doesn’t hate his brothers who double-crossed him. We can’t see the big picture either; we have to trust God, his perfect plan for us.

We have to try to look at things from God’s perspective, how he views the people, even people who hurt us. We have to love, forgive, and offer grace, mercy, and pray for those who fall short and even ourselves. We have to be willing to suffer, to carry our cross, to help others carry theirs. God has a perfect plan for us.

Similar Posts

  • Exodus 36 and 37

    I’m finally getting back on track after losing an hour to the time change. This morning’s reading was Exodus 36 and 37. The Israelites are building the Tabernacle, a portable tent/sanctuary to house the Ark of the Covenant, and to signal God’s Holy presence. God gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and…

  • Real Motives

    The story of Balaam and the talking donkey has always intrigued me. Balaam was a prophet for hire; for a fee, he would bless and curse people. The Moab king wanted him to curse the Israelites so he could defeat them in battle. God tells Balaam not to curse them; Balaam agrees. The Moab king…

  • Quick to Forgive

    We are reading Matthew 6 on our journey through the Bible this year. Jesus teaches us how to pray. ‘In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive…

  • Stop Being Angry

    I’m on a mission trip this week without internet. I’m still reading through the Bible, but won’t be able to post. I’ve scheduled this week’s post on some of my favorite readings. With so much outrage and anger in the world, there’s never been a better time to meditate on Psalm 37.

  • Genesis 26

    We see a pattern passed down from Abraham to his son Isaac in Genesis 26. Abraham lied about Sara being his sister, not his wife, to save his own life in Genesis 12:10-20 and 20:1-8. Then in Genesis 26, Isaac does the same thing; he’s afraid that the people in this foreign land he’s found…

Leave a Reply