October 22nd, 2013
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Friends Reunited

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Word. It’s a lamp for my feet and my guide through the dark times of life.

Read Genesis 42:1-24

[1] When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why do you just keep looking at each other?” [2] He continued, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.” [3] Then ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. [4] But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him. [5] So Israel’s sons were among those who went to buy grain, for there was famine in the land of Canaan also. [6] Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. [7] As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. “Where do you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied, “to buy food.” [8] Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. [9] Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, “You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected.” [10] “No, my lord,” they answered. “Your servants have come to buy food. [11] We are all the sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.” [12] “No!” he said to them. “You have come to see where our land is unprotected.” [13] But they replied, “Your servants were twelve brothers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.” [14] Joseph said to them, “It is just as I told you: You are spies! [15] And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. [16] Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to see if you are telling the truth. If you are not, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!” [17] And he put them all in custody for three days. [18] On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: [19] If you are honest men, let one of your brothers stay here in prison, while the rest of you go and take grain back for your starving households. [20] But you must bring your youngest brother to me, so that your words may be verified and that you may not die.” This they proceeded to do. [21] They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.” [22] Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” [23] They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter. [24] He turned away from them and began to weep, but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

Meditate

“No doubt all history in the last resort must be held by all Christians to be a story with a divine plot” (C.S. Lewis).

Think Further

Even with the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream and Joseph’s appointment as Prime Minister, his dreams have not yet come true. He marries and has two sons, but chooses names that show that his journey is not yet over. Joseph’s very claim that he has forgotten his family (41:51) indicates that he has not! Even in fruitfulness, he acknowledges his grief (41:52). It is not until chapter 42 that the story turns towards the true fulfillment of the young exile’s dreams. Compelled by famine, Joseph’s brothers seek relief in Egypt. Unwittingly, they stand before the brother they betrayed, and we begin to see the ending toward which God has been leading us.

This is the point at which the sovereignty of God becomes clear. God’s project is not the prosperity and progress of Joseph: it is the very survival of the tribes of Israel. Long before Pharaoh’s dream, God saw famine coming. He needed a man on the inside in Egypt, ready to take action on behalf of his people. Joseph was that man, and we realize that the whole narrative has been played out in the providence of God. The actions of Joseph, his brothers, Potiphar, and even Pharaoh himself have been woven together in God’s larger purpose. God’s will is not brought about by abrupt action, but by God’s engagement with the ways of the world – ways that to us seem natural. God’s ways are above and beyond the ways of humanity. History itself is his servant.

God is working out his purposes on a global scale, achieving his objectives both through and in spite of Egypt, Joseph, and his brothers. Would we trust God more easily–and obey him more fully–if we truly believed that he was working out his plans through, and in spite of, us?

Apply

When someone has deeply wronged you, are you most likely to seek revenge or reconciliation? What does this tell you about yourself and your trust in God?

Closing prayer

Sovereign Lord, You alone are God, and I bless Your holy name. Your powers extend beyond my ability and foresight, and I renew my trust in You.

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