Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers

This meditation is based on a passage for March 9, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Genesis 45:1-15

Reflection and Question: We dip into the story of Joseph for a third time. Now his brothers have returned to Egypt, this time bringing Benjamin as Joseph required them to do. Now Joseph breaks down, falling on Benjamin’s neck, weeping inconsolably and revealing himself to them all. At first those who had tried to kill him and thought they had succeeded were too dismayed to speak. As Joseph reminds them of the power he has to save the family from suffering, the brothers calm down and are able to talk with him. Would the brothers agree that God was behind it all? Why or why not?

Prayer: Eternal God, Joseph knew years of hardship only to find himself the steward of the Pharaoh. While his brothers stood silent in dismay, Joseph’s faith in Your providence never wavered. May we learn from Joseph and follow his example. Amen.