That We May Live - Genesis 42-43

Can you recall a time when a friend or family member extended grace to you? How about a time you extended grace to others? While we might underestimate the impact a gracious interaction can have on those around us, we might be more likely to consider the significance of a kind word or deed when we’re the recipient of it. 

On Sunday, Austin preached on Genesis 42-43, reminding us of God's sovereignty and helping us consider that God works in every circumstance for the good of His people.

Genesis 42-43 tell of Joseph’s interactions with his brothers after they traveled to Egypt to buy grain. Ten of the brothers made the journey, but Benjamin was left behind, as his father, Jacob, feared that harm might come to him. At the time, Joseph was governor of Egypt; purchases of grain went through him (unbeknownst to his family).

When Joseph encountered his brothers, he recognized them, but they did not recognize him. Rather than divulge his identity, Joseph spoke harshly to his brothers, accusing them of being spies. They denied it and revealed that they were brothers, sons of a man who had twelve sons. In order for the brothers to prove their truthfulness, Joseph gave them a challenge: they were to go and bring their youngest brother back to Egypt. In the meantime, Simeon would be kept in custody. 

Before sending them away, Joseph secretly ordered that each of the brothers’ money be replaced. The brothers journeyed home, and when they found the money in their sacks, they were afraid. Their father was, too, and was reluctant to send Benjamin with his brothers to Egypt. With the famine severe, however, Jacob eventually obliged. Along with Benjamin, the brothers departed for Egypt, this time with a present for Joseph and twice as much money as before. After they arrived, Joseph received his brothers and graciously provided them a meal. Though he still did not disclose his identity to them, he amazed his brothers when he ordered them by age.

Joseph’s dealings with his brothers were not yet over, but we can see already that he treated them graciously. Years before, they considered killing him and sold him into slavery. This launched Joseph into a period of suffering in a foreign land. The Lord redeemed Joseph’s situation, but Joseph’s gracious response to his brothers is still interesting. It may have been tempting to exact revenge on those who had caused him (and his father) so much harm, but instead, Joseph showed kindness. He tested his brothers, but did not seek to return to them the pain they had caused him.

Are you gracious to others? All Christians can rejoice in being recipients of great grace, having been forgiven and adopted by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And yet, we are, at times, slow to extend grace to others. Let this not be so! This week, let’s seek to love people around us well, even if we feel tempted to act oppositely. After all, a heart transformed by grace is a heart that extends grace to others, even when it’s hard.

Resources:


Reflection Questions:

  • How does the gospel supremely display God’s grace?

  • Consider relationships in your life that can be challenging or frustrating. Who is one person to whom you can extend grace this week? 

  • How might you go about doing that?

Delight in the WordJohn Giuliani