Credit:Dusan Stankovic

Genesis 45:15–28 ‘Afterward his brothers talked with him.’ (v15)

Can you imagine that conversation? The brother they assumed was dead is alive. The guilt and shame they have carried for many years over what they did to Joseph and their part in his demise and the effect on their dad is put to one side.

Joseph has held nothing against them and they struggle to believe that Joseph could see the hand of God in it all and wanted the brothers to know they were restored by giving them many gifts. Pharaoh joins in and gives them gifts too, such is the magnitude of the occasion of Joseph being reunited with his brothers.

The weeping was no doubt a mixture of the joy at being restored back to family he thought he had lost forever and sadness over the lost years. The conversation with Jacob would not be an easy one – the brothers would have to confess their deceit – yet all of that is overcome when Jacob realises that his favourite son is not dead.

All of this is a picture of what happens when a soul gets saved. We are told the joy in heaven over one lost soul found is great – greater even than the joy of Jacob at the news that his lost son is found. Our past forgiven, just like the brothers’ was, and we are promised a new life, such is the heavenly Father’s love for us.

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A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, help me to tell others of Your good news, so they might be restored to you. Amen.’

An Action To Take:
Think about who you might tell the good news of the gospel to.

Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 103:11–14; Luke 15:1–10; Rom. 4:20–24; 2 Cor. 5:17–21

Micha Jazz is Director of Resources at Waverley Abbey, UK.