Last time we saw how the steward of
Joseph's house gave glory to God. He was obviously influenced by
Joseph. Joseph was a true example for all of us. He gave glory to
God in all situations and lived a life that drew people closer to
God. We should follow his example and make a difference to those we
come in contact with. We should allow His Spirit to move mightily
through us, so that they can experience God through our
actions.
Now Joseph invited all of his
brothers to his home for lunch. They were afraid at first, but
after the steward reassured them they settled in at Joseph's house
and prepared their present for him. When Joseph arrived they
presented him with their present and bowed before him. He asked
about his father and was undoubtedly relieved at their answer:
"Your servant our father is in
good health; he is still alive." Genesis 43:28
Joseph then lifted his eyes and saw
his own brother for the first time. Benjamin was his only full
blood brother. He was so overcome with emotion that he had to
leave:
"Now his heart yearned for his
brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he
went into his chambers and wept there. Then he washed his face and
came out; and he restrained himself." Genesis 43:30, 31
It is understandable that Joseph
was overcome with emotion. His dreams that he had when he was just
seventeen years old were coming to pass, his brothers were in front
of him, remorseful of what they had done to him, he just heard his
father was still alive and now he sees his own brother for the
first time. It is a lot to take in. However he decided that he was
not going to reveal himself to his brothers as yet, he first wanted
to give them a final test.
He seated them in order of their
age at the dinner table and they marveled at it, but none of them
clicked that it was Joseph presiding over them. He didn't eat with
them, as Egyptians didn't eat with Hebrews. Yet, the brothers
enjoyed themselves and ate until they were full; Benjamin even got
five times the serving portion of the others.
Then it was time for the final
test. Joseph commanded his steward:
"Fill the men's sacks with
food, as much as they can carry, and put each man's money in the
mouth of his sack. Also put my cup, the silver cup, in the mouth of
the sack of the youngest, and his grain money." Genesis 44:1,
2
Joseph wanted to make 100% sure
that his brothers did indeed changed. Were they truly remorseful,
or would they abandon their youngest brother at the next chance
that they got?
It is easy to say that you are
sorry, but it is a different story to truly act as if you are
sorry. Lip service is one thing, but true repentance is followed by
actions. Do not just apologize to someone, knowing very well that
at the next available chance you would do exactly the same thing
again. No, truly repent and allow God to change your heart, for if
your heart is changed the actions will follow. It does a lot of
harm to the Kingdom of God if we say we are sorry, but we don't act
that way. People look at our actions and how we handle things and
that determines their view of God. Especially our children. They
look up at us.
Mean what you say. If you say that
you are going to do something, do it. In our world today people's
word doesn't mean a lot anymore. If you say you are going to do
something do it, if you make an appointment, keep it, if you make a
promise, honor it. As the Bible say, Let your yes be yes and your
no be no. Do not waver between the two. Let people see that you
have integrity. People respect that. Keep your word and be honest.
That way you will honor God as He is steadfast and never
wavering.
Father, please help us to keep our
word. Help us to honor You in every way. We want to lift You higher
through our actions and help people to draw close to You. We love
and honor You. Amen