January 21

Genesis 42:18-43:34; Matthew 13:47-14:12; Psalm 18:16-36; Proverbs 4:7-10

I’m tired today, I’m not going to lie. I’ve got 3 children five and under, one of whom still puts everything in his mouth, one of whom is obsessed with potty talk and the other who wants to “do something special” every single day. My days are busy and full with the going-ons of small people. For the most part, it’s wonderful; every so often, I’m worn out. So today as I sit down to read my One Year Bible, I’m afraid I’m not at my best. But isn’t it amazing how the Lord can speak to us anyway?

I was very moved today by Joseph’s emotions. I’ve always loved this story, but today I was struck by how touched he is by seeing his brothers. I’m one of five (the youngest, actually) and I love my siblings a great deal. The five of us are very close, particularly my sisters and I, and I cannot image being separated from them for years on end.

When Joseph sees that his brothers regret their decisions which led to his life in Egypt, he weeps (Gen. 42:24), though he is careful to not let them see. (As a side note, I love how Joseph has a great master plan which unfolds in the days following.) Imagine how he must have felt, all these years, some of which were in prison, wondering if his brothers were sorry, if they even ever thought of him. And now, out of the blue, he is thrust back into contact with 10 of his 11 brothers, and discovers that they do in fact deeply mourn their sin. It is no surprise he is overwhelmed. He must have wondered if that day would ever come and played out how it would unfold over and over in his mind.

But his emotions don’t stop there – in fact, it just the beginning. When his brothers return again for more grain, this time with Benjamin, Joseph is so overcome with emotion that he has to leave the room so he can weep (Gen. 43:30). Not just cry, but weep! You’d better believe I would be hysterical if I thought I’d never see my brothers and sisters again only to have them come unexpectedly back into my life.

Isn’t it amazing how good God is, not just to Joseph but to his brothers? If we’re Bible readers, then we know what ‘s coming in the next few days – the famous “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). Joseph has a clear understanding of God’s design on his life, and he’s a willing participant. But there’s redemption for his brothers as well, which is just one example among many of God’s abundant goodness. They don’t have to live the rest of their lives in guilt and dismay, but instead are restored in right relationship to Joseph and are blessed beyond measure in a new life in Egypt (spoiler alert for tomorrow’s reading!). That’s the kind of God we serve, a God who loves us and is for us. Praise God!

- Esther McCurry

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