Joseph’s confession

Gen. 45

Yesterday, we talked about how Joseph’s brothers got their money back. Today, we will look into how Joseph confessed and revealed himself to his brothers.

As Joseph confessed to his brothers, he said, ““I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.  Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.  And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.  For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest.  God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.  So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt” (Gen. 45:4-8). He reassured and calmed them down. 

How righteous Joseph was. If he wanted, he had all the means and the reasons to bring about more strife between him and even among his brothers. But he calmed them down and reassured them that everything was alright! Let us take some moment to think of the following points today:

1. Those that the Lord uses are always sure of His guidance and purposes in their lives. Even though Joseph had to undergo years of hardships and uncertainties, he knew God’s plan for him and for Israel. He understood that it was God’s plan to send him before them to preserve life, to preserve Israel.
2. Secondly, they bring about peace, assurance and offer good guidance for others always. Instead of burdening his brothers with his experiences and other burdens, he assured them and calmed them down. He said to them, “do not be distressed.” It was not only over him and what they did, he also told them not to quarrel among themselves on their way back (Gen. 45:24). He was a bringer of peace indeed.
3. The Lord Jesus Christ was also sent before us to save us. Like Joseph, he suffered; but it was all for our iniquities. His sacrifice saved us from eternal death. Through his death, burial and resurrection, we, who are sinners, now have eternal life through Him. Knowing his true purpose, to do the will of He who sent Him, He consoles us and assures us (Jn. 6:38). And, as He came, he brought about peace, not only within ourselves, but also between mankind and also between man and God.