SUBJ: The revelation of Joseph to his
brothers and the manifestation of true forgiveness in Joseph and the
workings of divine providence in placing Joseph in Egypt.
AIM: That we might observe the ordeal
of Joseph and the result of grace ordered in his heart and endeavor to
act in a like manner.
INTR: We have witnessed the fulfilling
of the visions of Joseph both concerning his brothers and with Pharaoh
as having the overreaching purpose of redemption to be realized
ultimately in Christ. 1. The story here is fascinating to say the
least and makes for a wonderful story on any level of consideration. We
must be reminded that all these things happened and are preserved for
the purpose of increasing our faith. 2. In our last study, chapter 42
we see the testing of the brethren that the love Joseph had for them
would be vindicated. They had been brought to a state of repentance over
their treachery with Joseph and would be further tested. 3. They had
been forced to leave Simeon in Egypt and would now face the task of
gaining the trust of Jacob and Benjamin.
THESIS: It is to be remembered that
even these stories are looking toward the coming of Christ with pictures
of forgiveness along the way and Joseph is a means to this end wherein
God preserves His people and the Christ line in them.
I. The
preceding narrative (chapters 43) 1. The famine continued and Simeon
remained in Egypt 2. The realization that something had to be done
and for that to occur Jacob had to be convinced to allow Benjamin to go
with them. 3. It is at this point that Judah emerges as the leader in
the family 1) Reuben had offered his sons in trying to persuade
Jacob, 2) But Judah offered himself and 4. Jacob now comes to look
to the mercy of God Almighty (43:14) 5. Joseph continued to exercise
restraint in the matter even when he saw Benjamin 6. They were amazed
that when they were seated for the meal that they were placed in order
of their ages. 7. And so, Joseph celebrated with them.
II. The
further testing (chapter 44) 1. The commandment went out to fill
their sacks with as much as they could carry and to put their money in
their sacks. 2. The final test of the ten would come when Joseph gave
instruction to put his silver cup in Benjamins sack. 3. A set up, of
course, with the intent to draw them into an impossible situation – they
are brought back to Joseph. 4. It is here that Judah pleads for his
father Jacob and the preservation of the family and further emerges as
the genuine leader – Christ came through the line of Judah. 5. The
testing was complete in that their remorse was complete and the stage
was set to hear the work that had been done and the grace of forgiveness
to be witnessed in Joseph.
III. Joseph reveals his identity and
his intent (Genesis 45.1ff) 1. It is evident that Joseph’s intent was
restoration and forgiveness all along and it is fully expressed in his
reaction to his brothers. 2. First, we would consider the realization
to the brothers who had been speaking freely in Joseph’s hearing and now
realized there had been no secrets. 3. His theology was revealed as
well: 1) God had been in control and 2) Joseph perceived that he
had been sent to preserve their lives. 3) Certainly, this is a
picture of the redeeming work of Christ exemplified in Joseph. 4.
Joseph rehearsed with them all that had moved in the events of the past
several years and had placed him in the position to accomplish much.
5. He manifested genuine affection for them all and especially for
Benjamin 6. And so, the plans were laid that would bring the whole
family to Egypt where God would make of them a great nation. 7.
Provision would be made for the best of Egypt to be provided for them.
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