Genesis 42

Why does Joseph act the way he does? Recognition. Shock. Concern. Revenge? I think we can take him at his word. This is all a test. He may be conflicted, but he does care. He won’t take their money, and he wants to make sure that Benjamin is actually okay. After all, they hated him because of their jealousy and almost killed him over it! And Benjamin is very special to Jacob too.

Genesis 42:38 (WEB) “He said, ‘My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he only is left. If harm happens to him along the way in which you go, then you will bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’ ”

There is another key verse that lets us know that more is going on than meets the eye.

Genesis 42:9 (WEB) “Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamt about them…”

Joseph now understands that everything that happened, both good and bad from his perspective, had a reason and a purpose. He’s exactly where he was supposed to be! Be that as it may, he still wants to make sure that his brother is alive.

Thought for the day: God is at work to accomplish His purposes. And we can trust Him to do that in our own lives too!

Romans 8:28 (WEB) “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.”