Read: Genesis 42:14-25
Then [Joseph] turned away from [his brothers] and wept. (v. 24)
Joseph’s story in the book of Genesis is a poignant reminder that God is at work in every season of our lives. Joseph was a favorite—his father’s, his Egyptian owner’s, and the chosen one to interpret dreams. In two instances, favoritism landed him in a pit—the first a dried-up water cistern, the second the local jail. In a third instance, Joseph ended up with the welfare of a country entrusted to his care.
God spared Joseph’s life on several occasions, in preparation for the work of leadership he would be called to do, and the work of forgiveness that serves as a model for each of us. When Joseph’s brothers showed up from Canaan, looking for food and willing to humble themselves before the Egyptian governor to get it, Joseph was forced to decide between revenge and reconciliation.
When Rueben, the firstborn, referenced his ignored directive from all those years ago, “Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy?” (v. 22), Joseph had to turn aside and weep, possibly in that moment choosing a forgiveness that he would reveal when the brothers returned and showed their own changed hearts (Genesis 45).
Joseph’s forgiveness opened the door to the richness of reconciliation after a long, hard season of hurt. Do you have someone you need to reconcile with so you can lay down the burden of pain you’ve carried? Is there someone who needs to receive your long-withheld apology so they can heal?
As you pray, ask God to give you a heart of reconciliation, to forgive and be forgiven.
Joy Petroelje serves as the Advancement Operations Manager for CURE International, a global nonprofit organization. Aside from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, coffee with friends, reading, and traveling local trails on foot.
