Day 21

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

IN OUR READING from Genesis today, Joseph accused his brothers —who still did not recognize him —of spying. They vehemently denied the accusation, and Joseph told them,

If you really are honest men, choose one of your brothers to remain in prison. The rest of you may go home with grain for your starving families. But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die.

As they stood in front of Joseph, the brothers began to lament what they’d done so long ago. They believed that what was happening was God’s judgment. They didn’t know who he was and that he could understand what they were saying. Their repentance brought him to tears, but he hid his emotions and sent them away.

Once the brothers returned to their homeland, they told their father, Jacob, that they could get no more provisions from Egypt unless they took Benjamin back with them. Jacob flatly refused. He’d already lost Joseph, and Benjamin was the only remaining son of his beloved wife, Rachel. But when the food ran out again, he had no choice.

When the brothers returned to Egypt, they went to Joseph’s house to meet with him. Joseph hadn’t seen his younger brother since he was a child. “May God be gracious to you, my son,” he said and then rushed from the room and wept intensely in private (Genesis 43:29).

Despite his distress, Joseph wasn’t yet ready to reveal himself. After all, other than Benjamin, these were the very people who had trafficked him. He needed to know their hearts. We saw this kind of wisdom described today in Proverbs:

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.

Following in Joseph’s footsteps requires us to slow down and be observant. Let’s practice wisdom today.

MEDITATION:

[The LORD] reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies. . . . He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.