January 19 - Genesis 42:6-45:15

It amazes me, stuns me, stupefies me to think that Pharaoh would take someone in prison and make him the ruler of Egypt.  I'm sure Joseph took on the look of his adoptive culture.  It's interesting, too, that two very prominent cultures in the development of civilization will be involved in God's story -- Egypt and Rome.  Of course, Joseph's brothers don't recognize him.  He's Egyptian and has taken on the culture and fashion and customs. 

Joseph schemes and deceives his brothers in this reading.  Is it vindication for what they did to him?  He weeps.  There is no pleasure and peace in this deception.  Does he deceive them because he can't bear yet to reveal who he is?  Is the pain of them abandoning him still so deep?  What is that like?  To be rejected by the ones you love.  Ask Joseph.  Ask Jesus.

His brothers will fear Joseph's reprisal -- a reprisal that will never come.  Their sins are forgiven but like us they continue to live with the guilt and fear.