Joseph finally reveals himself in this passage. He says “I am Joseph” and beckons his family to “come close to me”. There are three things that he reveals:-

1 – Joseph revealed himself (vs. 1-5)

Joseph had revealed himself progressively. He had been testing them. God does this to us. He tests us before He reveals himself, even though we may have rebelled against Him. He beckons us to come close. It is not to get even! He offers forgiveness.

2 – Joseph revealed his source (vs. 6-9)

Joseph attributes his fall and rise to God. It was not of Joseph’s doing. God had a bigger picture in mind. Joseph is not bitter with his brothers. The brothers’ motives were not good. God however overruled. He meant it for good. The same was true with Jesus. Wicked men put him on the cross but God raised him from the dead. They all thought Joseph was dead – but God raised him from the dead!

3 – Joseph revealed his heart (vs. 10)

Joseph’s heart is strangely warmed. He weeps so loud that everyone heard it. Joseph loves them. Why? It is because Joseph loves God. How else could he forgive what his brothers had done to him? There is no hatred or malice in the heart of Joseph. This is like the Lord Jesus. He bears no malice for how he was treated by wicked men. He forgives those who he can call brothers. If you are not a Christian, then trust in Jesus and he will forgive you for all your past wrongs and give you a new life. He says “I am Jesus”. He says “Come close to me”.

Categories: Genesis