Links for today’s readings:

Read: Genesis 45 Listen: (4:10), Read: Matthew 6 Listen: (4:35)

Scripture Focus: Genesis 45:1-2, 4-5, 24

1 So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.
4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, “Don’t quarrel on the way!

Reflection: Reconciliation in the Family of God

By Erin Newton

The events in Genesis 45, according to Sibley Towner, “are the stuff of shalom-making.” The stuff that makes happy endings. The stuff that we can use as an example.

And that is saying a lot, especially after all those chapters of misbehavior, scheming, abusing, and traumatizing done by the hands of God’s chosen family. Suddenly, the clouds break and the sun shines on the text with a story of peace, happiness, and wholeness.

What can we learn about reconciliation from Genesis 45?

1. Reconciliation is an emotional event. Joseph rattles the neighborhood with his weeping. I’m sure he cried and wept when thrown into the pit when his brothers tried to kill him. These are not the same sort of tears. These are the tears of joy—the impossible has become possible. Joseph was left for dead (or worse, wished dead!), and any hope of seeing his estranged family was zero. The tears at their reconciliation are tears for a renewed life together.

2. Reconciliation doesn’t ignore the pain caused by one another. Joseph’s brothers are nervous to answer his question about their dad. They were probably filled with shame for their actions and anxiety over whether he would retaliate in kind. Joseph encourages them to throw off self-loathing for their past behavior. He’s obviously reached a place in his heart to forgive them. (Mind you, it’s been decades since that fateful day.)

3. Reconciliation can end with blessings that outweigh the prior pain. Joseph recognizes the place of privilege he now has over the land as well as his brothers. He has the power to give them life, even when they dealt him death. Joseph’s reconciliation is enhanced by his own virtue of generosity.

4. Reconciliation avoids further conflict. Joseph yells after his brothers as they go home to fetch their dad, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” He seems to know the emotions would be tense. They’d likely want to argue over whose fault it really had been. Joseph’s attention is on the present peace.

Some of the worst conflicts happen between members of the same family. The family of God is not exempt.

How have we lamented over division with our fellow believers?

How have we addressed the real pain dealt to one another?

What power or privilege can we use today to help our brothers and sisters?

And are we willing to try and keep such peace?

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Show us the light of your countenance, O God, and come to us. — Psalm 67.1

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Spiritual Twins

Forget the birthright-stew debacle. Remember when Esau showed unmerited forgiveness. He loved his brother…ran to him…hugged him…wept.

Read more: From Darkness to Light

Psalm 105 tells Israel’s story of moving from light to darkness to light. Joseph goes from favored son to slave and prisoner, then rises to the bright pinnacle of power.