Articles
Quite a Reunion
“He wept so loudly...” (Gen. 45:2)
Does time heal all wounds? Apparently, not always. Even after not seeing someone for years, negative feelings can come rushing back or may never have left. How unfortunate for the one who holds a grudge and refuses to move forward! Jesus warns those that choose not to forgive. He said, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions” (Matt. 6:14f). Joseph epitomizes this sentiment.
Joseph’s early years appear to have been pleasant. At least from the outside. He was the favorite among the children. Jacob, Joseph’s father, made no secret about his preference. He distinguished this child over the others by dressing him in a fine coat (Gen. 37:3). Little doubt that Jacob’s plan was for Joseph to lead the family. However, it would have served Jacob well to remember the heartache that favoritism causes. His mother, Rebekah, loved him more, whereas His father, Isaac, favored his brother, Esau (Gen. 25:28). This competition of familial affection impacted generations and nations (i.e., Israel and Edomites; cf. Num. 20:14ff).
Scripture paints an unsettling picture of the relationship between Joseph and his brothers. Genesis 37:4 says, “His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated and could not speak to him on friendly terms.” Joseph didn’t help the situation; by describing his dreams where his brothers would submit to his authority (vv. 5ff). Even though this would ultimately come true, sometimes it is best to remain quiet. Certainly, the brothers’ irrational emotions were pushed beyond the breaking point. They rid themselves of their brother, or at least, so they thought.
How do you think Joseph should have acted after seeing his brothers since they sold him into slavery? “Good to see you. How’s it going? It’s been a long time.” Not the first words that would come to mind when considering the reunion of Joseph and his brothers. The last time they had seen each other was more than twenty years ago. Not a fond memory for either party. The brothers even felt that Joseph was dead (cf. Gen. 42:13). To their shock, their dead brother was very much alive. He was now in the position to be the savior for the family. Joseph explained, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:20). Understand that this did not excuse the brothers' sins, but God used the circumstance to His purpose (cf. Rom. 8:28).
Sometimes it is difficult to see those that have caused us pain. There can be a reluctance to reconnect. Occasionally, people will refuse to engage with another because the offense, whether real or perceived, is too egregious to them. We must remember God’s opposition toward pride. Over and over, God shares His feelings about pride. James 4:6 says, “…God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Far too often, we can allow pride to hinder our willingness to bury the hatchet.
Understandably, people may bring an objection to reestablishing a connection with a person who caused them harm. The violation (e.g., abuse) may have been quite severe, and the fear of potential harm should be considered. Of course, we have to be discerning in our interactions. Yet, Joseph’s account gives us an example of great willingness to put aside any bitterness, choosing rather to extend mercy and forgiveness. Sound familiar? Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Lk. 6:36). Also, remember Paul’s words, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:4f). May we do everything in our power to reconnect with others when the opportunity arises. Never forget what the Lord has done for us.
