Tracy's Blog

“ I am Joseph! ” (vs 3). Weeping “ so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it ” (vs. 2), Joseph makes his identity known to his brothers. They are speechless because they are terrified. But Joseph reassures them, “ 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 .” (vs 5) He goes on to explain the continuation of the famine and a plan to bring the whole family to Egypt. To read the entirety of Joseph's speech, Pharoah's offer, and Jacob's response, see Genesis 45. For me, I'm caught up in the reunion. Twenty-two years after they sold their brother to get rid of him, he appears before them as the man able to save their family (vs. 7 ). Not only that, he approaches them with a gracious spirit and confidence in God's work through their act of hatred! The Bible doesn't give us access to Joseph's inner processing of the b...

I can almost imagine Genesis 44 as a reality television show. We, the viewers, know that Joseph has set his brothers up by putting the silver cup into Benjamin's sack and then sending his steward to catch up with them and take Benjamin to be a slave. Joseph, however, doesn't know how the brothers will respond. The brothers don't know that the man who is creating these challenging and distressing situations for them is their own brother, Joseph. There is much dramatic tension. I can imagine the scenes switching between the brother and Joseph. Everyone is wondering what is going to happen? Will history repeat itself and the brothers choose to leave Benjamin, the favorite son, in Egypt? No. Instead we see Joseph's dream fulfilled and his brothers bowing down before him. ( Gen. 37:6-7 ) Judah steps up and says something a little odd for the situation - “God has uncovered your servants guilt” - and offers all the brothers as Joseph's slaves (v.16). Jose...

I splash water on my face and look in the mirror. Does it look like I was crying? Not unless someone looks at me closely. I slip back into the family gathering and start busying myself with the task at hand leaving my grief and sorrow for later when I have time to process. This is not an uncommon experience...needing to step away from a situation to cry and then wash one's face before re-entry into the activity of life. Maybe you've had it. Joseph had it. “Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there. After he has washed his face, he came out and, controlling himself, said, “Serve the food.” (Gen. 43:30-31) How did he get here – having all 11 of his brothers over to his place for lunch? Jacob (often called Israel in this chapter) finally lets Benjamin go to Egypt. To hear the whole story, read Genesis 43 .   I want to highlight two things: Jacob trusts Judah ...

To read the full chapter click here - Genesis 42 . Twenty-some years after being sold as a slave, Joseph sees his brothers again.  But this time, he is "governor of the land" and they are bowing down to him (vs. 6).  Joseph recognized them immediately but they didn't recognize him.  He speaks harshly to them and accuses them of being spies.  The men tell Joseph that they are not spies but brothers:  "Your servants were twelve brothers, the sons of one man, who lives in the land of Canaan.  The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more."   (vs. 13) I can only speculate what was going on inside of Joseph when he heard them speak of his non-existence.  His reaction is forceful.   "As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.  Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be kept in prison, so that your words may be tested to ...

TWO FULL YEARS!!!! That's how long Joseph had to wait until the cupbearer remembered him in prison and the service Joseph had done him by interpreting his dream. And why did he suddenly think of him? Because Pharaoh had two dreams that disturbed him but none of Egypt's wise men or magicians could explain them. That's when the chief cupbearer admits his faulty memory – when Joseph is needed again to interpret dreams.   This sets in motion the most remarkable change of circumstances. Pharaoh sends for Joseph who, after a quick shave and change of clothes, finds himself being expected to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph's first response? “ I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires .” (41:16). So Pharaoh tells Joseph his dreams, Joseph tells Pharaoh what they mean AND suggests how to deal with the reality of the upcoming 7 years of abundant harvests to be followed by 7 years of famine. Next thing we know, Joseph is second only to Ph...