Genesis 43

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:

1. Jacob trusts Judah to take Benjamin to Egypt. In Genesis 42:37-38 Reuben asks Jacob to entrust Benjamin to him – even putting his own sons' lives on the line – but Jacob refuses. Now, time has passed, the family needs food, and for some reason Jacob trusts Judah to guarantee Benjamin's safety. What I find interesting about this is that it was Judah who suggests selling Joseph instead of killing him (Gen. 37:26-27). He plays such an integral role in this story. Keep watching for him in the next chapter.
 
2. Jacob turns to God. It's a significant prayer: “And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you.” He prays for Joseph without know it. He wants both Simeon and Benjamin back but he also surrenders to God. “As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” (Gen. 43:14). Jacob no longer demands that his potential loss dominates everyone else's well-being. He is willing to risk and even suffer so that the extended family can be fed.

There is still a lot of drama to be played out in Egypt but Jacob's steps of faith set the stage for what is to come. In the middle of it all, Joseph is obviously dealing with his emotions – both joy and sorrow – but he isn't ready to reveal his identity to them yet. Perhaps he gives them a hint: as they eat and drink at his house, he has them seated according to age and gives Benjamin (his only full blood brother) a portion five times the rest.