Genesis 50:15-21 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 50:15-21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph's brothers said, "What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?" Verse 16So they approached Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this instruction before he died, Verse 17'Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.' Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Verse 18Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, "We are here as your slaves." Verse 19But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Verse 20Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. Verse 21So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones." In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.
Devotion
Reconciliation can be a slow process. After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers still feared retribution, even though it had been 17 years since they had been reunited with Joseph and the family had relocated to Egypt.
So many obstacles can stand in the way of reconciliation. In no time, the routines of life fill up our calendars, and days, weeks, months and years pass. It took Jacob’s death to finally rouse his family and remind them the reunion wasn’t finished.
At last, with humility, courage and compassion, reconciliation is complete.
Prayer
O God, give us patience, courage, endurance and hope to know that reconciliation comes. Grant us Joseph’s wisdom to welcome these moments of joy when they come and to lay the groundwork that might lead to them when they are needed. Amen.