Finally.
Our story has been building and building and building and finally we reach a happy conclusion.
Back in chapter 37, Joseph had a dream. In chapters 39–41, we saw Joseph become a ruler over the empire of Egypt, in accordance with the dream. In chapters 42–44, we saw Joseph become a ruler over his brothers, in accordance with the dream.
And now here in chapter 45 is the punchline. The dream is out in the open. Joseph’s charade to his brothers is over and news travels to Jacob, his father, that he is still alive after all these years.
Do you notice what Joseph says in verses 5–8? It’s crucial for us understanding the character of Joseph because this is how he frames the story of his life. It’s a challenge to all of us.
He has every reason to hate these guys, these so-called “brothers” who abandoned him for dead. Yet, he frames a different story. The way he sees, it God had a bigger plan.
Three times Joseph claims that “God sent me.”
God sent me before you to preserve life (v. 5).
God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth (v. 7).
So it was not you who sent me here, but God (v. 8).
That takes some creativity to look at your life and see a bigger plan at work. It’s not easy. Especially when hurt people hurt you.
What about you? What do you see?
Fiftyeight 