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UNEXPECTED RECEPTION
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 9
Genesis 43:15-34

Psalm 34:12-22

 

“The blessing of the LORD,
it maketh rich, and he

addeth no sorrow with it.”

 

UNEXPECTED RECEPTION
 
Let us journey along with the ten brothers to Egypt, laden with gifts for the Governor, and with not a little apprehension at the prospect of appearing before him again. As they spoke to each other, they would have turned over the unusual happenings of the first visit: the Governor had put them in prison, and threatened them with death. Yet, he had enquired about their father and demanded to see their youngest brother. Then, the money in their sacks! Was it a trap?
 
Then they arrived. Carefully taking their gifts and double money in their hands, they appeared before Joseph with their brother Benjamin. Joseph, seeing Benjamin, was satisfied. He then gave orders to the ruler of his house (speaking still in Egyptian) to take the brothers to his home and make the necessary preparations for a lunch reception. Not knowing the purpose of their transfer to Joseph’s house, wild fears began to assail their troubled conscience. The burden and guilt of twenty years ago weighed heavily on their minds. They tried to explain to the steward of the house, but that was not necessary. He said, “Peace be to you, fear not. It was I who returned your money into the sacks. It is a gift from God.” Then he brought out Simeon and treated the brothers royally.
 
At noon, the Governor arrived. The eleven brothers presented their presents and bowed themselves to the ground. Did they recall the dreamer brother’s infuriating dreams? Joseph enquired kindly after their father. They bowed again. Seeing Benjamin, he pronounced a special blessing on him. The tenderness of the moment so touched Joseph that he had to retire to his room to weep and recompose himself. What compassion, what love!
 
The seating at meat was according to Egyptian protocol. The Governor sat by himself; his Egyptian officials by themselves. They could not mix with the Hebrews because of their strict dietary laws. But the strange thing was: the brothers were seated according to age. They were served with the best food, with Benjamin having five times as much as the others.
 
THOUGHT: Promotion comes from God.
PRAYER: Father, let me dine with Thee at the Heavenly Banquet.

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