My Son, Mark Daniel, shared his thoughts with us on Genesis 45. Well worth reading and taking to heart!


Gensis 45 - Joseph announces himself to his brothers. This is a comparison between Joseph and Christ.

First of all, in this time, Joseph was the savior of Israel, a picture of Chist being the Savior of Israel and the World.

• 45:1-3 Joseph's brothers came to him, seeking only his benefits (grain) not him. They did not recognize him for who he was. Joseph had to reveal himself to his brothers for them to understand. Before Christ revealed Himself to us, we too were only seeking His benefits, not Him. We did not recognize the beauty of Christ until He revealed Himself to us.
  
• 45:3-4 Joseph's brothers were dismayed at Joseph's presense, because they knew their guilt. Similar to us. Joseph asks his brother (even saying "Please") to come close to him. Because of Joseph's love and kind words, his brothers were able to draw near to him. Joseph had to draw them near to himself. God's kindness leads us to repentance (Romans 2). J
  
• Joseph's brothers could not repay him for his forgiveness. They could only throw themselves on his mercy. We cannot repay Christ, but only throw ourselves on His mercy.
  
• 45:5-8 Joseph does not blame his brothers for their sin against him, but gave glory to God for saving Israel. Joseph preached the gospel (in a way) and was grounded in God's soveriegn plan of salvation.
  
• 45:9-24 Joseph reconciles his brothers to himself and sends them to save Israel and bring Israel to him. Joseph sent 11 men to save Israel. Christ sent 11 men (the 11 apostles after Judas left) to preach the gospel to Israel and the world.
  
• 45:9-11 Joseph was lord and told Israel to not delay in coming to him. Then, Israel would have Joseph's benefits and blessings. Jesus is Lord, we must come to Him, and we will receive His benefits.
  
• 45:12-15 Joseph loved his brothers more than they loved him. Christ loves us more than we can ever love Him.
  
• 45:26 At first Israel did not believe. Verse 27 - Through the ministry of the 11 sons, repeating Joseph's words to Israel, and from what he saw Joseph had sent, he came to believe. We must repeat Jesus' words for people to believe.
  
• Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, but then sent his brothers on a journey. A journey to save Israel and get back to the savior. Joseph provided everything they would need for the journey. Jesus has sent us on a journey, to rescue the lost world, and get back to Him. Jesus has given us everything we need for this Journey.