Living on Mission with Joseph and Two Big Reveals

Living on Mission with Joseph and Two Big Reveals        

We find ourselves in the midst of another test designed by Joseph. This time he sends his brothers on their way loaded down with grain to get them through the famine AND their silver in their sacks. Again! But he also sends a lovely hidden “parting gift” with Benjamin – his own silver cup. (I think Joseph must have gotten this stuff from his trickster dad.)

Joseph’s servant caught up with the brothers and said, “Why have you repaid good with evil? Isn’t this the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divination? This is a wicked thing you have done.” (Genesis 44:4,5) The brothers vehemently denied the accusation. They even went so far as to proclaim that if the cup was found then that brother would be killed and the rest would become Joseph’s slaves.

When the silver cup was found in Benjamin’s sack, the brothers were had a collective meltdown. They tore their clothes. It must have been a VERY long donkey ride back to Joseph’s house. What must they have been thinking? What were they planning to do, to say?

When they arrived at Joseph’s house, we get the first Big Reveal. Judah revealed his heart. He owned responsibility for his brothers and the whole mess. Boy did he own it! He told Joseph how he had guaranteed his father of Benjamin’s safety. He told him they really had no idea how the cup and money got into their sacks. It appears they figured they deserved it because he said, “What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt.” (Genesis 44:16) In the end, he offered himself in trade for Benjamin. He wasn’t about to break Jacob’s heart again by allowing Benjamin to be kept in Egypt. What a difference! Instead of sacrificing his brother, this time Judah was willing to lay down his own life to save him and to honor his father. So much love!

This was the tipping point for Joseph. The jig was up. He sent everyone out of the room and we get the second Big Reveal.  Joseph revealed who he was. He released and forgave his brothers saying, “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:5) He expressed his belief that all of the events in his life were Gods doing for the benefit of others. No bitterness. No hidden anger. Only a desire to be reunited with the family and to care for all of them. So much love!

Both of these Big Reveals were birthed out of hearts transformed by love.  Lives were saved and forever changed – history was changed by these loving Big Reveal moments of sacrifice and forgiveness.

Let’s practice Living on Mission, and have Big Reveal moments of love that flow out of our changed hearts.

Pastor Angela