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“Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 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: 4-7)

Joseph finally reveals himself to his terrified and repentant brothers. They expect punishment and anger after their treatment of Joseph many years before. Instead, they find grace, forgiveness and love.

Through Joseph, Chapter 45 reveals much about the heart of God for us:

A God of Grace – Perhaps we expect punishment and anger when we come close to God. Instead, we find undeserved love, forgiveness and grace.

A God of Restoration – God redeemed the repentant brother’s sin to save their lives and the lives of others. Nothing in God’s hands is wasted when we are in right relationship with him.

A God of Abundance – The brothers are given more exceedingly abundantly above all they could ask or imagine. Family, land and provision. God is the author of generosity and abundance, giving his beloved son to die for us. He asks we do the same, pouring out our lives, hearts and best products to Him.

A God of Resurrection – Jacob’s precious sons are all alive, as are his promises and dreams from God. We worship a God who brings life from death. We ask Him to breathe life into what we thought we had lost during the last year.