1 00:00:00,280 --> 00:00:03,560 Speaker 1: And he said, behold, I have heard that there is 2 00:00:03,640 --> 00:00:07,400 Speaker 1: corn in Egypt. Get you down thither and buy for 3 00:00:07,560 --> 00:00:10,719 Speaker 1: us from thence that we may live and not die 4 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:17,360 Speaker 1: Genesis forty two two. Heavenly Father, to day, I choose 5 00:00:17,400 --> 00:00:21,599 Speaker 1: to praise you Lord in the midst of famines, recessions, 6 00:00:21,640 --> 00:00:26,200 Speaker 1: and lack throughout the nation and in other countries, because 7 00:00:26,239 --> 00:00:30,720 Speaker 1: I know that I will not be affected. You've given 8 00:00:30,800 --> 00:00:36,200 Speaker 1: me divine strategy to experience abundance and provision. I praise 9 00:00:36,200 --> 00:00:39,120 Speaker 1: you Lord for the simple fact that in the economy 10 00:00:39,159 --> 00:00:41,680 Speaker 1: of Heaven there is no such thing as a recession. 11 00:00:43,200 --> 00:00:47,040 Speaker 1: I declare that, as your child, you give me access 12 00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:52,360 Speaker 1: to your resources that never run out. Therefore, I will 13 00:00:52,360 --> 00:00:55,960 Speaker 1: position myself for increase. I will go to the places 14 00:00:56,000 --> 00:01:00,560 Speaker 1: where your provision and peace are in abundance. I confess 15 00:01:00,600 --> 00:01:03,320 Speaker 1: that when I come in contact with those who've wronged me, 16 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:06,720 Speaker 1: I will not use my position of power and influence 17 00:01:06,959 --> 00:01:11,360 Speaker 1: to get revenge, but instead will use it to show 18 00:01:11,480 --> 00:01:17,760 Speaker 1: grace and forgiveness, generosity and kindness. Every good gift comes 19 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:21,320 Speaker 1: from You, God. And with this truth, I will remind 20 00:01:21,360 --> 00:01:26,600 Speaker 1: myself that I am blessed to be a blessing. I 21 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:29,800 Speaker 1: will remind myself that I walk through open doors because 22 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:33,920 Speaker 1: I am called to help others walk through them. Hallelujah. 23 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:38,280 Speaker 1: I thank you God that opportunities and increase are all 24 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:46,559 Speaker 1: around me in Jesus' name. Amen, thank you for making 25 00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:49,960 Speaker 1: prayer a priority in your day. To learn more about 26 00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:53,600 Speaker 1: the Bible, stay tuned for today's story, brought to you 27 00:01:53,960 --> 00:01:55,560 Speaker 1: by Bible in a year dot. 28 00:01:55,400 --> 00:02:10,120 Speaker 2: Com returning to Egypt. Before this story, we learned about 29 00:02:10,120 --> 00:02:14,200 Speaker 2: how Joseph waited patiently in prison. He was finally able 30 00:02:14,200 --> 00:02:18,040 Speaker 2: to interpret dreams, which eventually promoted him to be second 31 00:02:18,040 --> 00:02:21,680 Speaker 2: in command. Joseph was put in charge of preparing for 32 00:02:21,760 --> 00:02:25,920 Speaker 2: the coming famine, which would eventually spread throughout the entire land. 33 00:02:26,720 --> 00:02:29,920 Speaker 2: Now we will learn about how Joseph's brothers went to 34 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:33,880 Speaker 2: Egypt to buy grain during that great famine. However, they 35 00:02:33,919 --> 00:02:37,880 Speaker 2: were unable to recognize Joseph. Inspired by the Book of. 36 00:02:37,880 --> 00:02:44,760 Speaker 3: Genesis, We're so glad you've joined us on the Bible 37 00:02:44,800 --> 00:02:47,400 Speaker 3: any of Your podcast today. The Bible any of Your 38 00:02:47,440 --> 00:02:51,440 Speaker 3: Podcast is an outreach of PowerPoint ministries and can only 39 00:02:51,480 --> 00:02:53,920 Speaker 3: come to you each week through the support of listeners 40 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:57,639 Speaker 3: just like you. Your support today is so important that 41 00:02:57,680 --> 00:02:59,560 Speaker 3: we want to thank you for your gift by giving 42 00:02:59,560 --> 00:03:02,360 Speaker 3: you a copy of my book called the Jesus Book. 43 00:03:02,919 --> 00:03:05,400 Speaker 3: It is a powerful guide that shows how every book 44 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:08,960 Speaker 3: of the Bible points to Jesus and how his living word, 45 00:03:09,080 --> 00:03:12,960 Speaker 3: the truth of God's Word, will transform your life. So 46 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:15,680 Speaker 3: to get a copy of the Jesus Book, simply go 47 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 3: to Jack Graham dot org slash Jesus. That's Jack Graham 48 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:24,120 Speaker 3: dot org slash Jesus and thank you for your support. 49 00:03:25,400 --> 00:03:27,960 Speaker 3: In our last episode, we learned that Joseph was able 50 00:03:28,000 --> 00:03:32,200 Speaker 3: to rise to a position of incredible power, the second 51 00:03:32,200 --> 00:03:35,640 Speaker 3: most powerful man in all of Egypt, the Prime Minister. 52 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:40,760 Speaker 3: God used Joseph to interpret Pharaoh's disturbing dreams and warn 53 00:03:40,840 --> 00:03:43,920 Speaker 3: him about an upcoming seven year famine that would follow 54 00:03:44,000 --> 00:03:47,840 Speaker 3: seven years of abundance. Joseph was then put in charge 55 00:03:47,840 --> 00:03:50,480 Speaker 3: of the plan to store grain and prepare for the 56 00:03:50,600 --> 00:03:53,840 Speaker 3: lean years. And when we catch up with him in 57 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:58,080 Speaker 3: today's reading, the plentiful years have passed and under Joseph's 58 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:02,080 Speaker 3: careful guidance and governance, food has been stored in preparation 59 00:04:02,200 --> 00:04:06,800 Speaker 3: for the famine. And now the famine comes, we'll see 60 00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:09,080 Speaker 3: how this time of great need had swept far and 61 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:13,720 Speaker 3: wide beyond Egypt and into Canaan, where Jacob, Joseph's father, 62 00:04:14,080 --> 00:04:19,400 Speaker 3: and Jacob's sons, Joseph's brothers, were living. Joseph's brothers will 63 00:04:19,440 --> 00:04:21,880 Speaker 3: travel into the land of Egypt to beg for help, 64 00:04:22,360 --> 00:04:26,040 Speaker 3: not knowing that it was the brother whom they had betrayed, 65 00:04:26,080 --> 00:04:29,559 Speaker 3: that they were their face. There's so much to watch 66 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:33,680 Speaker 3: for in this reading. Pay close attention to Joseph's reaction 67 00:04:33,839 --> 00:04:37,600 Speaker 3: when he recognizes his brothers, Reuben and Judah and the others. 68 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:41,440 Speaker 3: Imagine how you would feel in a situation like this. 69 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:46,760 Speaker 3: Now you are finally able to either take revenge or 70 00:04:47,400 --> 00:04:51,880 Speaker 3: show mercy. What will Joseph do with this opportunity. Will 71 00:04:51,880 --> 00:04:54,599 Speaker 3: he continue to show kindness and integrity as he did 72 00:04:54,640 --> 00:04:58,200 Speaker 3: for such a long time in captivity, or will bitterness 73 00:04:58,200 --> 00:05:01,200 Speaker 3: get the best of him? Will he seethe with anger 74 00:05:01,320 --> 00:05:04,800 Speaker 3: and rage and bring judgment on those who harmed him. 75 00:05:05,120 --> 00:05:08,239 Speaker 3: Let's listen now to find out exactly what happens. 76 00:05:09,279 --> 00:05:12,919 Speaker 2: Just as God had revealed through Joseph, the famines spread 77 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:17,919 Speaker 2: like wildfire throughout the land, blighted and desolate. Farm lands 78 00:05:17,960 --> 00:05:23,000 Speaker 2: became barren, and livestock starved and died. It came like 79 00:05:23,040 --> 00:05:28,359 Speaker 2: a plague, and the entire countryside fell in despair. Egypt, however, 80 00:05:28,800 --> 00:05:32,919 Speaker 2: was able to withstand the fatal famine. As Joseph instructed, 81 00:05:33,279 --> 00:05:35,919 Speaker 2: one fifth of all that was grown the past seven 82 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:40,560 Speaker 2: years were kept safe and distributed carefully across the plains 83 00:05:40,600 --> 00:05:44,680 Speaker 2: towards the north. Jacob and his family hurt from the famine. 84 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:47,880 Speaker 2: Their food had become scarce, and the family had no 85 00:05:48,080 --> 00:05:52,039 Speaker 2: choice but to look to Egypt for help. Israel looked 86 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:55,479 Speaker 2: at his sons doing nothing and said, why do you 87 00:05:55,520 --> 00:05:58,320 Speaker 2: all look at each other? He asked, I have heard 88 00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:00,920 Speaker 2: that there is grain for sale and in Egypt. Go 89 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:03,279 Speaker 2: down and buy grain for us there, so that we 90 00:06:03,360 --> 00:06:07,680 Speaker 2: may not die. So ten of Joseph's brothers journeyed south 91 00:06:07,760 --> 00:06:12,279 Speaker 2: to Egypt, but Israel did not send Benjamin, Joseph's younger brother, 92 00:06:12,800 --> 00:06:15,080 Speaker 2: for fear that he would be hurt as Joseph was. 93 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:19,120 Speaker 2: The sons of Israel ventured forth to Egypt, not knowing 94 00:06:19,520 --> 00:06:22,600 Speaker 2: they would be coming face to face with their past sins. 95 00:06:23,360 --> 00:06:26,520 Speaker 2: Joseph was the governor over the land and oversaw all 96 00:06:26,640 --> 00:06:30,840 Speaker 2: transactions between other countries and the grain. A long line 97 00:06:30,880 --> 00:06:35,200 Speaker 2: of people stood before Joseph pleading for food. Joseph peered 98 00:06:35,200 --> 00:06:38,880 Speaker 2: across the sea of faces and caught glimpses of his brothers. 99 00:06:39,600 --> 00:06:43,320 Speaker 2: Waves of memories began flooding back to him, memories of 100 00:06:43,400 --> 00:06:47,080 Speaker 2: being thrown into a pit, shackled, and shipped away. He 101 00:06:47,200 --> 00:06:50,919 Speaker 2: recognized them instantly, but they stood before him with no 102 00:06:51,080 --> 00:06:55,000 Speaker 2: clue of who he really was. When they stood before him, 103 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:58,520 Speaker 2: Joseph treated them like strangers and said, where do you 104 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:01,919 Speaker 2: come from? Spoke with a rough voice, reeling from the 105 00:07:01,960 --> 00:07:05,400 Speaker 2: emotions of seeing his betrayers again, From the land of 106 00:07:05,520 --> 00:07:09,240 Speaker 2: Canaan to buy food? They answered in a tone of reverence, 107 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:12,560 Speaker 2: for they were speaking to the second most powerful man 108 00:07:12,680 --> 00:07:17,840 Speaker 2: in all Egypt. They bowed before him. Instantly, a rush 109 00:07:17,840 --> 00:07:21,440 Speaker 2: of images flooded back into Joseph's mind, the dreams he 110 00:07:21,480 --> 00:07:24,440 Speaker 2: had once dreamed of his brother's bowing before him. Now 111 00:07:24,480 --> 00:07:29,120 Speaker 2: coming to fruition, Joseph did his best to compose himself. 112 00:07:30,200 --> 00:07:33,680 Speaker 2: You are spies, he said, crossly. You have come to 113 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:36,440 Speaker 2: see the vulnerability of the land, so you can take it. 114 00:07:36,880 --> 00:07:41,640 Speaker 2: He pointed to them. They trembled at Joseph's accusations. No, Lord, 115 00:07:41,760 --> 00:07:44,560 Speaker 2: they shouted, your servants have come to buy food and 116 00:07:44,600 --> 00:07:47,080 Speaker 2: that is all. We are sons of one man, and 117 00:07:47,120 --> 00:07:49,920 Speaker 2: we are ten of twelve. One brother is at home 118 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:52,520 Speaker 2: with our father, and the other is dead. We are 119 00:07:52,600 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 2: honest men, we promise. Joseph scoffed at the sound of 120 00:07:56,520 --> 00:07:59,680 Speaker 2: them claiming to be honest men. Knowing full well what 121 00:07:59,760 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 2: they are done to him, Joseph decided to test their 122 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:06,160 Speaker 2: claims by keeping them captive until one of them brought 123 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:10,080 Speaker 2: back their youngest brother. For three days, he held them 124 00:08:10,080 --> 00:08:13,840 Speaker 2: in custody. Joseph's heart ached every moment he was in 125 00:08:13,880 --> 00:08:17,360 Speaker 2: the presence of his brothers. On the third day, Joseph 126 00:08:17,440 --> 00:08:20,840 Speaker 2: came to the brothers and said to them, I fear God, 127 00:08:21,760 --> 00:08:24,360 Speaker 2: do this and I will let you free. Let one 128 00:08:24,360 --> 00:08:26,600 Speaker 2: of your brothers remain here while the rest of you 129 00:08:26,640 --> 00:08:30,679 Speaker 2: take grain to your father. Then bring your youngest brother 130 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:34,200 Speaker 2: back to me so I can verify your claims. The 131 00:08:34,240 --> 00:08:38,959 Speaker 2: brothers did exactly as Joseph ordered. They began packing, afraid 132 00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:42,040 Speaker 2: of what would happen next. God began to work in 133 00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:45,679 Speaker 2: the hearts of the brothers. They spoke among one another, saying, 134 00:08:46,320 --> 00:08:49,199 Speaker 2: we all know why this is happening to us. We 135 00:08:49,360 --> 00:08:53,000 Speaker 2: caused our youngest brother, Joseph pain and suffering, and he 136 00:08:53,080 --> 00:08:55,080 Speaker 2: begged us to show him mercy, but we did not. 137 00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:58,920 Speaker 2: Now we are being punished by putting Benjamin at risk. 138 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:04,120 Speaker 2: Reuben the oldest answered them and said, did I not 139 00:09:04,360 --> 00:09:07,480 Speaker 2: tell you to leave the boy alone? You didn't listen. 140 00:09:08,160 --> 00:09:11,120 Speaker 2: Now God has required a reckoning from us for his blood. 141 00:09:11,760 --> 00:09:14,719 Speaker 2: All the while Joseph was listening, for they did not 142 00:09:14,920 --> 00:09:17,960 Speaker 2: know that he spoke their language because he used an interpreter. 143 00:09:19,160 --> 00:09:23,520 Speaker 2: As the brothers continued packing, Joseph turned away and wept 144 00:09:23,520 --> 00:09:27,360 Speaker 2: alone in secret. He looked to God, his heart breaking 145 00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:30,120 Speaker 2: over what he was doing to his brothers, Yet a 146 00:09:30,160 --> 00:09:32,800 Speaker 2: part of him did not trust them enough to reveal himself. 147 00:09:33,559 --> 00:09:36,480 Speaker 2: Wiping away his tears, he came back to them. He 148 00:09:36,520 --> 00:09:39,160 Speaker 2: took Simon from them and bound him in ropes. In 149 00:09:39,200 --> 00:09:42,600 Speaker 2: front of his brothers, Joseph gave orders to his servants 150 00:09:42,679 --> 00:09:45,000 Speaker 2: to give his brothers their money back in the bags 151 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:47,839 Speaker 2: of grain. He also ordered for them to be given 152 00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:51,920 Speaker 2: extra for the journey home. Though Joseph was cross with them, 153 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:54,680 Speaker 2: he would not show them the same cruelty they once 154 00:09:54,760 --> 00:09:58,880 Speaker 2: showed him. The brothers loaded their donkeys with grain and 155 00:09:58,920 --> 00:10:02,720 Speaker 2: departed swiftly. On their way home. They discovered money was 156 00:10:02,760 --> 00:10:06,680 Speaker 2: returned to them. Instead of being glad, they trembled, feeling 157 00:10:06,760 --> 00:10:11,160 Speaker 2: unworthy and uneasy about the blessing. What is God doing 158 00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:14,920 Speaker 2: to us, they asked themselves. They returned home to their 159 00:10:14,960 --> 00:10:17,800 Speaker 2: father and told him everything that had happened and how 160 00:10:17,800 --> 00:10:20,840 Speaker 2: they needed to bring Benjamin back to Egypt to get Simon. 161 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:25,840 Speaker 2: Israel was furious at his sons. You are stripping me 162 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:30,040 Speaker 2: of my children, he yelled. Joseph is gone, and now 163 00:10:30,120 --> 00:10:33,359 Speaker 2: Simon is gone, and you expect me to give you Benjamin. 164 00:10:34,400 --> 00:10:37,680 Speaker 2: Reuben could no longer stand himself. As the oldest he 165 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:41,600 Speaker 2: was responsible for all his brothers. He stood firm and said, 166 00:10:42,080 --> 00:10:44,439 Speaker 2: kill my two sons. If I do not bring them 167 00:10:44,440 --> 00:10:48,480 Speaker 2: back to you, I will not let them fall. If 168 00:10:48,520 --> 00:10:51,000 Speaker 2: anything would happen to my boy, I would surely die, 169 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:54,920 Speaker 2: Israel said, for he had already endured so much pain 170 00:10:54,960 --> 00:10:58,880 Speaker 2: from Joseph. So the family delayed in leaving for Egypt again. 171 00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:03,679 Speaker 2: The famine had grown more severe in Israel's family had 172 00:11:03,679 --> 00:11:07,040 Speaker 2: gone through all their grain. He gathered his sons again 173 00:11:07,120 --> 00:11:10,520 Speaker 2: and said, go again to Egypt to buy us more food. 174 00:11:11,760 --> 00:11:15,760 Speaker 2: Judah replied, saying, we were strictly warned to not come 175 00:11:15,800 --> 00:11:19,320 Speaker 2: back without Benjamin. The governor needed proof that we were 176 00:11:19,360 --> 00:11:22,320 Speaker 2: not lying and needed us to bring him back or 177 00:11:22,320 --> 00:11:26,120 Speaker 2: he would kill Simon. Send him with me, he will 178 00:11:26,160 --> 00:11:30,439 Speaker 2: be my responsibility. Their father relented and sent his sons 179 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:35,240 Speaker 2: with Benjamin and many gifts of honey, gum, muh, pistachios, 180 00:11:35,240 --> 00:11:38,800 Speaker 2: and almonds, along with double the money. So the men 181 00:11:38,840 --> 00:11:42,079 Speaker 2: took the gifts Benjamin and double the money as before 182 00:11:42,320 --> 00:11:46,160 Speaker 2: to stand before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, 183 00:11:46,559 --> 00:11:49,760 Speaker 2: he ordered his servants to prepare an extravagant feast back 184 00:11:49,760 --> 00:11:53,160 Speaker 2: at his home. When the brothers arrived to meet Joseph, 185 00:11:53,280 --> 00:11:56,720 Speaker 2: he was not present. Rather, his servant invited them into 186 00:11:56,760 --> 00:12:01,280 Speaker 2: his home. Fear overcame the brothers, for they fully expected 187 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:04,440 Speaker 2: to be punished because they took the money back with them. 188 00:12:04,679 --> 00:12:08,239 Speaker 2: They climbed the stairs that led to Joseph's house, anxiously 189 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:11,680 Speaker 2: wondering what would happen to the next they expected to 190 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:14,360 Speaker 2: walk through the doors to Joseph sitting on a throne, 191 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:18,360 Speaker 2: ordering the guards to behead them. They finally approached the 192 00:12:18,520 --> 00:12:22,680 Speaker 2: entrance of Joseph's home, opened the doors, all to find 193 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:26,640 Speaker 2: a royal welcome. Joseph had his servants take their coats, 194 00:12:27,200 --> 00:12:30,640 Speaker 2: wash their feet, and give them water. The brothers apologized 195 00:12:30,679 --> 00:12:33,880 Speaker 2: for taking the money back to their home. Joseph smiled 196 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,720 Speaker 2: and said, peace to you. There is no need to 197 00:12:36,760 --> 00:12:40,040 Speaker 2: fear your god and the god of your father. Put 198 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:43,679 Speaker 2: that money back in your sacks. I received your payment. 199 00:12:44,760 --> 00:12:48,560 Speaker 2: The brothers let themselves relax, and Simon was released to 200 00:12:48,600 --> 00:12:51,679 Speaker 2: be with them. They waited for Joseph to return at 201 00:12:51,679 --> 00:12:56,319 Speaker 2: noon and prepared their father's gifts to give him. Hours passed, 202 00:12:56,640 --> 00:13:00,440 Speaker 2: and Joseph finally returned home. The brothers immediately he bowed 203 00:13:00,440 --> 00:13:03,200 Speaker 2: down to the ground. When they saw him again, the 204 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:06,720 Speaker 2: memories of Joseph's dreams came flooding back to him. He 205 00:13:06,760 --> 00:13:11,440 Speaker 2: thought of his father, his mother, and his homeland. Joseph 206 00:13:11,480 --> 00:13:14,280 Speaker 2: had so many questions for them, yet he did not 207 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:17,800 Speaker 2: want to let his guard down. How is your father, 208 00:13:18,200 --> 00:13:20,800 Speaker 2: he asked, while swishing a cup of wine in his hand, 209 00:13:21,559 --> 00:13:24,160 Speaker 2: the old man you spoke of before, Is he well? 210 00:13:24,760 --> 00:13:28,840 Speaker 2: Joseph did his best to not seem too concerned. They 211 00:13:28,880 --> 00:13:33,240 Speaker 2: bowed their heads, still, not answering. Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, 212 00:13:33,559 --> 00:13:37,080 Speaker 2: his mother's son. Is this the youngest brother you spoke 213 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:41,439 Speaker 2: of he asked. He looked into Benjamin's eyes. He had 214 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:46,079 Speaker 2: his mother's eyes. How he missed her, He missed his father, 215 00:13:47,240 --> 00:13:51,680 Speaker 2: He missed Canaan. Joseph could feel himself losing his composure. 216 00:13:52,040 --> 00:13:56,640 Speaker 2: Tears began streaming down his stoic face. Joseph excused himself 217 00:13:56,640 --> 00:14:01,600 Speaker 2: and wept in his room. Anguish, anger, bitterness, love, All 218 00:14:01,640 --> 00:14:05,400 Speaker 2: these emotions overcame him. Joseph washed his face and came 219 00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:09,640 Speaker 2: out again. Controlling himself again, he clapped to his servants 220 00:14:09,640 --> 00:14:13,440 Speaker 2: and said, serve the food, and immediately an entire feast 221 00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:16,880 Speaker 2: was brought out before them. He served every brother, though 222 00:14:16,920 --> 00:14:19,920 Speaker 2: he did not eat with them. Yet he served Benjamin 223 00:14:19,960 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 2: five times the amount of the others. Joseph wanted to 224 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:26,920 Speaker 2: see how the brothers reacted to favoritism towards the younger brother. 225 00:14:27,600 --> 00:14:32,960 Speaker 2: Have they changed, Joseph must have thought to himself. They ate, drank, 226 00:14:33,040 --> 00:14:36,320 Speaker 2: and were merry together. Joseph then sent them on their 227 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:39,720 Speaker 2: way with their grain. However, he put his silver cup 228 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:42,520 Speaker 2: in Benjamin's sack so that he might trick them. Later, 229 00:14:43,400 --> 00:14:46,320 Speaker 2: as the brothers packed up and began leaving, Joseph ran 230 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:49,200 Speaker 2: out to them, one of you was stolen from me, 231 00:14:49,640 --> 00:14:53,360 Speaker 2: He shouted, why have you repaid my hospitality with evil? 232 00:14:54,120 --> 00:14:57,560 Speaker 2: Joseph acted as the angry king, willing to behead anyone 233 00:14:57,560 --> 00:15:01,480 Speaker 2: who defied him. He watched as his trembled with fear. 234 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:05,960 Speaker 2: Joseph took a tagger and walked towards them, slowly, starting 235 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:08,960 Speaker 2: with the oldest son, working his way down to the youngest. 236 00:15:09,120 --> 00:15:12,400 Speaker 2: He tore apart their sacks, looking for the silver cup. 237 00:15:13,120 --> 00:15:16,640 Speaker 2: When he came to Benjamin, he found the cup. He 238 00:15:16,680 --> 00:15:19,160 Speaker 2: turned to his brothers and said, you may all go 239 00:15:19,320 --> 00:15:23,400 Speaker 2: your way in peace, but Benjamin will be my slave forever. 240 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:28,560 Speaker 2: The brothers tore their clothes and bowed before Joseph. Please 241 00:15:28,680 --> 00:15:32,400 Speaker 2: take me instead or The brothers began to shout they 242 00:15:32,400 --> 00:15:34,560 Speaker 2: were willing to take the place of their brother so 243 00:15:34,640 --> 00:15:39,040 Speaker 2: he could return back to his father. Joseph welled up 244 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:43,200 Speaker 2: at the sight of his brothers. They had truly changed now. 245 00:15:43,240 --> 00:15:45,880 Speaker 2: They were willing to lay down their own lives so 246 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:50,320 Speaker 2: their youngest brother could be saved. Joseph couldn't hold in 247 00:15:50,360 --> 00:15:51,840 Speaker 2: his feelings any longer. 248 00:15:54,280 --> 00:15:57,600 Speaker 3: It's been a very long thirteen years since his brothers 249 00:15:57,600 --> 00:16:01,640 Speaker 3: threw Joseph into the pit and trade him, selling him 250 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:05,640 Speaker 3: as a slave into Egypt. But God and his providence 251 00:16:05,680 --> 00:16:09,360 Speaker 3: in perfect plan blessed and protected Joseph, and he has 252 00:16:09,440 --> 00:16:12,960 Speaker 3: now become a very powerful official in Egypt, next to 253 00:16:13,040 --> 00:16:17,360 Speaker 3: Pharaoh himself, Pharaoh's right hand man, the prime minister of 254 00:16:17,400 --> 00:16:20,440 Speaker 3: the nation. And as we just learned in the story, 255 00:16:20,840 --> 00:16:24,080 Speaker 3: after seven years of prosperity, the whole land was then 256 00:16:24,160 --> 00:16:28,520 Speaker 3: hit with seven years of scarcity and hunger. It happened 257 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:32,160 Speaker 3: just as God said it would. This catastrophe of famine 258 00:16:32,200 --> 00:16:36,360 Speaker 3: struck not only Egypt, but surrounding nations, including Canaan, where 259 00:16:36,480 --> 00:16:41,000 Speaker 3: Joseph's family lived, and these nations all turned to Egypt 260 00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:44,800 Speaker 3: to find the food they desperately needed. So Jacob's sons, 261 00:16:45,320 --> 00:16:50,280 Speaker 3: Joseph's brothers, journeyed to purchase provisions for their families. Jacob, 262 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:54,120 Speaker 3: still hurting grieving from the loss of Joseph, had not 263 00:16:54,200 --> 00:16:57,640 Speaker 3: allowed the youngest son, Benjamin, to make this journey. He 264 00:16:57,640 --> 00:17:00,160 Speaker 3: held him back because he did not want harm to 265 00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:03,600 Speaker 3: befall him. Was he simply being protective or did he 266 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:06,840 Speaker 3: sense did he somehow know that these other sons had 267 00:17:06,840 --> 00:17:11,639 Speaker 3: pled a part in Joseph's demise. Whatever, the reason is 268 00:17:11,720 --> 00:17:15,000 Speaker 3: clear that thirteen years have not been enough time to 269 00:17:15,040 --> 00:17:18,439 Speaker 3: blow away the darkness and the sadness in Joseph's disappearance 270 00:17:18,440 --> 00:17:23,040 Speaker 3: from the family that still shadowed Jacob's heart. Knowing full 271 00:17:23,040 --> 00:17:25,560 Speaker 3: well what happened, the brothers guilt for what they had 272 00:17:25,560 --> 00:17:29,119 Speaker 3: done weighed heavily on them, coloring every moment of their lives. 273 00:17:29,720 --> 00:17:32,760 Speaker 3: They were living in guilt. You see, there's no way 274 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:36,960 Speaker 3: getting away from sin, and the effect and consequences of sin, 275 00:17:37,640 --> 00:17:41,080 Speaker 3: sin will catch up with you. When they arrive in 276 00:17:41,119 --> 00:17:44,520 Speaker 3: Egypt and go before Joseph the governor, they bowed down 277 00:17:44,560 --> 00:17:49,400 Speaker 3: before him, and Joseph recognizes them, they do not recognize him, 278 00:17:50,080 --> 00:17:52,920 Speaker 3: so as a test, he accuses them of being spies. 279 00:17:54,160 --> 00:17:56,159 Speaker 3: Of course, they claim to be honest men, but they 280 00:17:56,240 --> 00:17:59,480 Speaker 3: knew from experience they were not honest men. They were 281 00:17:59,720 --> 00:18:05,400 Speaker 3: very dishonest, very deceitful. Joseph had a choice. He could 282 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:09,320 Speaker 3: now enact vengeance, or he could once again see his 283 00:18:09,359 --> 00:18:13,919 Speaker 3: father and his youngest brother again. So Joseph chooses the 284 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:17,560 Speaker 3: latter and gives his brother a test. One of them 285 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:20,240 Speaker 3: will stay behind his security while the others return home 286 00:18:20,280 --> 00:18:23,120 Speaker 3: and bring back the youngest brother to prove that their 287 00:18:23,119 --> 00:18:26,800 Speaker 3: claims are true. Now there's a lesson here about dealing 288 00:18:26,840 --> 00:18:29,720 Speaker 3: with those who have betrayed you, wronged you, disappoint you. 289 00:18:30,560 --> 00:18:34,120 Speaker 3: While vengeance is not ours, to give a cautious approach 290 00:18:34,160 --> 00:18:38,600 Speaker 3: to reconciliation is always a good thing, especially when the 291 00:18:38,680 --> 00:18:43,760 Speaker 3: wrong has been so wrong. Trust must be earned again, 292 00:18:43,960 --> 00:18:47,639 Speaker 3: even if there has been forgiveness. Before they leave, we 293 00:18:47,680 --> 00:18:51,280 Speaker 3: already see Joseph's heart softening towards his brothers as he 294 00:18:51,359 --> 00:18:54,360 Speaker 3: returns to them without their knowledge the money that they 295 00:18:54,359 --> 00:18:56,600 Speaker 3: had given for the food that they would take back home. 296 00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:00,720 Speaker 3: Leaving Semi and behind, the brothers return home and give 297 00:19:00,760 --> 00:19:04,760 Speaker 3: a report. Jacob is not at first willing to let Benjamin, 298 00:19:04,880 --> 00:19:08,280 Speaker 3: his beloved youngest son, make the trip to Egypt, but 299 00:19:08,359 --> 00:19:10,680 Speaker 3: he knew the food that they now had would soon 300 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:13,239 Speaker 3: run out and they must go back to Egypt and 301 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:19,960 Speaker 3: take Benjamin with them. Jacob relents regretfully. Upon their return, 302 00:19:20,080 --> 00:19:23,680 Speaker 3: Joseph provides a feast, a big party. It's an opportunity 303 00:19:23,800 --> 00:19:26,800 Speaker 3: to observe the brothers more closely, especially to see how 304 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:30,600 Speaker 3: they are treating Benjamin. Joseph goes to great length to 305 00:19:30,640 --> 00:19:34,160 Speaker 3: show Benjamin very special treatment so he can watch how 306 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:38,320 Speaker 3: the other brothers react. Joseph is in a struggle. He's 307 00:19:38,359 --> 00:19:41,840 Speaker 3: struggling between the kindness that he's giving towards his brothers 308 00:19:42,000 --> 00:19:45,800 Speaker 3: and yet still thinking, still scheming how he can find 309 00:19:46,119 --> 00:19:51,159 Speaker 3: vengeance and how he could keep Benjamin for himself. Hiding 310 00:19:51,200 --> 00:19:54,280 Speaker 3: his cup in Benjamin's pack, he accuses the men of stealing. 311 00:19:55,119 --> 00:19:58,200 Speaker 3: When the cup is found, he says Benjamin must be 312 00:19:58,320 --> 00:20:01,520 Speaker 3: his slave forever and they must return and home. The 313 00:20:01,600 --> 00:20:05,520 Speaker 3: brothers cannot bear to think of returning to Jacob without Benjamin. 314 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:10,760 Speaker 3: They plead for him to be released. Finally, Joseph's brother 315 00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:14,919 Speaker 3: Judah speaks up and offers himself as a slave in 316 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:19,959 Speaker 3: Benjamin's place. This appears to be a changed man, and 317 00:20:20,080 --> 00:20:24,439 Speaker 3: this realization breaks Joseph. The next time, we're going to 318 00:20:24,440 --> 00:20:27,680 Speaker 3: see how he responds and how God, in his faithfulness, 319 00:20:27,720 --> 00:20:34,080 Speaker 3: brings about reconciliation between long lost brothers. Dear Lord, we 320 00:20:34,160 --> 00:20:36,639 Speaker 3: know that you can bring healing even in the most 321 00:20:36,680 --> 00:20:40,840 Speaker 3: broken situation. Help us to reflect upon your grace and 322 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:44,240 Speaker 3: mercy and how much you have forgiven us, and that 323 00:20:44,280 --> 00:20:46,840 Speaker 3: we can actually forgive others when they have wronged us 324 00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:50,000 Speaker 3: as you have taught us. Thank you for your faithfulness 325 00:20:50,040 --> 00:20:55,040 Speaker 3: always in our lives. In Christ's name Amen. Thank you 326 00:20:55,080 --> 00:20:58,600 Speaker 3: for listening to today's Bible Any Year podcast, And before 327 00:20:58,640 --> 00:21:00,760 Speaker 3: we go, I wanted to let you know that the 328 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:04,480 Speaker 3: Bible into Your podcast is an outreach of PowerPoint Ministries 329 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:07,439 Speaker 3: and can only come to you each week through the 330 00:21:07,480 --> 00:21:12,119 Speaker 3: support of listeners like you. Your support today is so 331 00:21:12,280 --> 00:21:14,640 Speaker 3: important that we want to thank you for your gift 332 00:21:14,720 --> 00:21:17,399 Speaker 3: by giving you a copy of my book called The 333 00:21:17,520 --> 00:21:21,159 Speaker 3: Jesus Book. 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