1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,520 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 --> 00:00:10,680 Speaker 1: us from thence that we may live and not die 4 00:00:11,840 --> 00:00:17,320 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 --> 00:00:30,760 Speaker 1: I know that I will not be affected. You've given 8 00:00:30,800 --> 00:00:36,160 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 00:00:47,080 --> 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 --> 00:01:00,520 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 --> 00:01:11,320 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 --> 00:01:21,280 Speaker 1: from You, God. And with this truth, I will remind 20 00:01:21,319 --> 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 --> 00:01:33,640 Speaker 1: I am called to help others walk through them. Hallelujah. 23 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:38,280 Speaker 1: I thank you God that opportunities and increase are all 24 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:46,520 Speaker 1: around me in Jesus's name. Amen, thank you for making 25 00:01:46,600 --> 00:01:49,920 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 00:01:53,920 --> 00:02:05,120 Speaker 1: by Bible in a Year dot Com. 28 00:02:05,160 --> 00:02:10,280 Speaker 2: Returning to Egypt. Before this story, we learned about how 29 00:02:10,400 --> 00:02:14,320 Speaker 2: Joseph waited patiently in prison. He was finally able to 30 00:02:14,400 --> 00:02:18,679 Speaker 2: interpret dreams, which eventually promoted him to be second in command. 31 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:23,040 Speaker 2: Joseph was put in charge of preparing for the coming famine, 32 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:27,080 Speaker 2: which would eventually spread throughout the entire land. Now we 33 00:02:27,120 --> 00:02:30,600 Speaker 2: will learn about how Joseph's brothers went to Egypt to 34 00:02:30,639 --> 00:02:34,600 Speaker 2: buy grain during that great famine. However, they were unable 35 00:02:34,639 --> 00:02:39,040 Speaker 2: to recognize Joseph. Inspired by the Book of Genesis. 36 00:02:41,760 --> 00:02:44,840 Speaker 3: Hello, I'm Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible 37 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:48,440 Speaker 3: in a Year podcast. In our last episode, we learned 38 00:02:48,440 --> 00:02:51,080 Speaker 3: that Joseph was able to rise to a position of 39 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:56,280 Speaker 3: incredible power, the second most powerful man in all of Egypt, 40 00:02:56,320 --> 00:03:01,280 Speaker 3: the Prime Minister. God used Joseph to interpret Pharaoh's disturbing 41 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:04,840 Speaker 3: dreams and warn him about an upcoming seven year famine 42 00:03:04,840 --> 00:03:08,480 Speaker 3: that would follow seven years of abundance. Joseph was then 43 00:03:08,600 --> 00:03:10,920 Speaker 3: put in charge of the plan to store grain and 44 00:03:11,040 --> 00:03:14,960 Speaker 3: prepare for the lean years. And when we catch up 45 00:03:14,960 --> 00:03:17,760 Speaker 3: with him in today's reading, the plentiful years have passed, 46 00:03:18,240 --> 00:03:22,520 Speaker 3: and under Joseph's careful guidance and governance, food has been 47 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:26,960 Speaker 3: stored in preparation for the famine. And now the famine comes. 48 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:30,320 Speaker 3: We'll see how this time of great need had swept 49 00:03:30,320 --> 00:03:33,520 Speaker 3: far and wide beyond Egypt and into Canaan, where Jacob, 50 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:40,360 Speaker 3: Joseph's father, and Jacob's sons, Joseph's brothers were living. Joseph's 51 00:03:40,360 --> 00:03:42,920 Speaker 3: brothers will travel into the land of Egypt to beg 52 00:03:42,960 --> 00:03:46,640 Speaker 3: for help, not knowing that it was the brother whom 53 00:03:46,640 --> 00:03:50,360 Speaker 3: they had betrayed, that they were their face. There's so 54 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:53,880 Speaker 3: much to watch for in this reading. Pay close attention 55 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:57,920 Speaker 3: to Joseph's reaction when he recognizes his brothers, Reuben and 56 00:03:58,000 --> 00:04:01,800 Speaker 3: Judah and the others. How you would feel in a 57 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:06,360 Speaker 3: situation like this. Now you are finally able to either 58 00:04:06,440 --> 00:04:11,680 Speaker 3: take revenge or show mercy. What will Joseph do with 59 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:15,600 Speaker 3: this opportunity. Will he continue to show kindness and integrity 60 00:04:15,640 --> 00:04:18,000 Speaker 3: as he did for such a long time in captivity, 61 00:04:18,760 --> 00:04:21,479 Speaker 3: or will bitterness get the best of him? Will he 62 00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:25,000 Speaker 3: seethe with anger and rage and bring judgment on those 63 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:29,039 Speaker 3: who harmed him. Let's listen now to find out exactly 64 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:29,760 Speaker 3: what happens. 65 00:04:30,800 --> 00:04:34,440 Speaker 2: Just as God had revealed through Joseph, the famines spread 66 00:04:34,520 --> 00:04:40,320 Speaker 2: like wildfire throughout the land, blighted and desolate. Farmlands became barren, 67 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:45,160 Speaker 2: and livestock starved and died. It came like a plague, 68 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:50,400 Speaker 2: and the entire countryside fell in despair. Egypt, however, was 69 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:55,000 Speaker 2: able to withstand the fatal famine. As Joseph instructed, one 70 00:04:55,120 --> 00:04:57,839 Speaker 2: fifth of all that was grown the past seven years 71 00:04:58,160 --> 00:05:02,480 Speaker 2: were kept safe and distributed carefully across the plains towards 72 00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:06,240 Speaker 2: the north. Jacob and his family hurt from the famine. 73 00:05:06,279 --> 00:05:09,400 Speaker 2: Their food had become scarce, and the family had no 74 00:05:09,600 --> 00:05:13,559 Speaker 2: choice but to look to Egypt for help. Israel looked 75 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:17,000 Speaker 2: at his sons doing nothing and said, why do you 76 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:19,840 Speaker 2: all look at each other? He asked, I have heard 77 00:05:19,880 --> 00:05:22,839 Speaker 2: that there is grain for sale in Egypt. Go down 78 00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:25,040 Speaker 2: and buy grain for us. There so that we may 79 00:05:25,080 --> 00:05:29,880 Speaker 2: not die. So ten of Joseph's brothers journeyed south to Egypt, 80 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:34,440 Speaker 2: but Israel did not send Benjamin, Joseph's younger brother, for 81 00:05:34,480 --> 00:05:37,440 Speaker 2: fear that he would be hurt as Joseph was. The 82 00:05:37,480 --> 00:05:41,160 Speaker 2: sons of Israel ventured forth to Egypt, not knowing they 83 00:05:41,160 --> 00:05:44,120 Speaker 2: would be coming face to face with their past sins. 84 00:05:44,880 --> 00:05:48,039 Speaker 2: Joseph was the governor over the land and oversaw all 85 00:05:48,160 --> 00:05:52,360 Speaker 2: transactions between other countries and the grain. A long line 86 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:56,719 Speaker 2: of people stood before Joseph, pleading for food. Joseph peered 87 00:05:56,720 --> 00:05:59,760 Speaker 2: across the sea of faces and caught glimpses of his 88 00:06:00,080 --> 00:06:04,720 Speaker 2: other Waves of memories began flooding back to him, memories 89 00:06:04,760 --> 00:06:07,760 Speaker 2: of being thrown into a pit, shackled, and shipped away. 90 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:12,320 Speaker 2: He recognized them instantly, but they stood before him with 91 00:06:12,360 --> 00:06:15,839 Speaker 2: no clue of who he really was. When they stood 92 00:06:15,839 --> 00:06:19,800 Speaker 2: before him, Joseph treated them like strangers and said, where 93 00:06:19,839 --> 00:06:22,719 Speaker 2: do you come from? He spoke with a rough voice, 94 00:06:22,760 --> 00:06:26,320 Speaker 2: reeling from the emotions of seeing his betrayers again, from 95 00:06:26,320 --> 00:06:29,680 Speaker 2: the land of Canaan to buy food. They answered in 96 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:32,400 Speaker 2: a tone of reverence, for they were speaking to the 97 00:06:32,480 --> 00:06:38,520 Speaker 2: second most powerful man in all Egypt. They bowed before him. Instantly, 98 00:06:38,960 --> 00:06:42,279 Speaker 2: a rush of images flooded back into Joseph's mind, the 99 00:06:42,400 --> 00:06:45,520 Speaker 2: dreams he had once dreamed of his brother's bowing before him. 100 00:06:45,760 --> 00:06:50,640 Speaker 2: Now coming to fruition, Joseph did his best to compose himself. 101 00:06:51,720 --> 00:06:55,200 Speaker 2: You are spies, he said, crossly. You have come to 102 00:06:55,240 --> 00:06:57,960 Speaker 2: see the vulnerability of the land, so you can take it. 103 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:03,159 Speaker 2: He pointed to them. They trembled at Joseph's accusations. No lord, 104 00:07:03,279 --> 00:07:06,080 Speaker 2: they shouted, Your servants have come to buy food, and 105 00:07:06,120 --> 00:07:08,680 Speaker 2: that is all. We are sons of one man. We 106 00:07:08,760 --> 00:07:11,560 Speaker 2: are ten of twelve. One brother is at home with 107 00:07:11,600 --> 00:07:14,800 Speaker 2: our father, and the other is dead. We are honest men, 108 00:07:14,840 --> 00:07:18,640 Speaker 2: we promise. Joseph scoffed at the sound of them claiming 109 00:07:18,680 --> 00:07:21,640 Speaker 2: to be honest men. Knowing full well what they had 110 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:25,320 Speaker 2: done to him, Joseph decided to test their claims by 111 00:07:25,360 --> 00:07:28,160 Speaker 2: keeping them captive until one of them brought back their 112 00:07:28,200 --> 00:07:32,240 Speaker 2: youngest brother. For three days he held them in custody, 113 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 2: Joseph's heart ached every moment he was in the presence 114 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:39,320 Speaker 2: of his brothers. On the third day, Joseph came to 115 00:07:39,360 --> 00:07:43,600 Speaker 2: the brothers and said to them, I fear God do this, 116 00:07:43,720 --> 00:07:46,120 Speaker 2: and I will let you free. Let one of your 117 00:07:46,160 --> 00:07:48,679 Speaker 2: brothers remain here while the rest of you take grain 118 00:07:48,760 --> 00:07:52,600 Speaker 2: to your father. Then bring your youngest brother back to 119 00:07:52,640 --> 00:07:56,400 Speaker 2: me so I can verify your claims. The brothers did 120 00:07:56,440 --> 00:08:00,680 Speaker 2: exactly as Joseph ordered. They began packing, afraid of what 121 00:08:00,680 --> 00:08:04,080 Speaker 2: would happen next. God began to work in the hearts 122 00:08:04,080 --> 00:08:07,920 Speaker 2: of the brothers. They spoke among one another, saying, we 123 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:11,200 Speaker 2: all know why this is happening to us. We caused 124 00:08:11,240 --> 00:08:14,920 Speaker 2: our youngest brother, Joseph pain and suffering, and he begged 125 00:08:14,960 --> 00:08:17,720 Speaker 2: us to show him mercy, but we did not. Now 126 00:08:17,720 --> 00:08:21,880 Speaker 2: we are being punished by putting Benjamin at risk. Reuben, 127 00:08:22,280 --> 00:08:26,080 Speaker 2: the oldest, answered them and said, did I not tell 128 00:08:26,120 --> 00:08:29,880 Speaker 2: you to leave the boy alone? You didn't listen. Now 129 00:08:29,920 --> 00:08:32,640 Speaker 2: God has required a reckoning from us for his blood. 130 00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:36,240 Speaker 2: All the while Joseph was listening, for they did not 131 00:08:36,440 --> 00:08:39,480 Speaker 2: know that he spoke their language because he used an interpreter. 132 00:08:40,679 --> 00:08:45,040 Speaker 2: As the brothers continued packing, Joseph turned away and wept 133 00:08:45,040 --> 00:08:48,880 Speaker 2: alone in secret. He looked to God, his heart breaking 134 00:08:48,920 --> 00:08:51,640 Speaker 2: over what he was doing to his brothers. Yet a 135 00:08:51,679 --> 00:08:53,760 Speaker 2: part of him did not trust them enough to reveal 136 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:57,280 Speaker 2: himself wiping away his tears, he came back to him. 137 00:08:57,920 --> 00:09:00,680 Speaker 2: He took Simon from them and bound in ropes in 138 00:09:00,720 --> 00:09:04,160 Speaker 2: front of his brothers. Joseph gave orders to his servants 139 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:06,520 Speaker 2: to give his brothers their money back in the bags 140 00:09:06,520 --> 00:09:09,360 Speaker 2: of grain. He also ordered for them to be given 141 00:09:09,440 --> 00:09:13,440 Speaker 2: extra for the journey home. Though Joseph was cross with them, 142 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:16,200 Speaker 2: he would not show them the same cruelty they once 143 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:20,400 Speaker 2: showed him. The brothers loaded their donkeys with grain and 144 00:09:20,440 --> 00:09:24,199 Speaker 2: departed swiftly. On their way home, they discovered money was 145 00:09:24,280 --> 00:09:28,200 Speaker 2: returned to them. Instead of being glad, they trembled, feeling 146 00:09:28,280 --> 00:09:32,680 Speaker 2: unworthy and uneasy about the blessing. What is God doing 147 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:36,439 Speaker 2: to us, they asked themselves. They returned home to their 148 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:39,320 Speaker 2: father and told him everything that had happened and how 149 00:09:39,320 --> 00:09:42,360 Speaker 2: they needed to bring Benjamin back to Egypt to get Simon. 150 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:47,360 Speaker 2: Israel was furious at his sons. You are stripping me 151 00:09:47,520 --> 00:09:51,560 Speaker 2: of my children, he yelled. Joseph is gone, and now 152 00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:54,880 Speaker 2: Simon is gone, and you expect me to give you Benjamin. 153 00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:59,200 Speaker 2: Reuben could no longer stand himself as the oldest he 154 00:09:59,320 --> 00:10:03,080 Speaker 2: was responsible for all his brothers. He stood firm and said, 155 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:05,959 Speaker 2: kill my two sons. If I do not bring them 156 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:10,000 Speaker 2: back to you, I will not let them fall. If 157 00:10:10,040 --> 00:10:12,520 Speaker 2: anything would happen to my boy, I would surely die, 158 00:10:13,040 --> 00:10:16,439 Speaker 2: Israel said, for he had already endured so much pain 159 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:20,400 Speaker 2: from Joseph. So the family delayed in leaving for Egypt again. 160 00:10:21,520 --> 00:10:25,199 Speaker 2: The famine had grown more severe in Israel's family had 161 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:28,559 Speaker 2: gone through all their grain. He gathered his sons again 162 00:10:28,640 --> 00:10:32,040 Speaker 2: and said, go again to Egypt to buy us more food. 163 00:10:33,280 --> 00:10:37,280 Speaker 2: Judah replied, saying, we were strictly warned to not come 164 00:10:37,280 --> 00:10:40,880 Speaker 2: back without Benjamin. The governor needed proof that we were 165 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:43,840 Speaker 2: not lying and needed us to bring him back or 166 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:47,640 Speaker 2: he would kill Simon. Send him with me. He will 167 00:10:47,679 --> 00:10:51,959 Speaker 2: be my responsibility. Their father relented and sent his sons 168 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:56,760 Speaker 2: with Benjamin and many gifts of honey, gum, muh, pistachios, 169 00:10:56,760 --> 00:11:00,600 Speaker 2: and almonds, along with double the money. The men took 170 00:11:00,640 --> 00:11:03,920 Speaker 2: the gifts Benjamin and double the money as before to 171 00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:08,160 Speaker 2: stand before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he 172 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:11,439 Speaker 2: ordered his servants to prepare an extravagant feast back at 173 00:11:11,440 --> 00:11:14,959 Speaker 2: his home. When the brothers arrived to meet Joseph, he 174 00:11:15,040 --> 00:11:18,720 Speaker 2: was not present. Rather, his servant invited them into his home. 175 00:11:19,360 --> 00:11:23,000 Speaker 2: Fear overcame the brothers, for they fully expected to be 176 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:26,360 Speaker 2: punished because they took the money back with them. They 177 00:11:26,440 --> 00:11:30,240 Speaker 2: climbed the stairs that led to Joseph's house, anxiously wondering 178 00:11:30,280 --> 00:11:33,440 Speaker 2: what would happen to the next they expected to walk 179 00:11:33,480 --> 00:11:36,520 Speaker 2: through the doors to Joseph sitting on a throne, ordering 180 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:40,360 Speaker 2: the guards to behead them. They finally approached the entrance 181 00:11:40,360 --> 00:11:44,280 Speaker 2: of Joseph's home, opened the doors, all to find a 182 00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:48,840 Speaker 2: royal welcome. Joseph had his servants take their coats, wash 183 00:11:48,920 --> 00:11:52,280 Speaker 2: their feet, and give them water. The brothers apologized for 184 00:11:52,320 --> 00:11:55,880 Speaker 2: taking the money back to their home. Joseph smiled and said, 185 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:59,640 Speaker 2: peace to you. There is no need to fear your 186 00:11:59,679 --> 00:12:02,079 Speaker 2: God and the god of your father. Put that money 187 00:12:02,120 --> 00:12:06,760 Speaker 2: back in your sex. I received your payment. The brothers 188 00:12:06,840 --> 00:12:10,720 Speaker 2: let themselves relax, and Simon was released to be with them. 189 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:14,360 Speaker 2: They waited for Joseph to return at noon and prepared 190 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:18,720 Speaker 2: their father's gifts to give him. Hours passed, and Joseph 191 00:12:18,800 --> 00:12:22,440 Speaker 2: finally returned home. The brothers immediately bowed down to the 192 00:12:22,480 --> 00:12:25,840 Speaker 2: ground when they saw him again. The memories of Joseph's 193 00:12:25,920 --> 00:12:27,359 Speaker 2: dreams came flooding. 194 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:27,600 Speaker 1: Back to him. 195 00:12:28,160 --> 00:12:31,719 Speaker 2: He thought of his father, his mother, and his homeland. 196 00:12:32,480 --> 00:12:35,720 Speaker 2: Joseph had so many questions for them, yet he did 197 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:39,280 Speaker 2: not want to let his guard down. How is your father, 198 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:42,319 Speaker 2: he asked, whilst swishing a cup of wine in his hand, 199 00:12:43,080 --> 00:12:45,679 Speaker 2: The old man you spoke of before, Is he well? 200 00:12:46,280 --> 00:12:50,360 Speaker 2: Joseph did his best to not seem too concerned. They 201 00:12:50,400 --> 00:12:54,840 Speaker 2: bowed their heads, still not answering. Joseph saw his brother, Benjamin, 202 00:12:55,080 --> 00:12:58,760 Speaker 2: his mother's son. Is this the youngest brother you spoke of, 203 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:03,080 Speaker 2: he asked. He looked into Benjamin's eyes. He had his 204 00:13:03,160 --> 00:13:07,600 Speaker 2: mother's eyes. How he missed her? He missed his father, 205 00:13:08,760 --> 00:13:13,200 Speaker 2: He missed Canaan. Joseph could feel himself losing his composure. 206 00:13:13,559 --> 00:13:18,160 Speaker 2: Tears began streaming down his stoic face. Joseph excused himself 207 00:13:18,160 --> 00:13:23,120 Speaker 2: and wept in his room. Anguish, anger, bitterness, love, All 208 00:13:23,160 --> 00:13:26,920 Speaker 2: these emotions overcame him. Joseph washed his face and came 209 00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:31,160 Speaker 2: out again. Controlling himself again, he clapped to his servants 210 00:13:31,160 --> 00:13:34,960 Speaker 2: and said, serve the food, and immediately an entire feast 211 00:13:35,040 --> 00:13:38,400 Speaker 2: was brought out before them. He served every brother, though 212 00:13:38,440 --> 00:13:41,439 Speaker 2: he did not eat with them. Yet he served Benjamin, 213 00:13:41,480 --> 00:13:44,960 Speaker 2: five times the amount of the others. Joseph wanted to 214 00:13:45,000 --> 00:13:48,120 Speaker 2: see how the brothers reacted to favoritism towards the younger 215 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:52,480 Speaker 2: brother Have they changed, Joseph must have thought to himself. 216 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:57,320 Speaker 2: They ate, drank and were merry together. Joseph then sent 217 00:13:57,360 --> 00:14:00,199 Speaker 2: them on their way with their grain. However, where he 218 00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:02,960 Speaker 2: put his silver cup in Benjamin's sack so that he 219 00:14:03,040 --> 00:14:06,120 Speaker 2: might trick them. Later, as the brothers packed up and 220 00:14:06,160 --> 00:14:09,680 Speaker 2: began leaving, Joseph ran out to them. One of you 221 00:14:09,800 --> 00:14:13,200 Speaker 2: was stolen from me, He shouted, why have you repaid 222 00:14:13,240 --> 00:14:17,520 Speaker 2: my hospitality with evil? Joseph acted as the angry king, 223 00:14:17,880 --> 00:14:21,320 Speaker 2: willing to behead anyone who defied him. He watched as 224 00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:25,200 Speaker 2: his brothers trembled with fear. Joseph took a tagger and 225 00:14:25,280 --> 00:14:29,120 Speaker 2: walked towards them, slowly, starting with the oldest son, working 226 00:14:29,160 --> 00:14:32,200 Speaker 2: his way down to the youngest. He tore apart their sacks, 227 00:14:32,280 --> 00:14:35,720 Speaker 2: looking for the silver cup. When he came to Benjamin, 228 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:39,640 Speaker 2: he found the cup. He turned to his brothers and said, 229 00:14:40,040 --> 00:14:42,760 Speaker 2: you may all go your way in peace, but Benjamin 230 00:14:43,120 --> 00:14:47,720 Speaker 2: will be my slave forever. The brothers tore their clothes 231 00:14:47,760 --> 00:14:51,840 Speaker 2: and bowed before Joseph please take me instead or The 232 00:14:51,840 --> 00:14:54,880 Speaker 2: brothers began to shout they were willing to take the 233 00:14:54,920 --> 00:14:57,240 Speaker 2: place of their brother so he could return back to 234 00:14:57,320 --> 00:15:01,720 Speaker 2: his father. Joseph welled up at the sight of his brothers. 235 00:15:02,440 --> 00:15:05,800 Speaker 2: They had truly changed now they were willing to lay 236 00:15:05,840 --> 00:15:09,280 Speaker 2: down their own lives so their youngest brother could be saved. 237 00:15:10,120 --> 00:15:13,360 Speaker 2: Joseph couldn't hold in his feelings any longer. 238 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:19,120 Speaker 3: It's been a very long thirteen years since his brothers 239 00:15:19,160 --> 00:15:23,160 Speaker 3: threw Joseph into the pit and betrayed him, selling him 240 00:15:23,160 --> 00:15:27,160 Speaker 3: as a slave into Egypt. But God and his providence 241 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:30,880 Speaker 3: and perfect plan blessed and protected Joseph, and he has 242 00:15:30,960 --> 00:15:34,480 Speaker 3: now become a very powerful official in Egypt, next to 243 00:15:34,560 --> 00:15:38,880 Speaker 3: Pharaoh himself, Pharaoh's right hand man, the prime minister of 244 00:15:38,920 --> 00:15:41,960 Speaker 3: the nation. And as we just learned in the story, 245 00:15:42,360 --> 00:15:45,600 Speaker 3: after seven years of prosperity, the whole land was then 246 00:15:45,680 --> 00:15:50,040 Speaker 3: hit with seven years of scarcity and hunger. It happened 247 00:15:50,160 --> 00:15:53,720 Speaker 3: just as God said it would. This catastrophe of famine 248 00:15:53,720 --> 00:15:57,920 Speaker 3: struck not only Egypt, but surrounding nations, including Canaan, where 249 00:15:58,000 --> 00:16:02,520 Speaker 3: Joseph's family lived, and these nations all turned to Egypt 250 00:16:02,560 --> 00:16:06,320 Speaker 3: to find the food they desperately needed, so Jacob's sons, 251 00:16:06,840 --> 00:16:11,800 Speaker 3: Joseph's brothers, journeyed to purchase provisions for their families. Jacob, 252 00:16:11,920 --> 00:16:15,640 Speaker 3: still hurting grieving from the loss of Joseph, had not 253 00:16:15,720 --> 00:16:19,160 Speaker 3: allowed the youngest son, Benjamin, to make this journey. He 254 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:21,680 Speaker 3: held him back because he did not want harm to 255 00:16:21,720 --> 00:16:25,120 Speaker 3: befall him. Was he simply being protective or did he 256 00:16:25,320 --> 00:16:28,360 Speaker 3: sense did he somehow know that these other sons had 257 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:33,160 Speaker 3: played a part in Joseph's demise. Whatever, the reason, is 258 00:16:33,240 --> 00:16:36,520 Speaker 3: clear that thirteen years have not been enough time to 259 00:16:36,560 --> 00:16:39,920 Speaker 3: blow away the darkness and the sadness in Joseph's disappearance 260 00:16:39,960 --> 00:16:44,560 Speaker 3: from the family that still shadowed Jacob's heart. Knowing full 261 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:47,080 Speaker 3: well what happened, the brother's guilt for what they had 262 00:16:47,080 --> 00:16:50,640 Speaker 3: done weighed heavily on them, coloring every moment of their lives. 263 00:16:51,240 --> 00:16:54,280 Speaker 3: They were living in guilt. You see, there's no way 264 00:16:54,320 --> 00:16:58,480 Speaker 3: getting away from sin and the effect and consequences of sin. 265 00:16:59,160 --> 00:17:02,600 Speaker 3: Sin will catch up with you. When they arrive in 266 00:17:02,640 --> 00:17:06,040 Speaker 3: Egypt and go before Joseph the governor, they bowed down 267 00:17:06,080 --> 00:17:10,920 Speaker 3: before him, and Joseph recognizes them. They do not recognize him, 268 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:14,440 Speaker 3: so as a test, he accuses them of being spies. 269 00:17:15,680 --> 00:17:17,679 Speaker 3: Of course, they claim to be honest men, but they 270 00:17:17,760 --> 00:17:21,040 Speaker 3: knew from experience they were not honest men. They were 271 00:17:21,280 --> 00:17:26,920 Speaker 3: very dishonest, very deceitful. Joseph had a choice. He could 272 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:30,840 Speaker 3: now enact vengeance, or he could once again see his 273 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:35,439 Speaker 3: father and his youngest brother again. So Joseph chooses the 274 00:17:35,520 --> 00:17:39,080 Speaker 3: latter and gives his brother a test. One of them 275 00:17:39,119 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 3: will stay behind his security while the others return home 276 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:44,640 Speaker 3: and bring back the youngest brother to prove that their 277 00:17:44,640 --> 00:17:48,320 Speaker 3: claims are true. Now there's a lesson here about dealing 278 00:17:48,359 --> 00:17:51,240 Speaker 3: with those who have betrayed you, wronged you, disappoint you. 279 00:17:52,080 --> 00:17:55,640 Speaker 3: While vengeance is not ours, to give a cautious approach 280 00:17:55,680 --> 00:18:00,159 Speaker 3: to reconciliation is always a good thing, especially when the 281 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:05,280 Speaker 3: wrong has been so wrong. Trust must be earned again, 282 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:09,159 Speaker 3: even if there has been forgiveness. Before they leave, we 283 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:12,800 Speaker 3: already see Joseph's heart softening towards his brothers as he 284 00:18:12,880 --> 00:18:15,880 Speaker 3: returns to them without their knowledge the money that they 285 00:18:15,880 --> 00:18:18,119 Speaker 3: had given for the food that they would take back home, 286 00:18:19,119 --> 00:18:23,240 Speaker 3: Leaving Simeon behind. The brothers return home and give a report. 287 00:18:23,800 --> 00:18:26,480 Speaker 3: Jacob is not at first willing to let Benjamin his 288 00:18:26,720 --> 00:18:29,960 Speaker 3: beloved youngest son make the trip to Egypt, but he 289 00:18:30,040 --> 00:18:32,720 Speaker 3: knew the food that they now had would soon run out, 290 00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:35,720 Speaker 3: and they must go back to Egypt and take Benjamin 291 00:18:35,800 --> 00:18:42,480 Speaker 3: with them. Jacob relents regretfully. Upon their return, Joseph provides 292 00:18:42,520 --> 00:18:45,879 Speaker 3: a feast, a big party. It's an opportunity to observe 293 00:18:45,960 --> 00:18:48,760 Speaker 3: the brothers more closely, especially to see how they are 294 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:52,920 Speaker 3: treating Benjamin. Joseph goes to great length to show Benjamin 295 00:18:53,640 --> 00:18:56,080 Speaker 3: very special treatment so he can watch how the other 296 00:18:56,160 --> 00:19:01,000 Speaker 3: brothers react. Joseph is in a struggle, struggling between the 297 00:19:01,119 --> 00:19:05,040 Speaker 3: kindness that he's giving towards his brothers, and yet still thinking, 298 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:09,679 Speaker 3: still scheming how he can find vengeance and how he 299 00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:14,200 Speaker 3: could keep Benjamin for himself. Hiding his cup in Benjamin's pack, 300 00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:17,760 Speaker 3: he accuses the men of stealing. When the cup is found, 301 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:21,040 Speaker 3: he says Benjamin must be his slave forever and they 302 00:19:21,119 --> 00:19:24,720 Speaker 3: must return home. The brothers cannot bear to think of 303 00:19:24,760 --> 00:19:28,679 Speaker 3: returning to Jacob without Benjamin. They plead for him to 304 00:19:28,720 --> 00:19:34,679 Speaker 3: be released. Finally, Joseph's brother Judah speaks up and offers 305 00:19:34,760 --> 00:19:39,480 Speaker 3: himself as a slave in Benjamin's place. This appears to 306 00:19:39,520 --> 00:19:44,960 Speaker 3: be a changed man, and this realization breaks Joseph. The 307 00:19:45,000 --> 00:19:47,199 Speaker 3: next time, we're going to see how he responds and 308 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:52,119 Speaker 3: how God, in his faithfulness, brings about reconciliation between long 309 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:56,680 Speaker 3: lost brothers. Dear Lord, we know that you can bring 310 00:19:56,800 --> 00:20:00,919 Speaker 3: healing even in the most broken situation. Help us to 311 00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:03,399 Speaker 3: reflect upon your grace and mercy and how much you 312 00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:07,320 Speaker 3: have forgiven us, and that we can actually forgive others 313 00:20:07,400 --> 00:20:09,360 Speaker 3: when they have wronged us as you have taught us. 314 00:20:10,040 --> 00:20:13,520 Speaker 3: Thank you for your faithfulness always in our lives. In 315 00:20:13,600 --> 00:20:18,080 Speaker 3: Christ's name. Amen, Thank you for listening to today's Bible 316 00:20:18,119 --> 00:20:21,920 Speaker 3: in a Year podcast. I'm pastor Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. 317 00:20:21,960 --> 00:20:25,520 Speaker 3: Download Theprey dot com app and make prayer a priority 318 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:28,480 Speaker 3: in your life. And if you enjoyed this podcast, share 319 00:20:28,520 --> 00:20:31,600 Speaker 3: it with someone you know. By sharing this podcast, you 320 00:20:31,640 --> 00:20:34,359 Speaker 3: can make a difference in their lives. And if you 321 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:38,640 Speaker 3: want more resources as to how to discover God's perfect 322 00:20:38,680 --> 00:20:41,680 Speaker 3: plan and power for your life, be sure to visit 323 00:20:41,840 --> 00:20:43,520 Speaker 3: Jack Graham dot org. 324 00:20:48,840 --> 00:20:52,640 Speaker 1: This episode is sponsored by Meta Share, an innovative healthcare 325 00:20:52,640 --> 00:20:56,760 Speaker 1: solution for Christians to save money without sacrificing quality.