Unstoppable
What the dreams did not make known was that grace, love, and forgiveness—not submission enforced by power—achieved the benevolent outcome of the ruler over his subjects.
- K. A. Mathews, Genesis 11:27–50:26, vol. 1B, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2005), 807.
The Big Reveal
Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.
3 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence.
- Genesis 45:1-3 NKJV
Judah’s speech had accomplished its goal. Joseph was convinced that his brothers indeed had changed and he no longer could control himself. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brother and they are terrified. I imagine Joseph’s brothers were already afraid of Zaphenath-Paneah ( the Egyptian name Pharaoh gave Jospeh Genesis 41:45), but surprisingly they are terrified to find out that this powerful “Egyptian” is their long lost, and thought to be dead, brother Joseph.
They were likely terrified because they realized how much power Joseph had. Joseph can have them all killed, thrown in prison, or turned into slaves. Joseph could have all of his brothers serve him as slaves for the rest of their lives, or even for generations to come. What will he do to them? They are completely at his mercy. I wonder how often they thought about what had become of Joseph. Did they ever desire to meet him again? Did they sometimes wish that Joseph would make his way back home? Ultimately, we don’t know. But it seems clear that they never expected him to have become one of the most powerful men in the region.
His brothers stood motionless, dumb with fear and amazement. The ruler of Egypt their brother Joseph, whom they had envied and would have murdered, and finally sold as a slave! All their ill treatment of him passed before them. They remembered how they had despised his dreams and had labored to prevent their fulfillment. Yet they had acted their part in fulfilling these dreams; and now that they were completely in his power he would, no doubt, avenge the wrong that he had suffered.
- Patriarchs and Prophets vol. 1, Conflict of the Ages Series (Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1890), 230.
God Sent Me
4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
- Genesis 45:4-8 NKJV (Bold mine)
Joseph got the sense that his brothers had already suffered enough for their cruelty towards him. Perhaps God impressed this truth upon Joseph’s heart? Now Joseph wanted to dismiss the fears and bitterness of self-reproach his brothers were experiencing. He calls his brothers close to him and repeats that he is their brother, the one they sold into Egypt. I do not believe he mentioned the fact he was sold as a slave to make his brothers feel worse, but maybe was proof that he was who he claimed to be.
Joseph proceeds to tell his brothers to be neither grieved nor angry for their previous evil actions. Joseph interpreted his life events as guided by God to bring about the preservation of life. Joseph understood that God has the power to transform human misery into wonder and salvation.
The challenge for the believer is to accept the efficacy of God’s thoughts (Isa 55:8–9), waiting by faith for the dawning of the new day. We can be assured that in whatever path the Lord directs us, it will lead us to the same place, his heavenly household.
- K. A. Mathews, Genesis 11:27–50:26, vol. 1B, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2005), 808.
Joseph fills his brothers in on the details, the famine will continue for five more years. This means that they cannot simply go back home and hope to be able to grow anything any time soon. Joseph is their only hope, yet not only theirs but the hope for salvation for the entire region. This is why Joseph believes so strongly that God sent him there and made him a leader over Pharaoh and the entire land of Egypt. Joseph correctly sees the hand of God guiding in all of this and he recognizes the good that will come of it.
Joseph explains that the purpose of God, “to save lives” (lĕmiḥyâ), surpassed the malicious intent of the brothers.
- K. A. Mathews, 813.
Who is in Control?
How do you feel about Joseph’s statement? On the one hand, recognizing God’s sovereignty makes it easier for Joseph to forgive his brothers.
The certainty that God’s will, not man’s, is the controlling reality in every event shined through as the basis for reconciliation. No doubt Joseph had consoled himself many times with this principle of faith. He who is spiritual can perceive the hand of God in every event, and therefore is able to forgive those who wrong him.
- Allen P. Ross, “Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 94.
But does this theology make Joseph’s brothers blameless? After all, it was not them, it was God who sent Joseph to Egypt. I believe the brothers are very much responsible for their behavior and I see Joseph’s tests of his brothers as evidence that he also understood them to be in control of their behavior. If their brothers had no autonomy there would have been no need to test them.
I appreciate David Brown’s take on Joseph’s words.
This statement must not be interpreted more strictly than the general tenor of the history warrants—certainly not as implying that the commission of the outrageous abduction of Joseph by his brethren was necessitated by anything like a direct, compulsory influence upon their minds. The strong phraseology in which the declaration was made is to be ascribed to the peculiar circumstances of the speaker; and the meaning which underlies the expression is evidently this—That as nothing, whether great or small, important or trivial, can happen without God’s will, His wisdom and providence had ordered a train of circumstances, so that bad and malignant individuals, subjected to their influence, were induced to commit the crime of selling Joseph.
- David Brown, A. R. Fausset, and Robert Jamieson, A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments: Genesis–Deuteronomy, vol. I (London; Glasgow: William Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited, n.d.), 254.
This is tricky for me. I believe that God is in control of history, otherwise, how would He have revealed to Joseph in a dream (Genesis 37:5-8) that one day his brothers would bow down to him? (For more on this see Dysfunctional Family) Though Joseph would have supremacy over his brothers, I believe his brothers freely chose how they reacted to Joseph’s dream. Though his brothers could not keep the dream from being fulfilled, nobody forced them to be mean to Joseph, to plot to kill him and to sell him as a slave. We don’t know how the story would have turned out if the brothers had loved and supported Joseph, but that doesn’t mean that they had to sell Joseph as a slave.
I don’t want to chase this rabbit in this post but there is a book that does a great job in explaining freedom of choice and how to reconcile that with God’s sovereignty. The book is called Theodicy of Love by John C. Peckham. (This is an affiliate link, if you go through it to make a purchase it costs you nothing and I will earn a commission that helps maintain this blog)
But here is what I take from this story.
Becoming Unstoppable
Joseph did not deserve the way he was treated by his brothers (Betrayed by Family), and later by Potiphar’s wife (Wrongfully Accused). Joseph was betrayed by members of his family those who would have been the first to love and protect him. If that was not bad enough he was later wrongfully accused by someone who had power and authority over him. Though he was betrayed by his brothers and thrown in prison for something he didn’t do, Joseph still became the ruler of Egypt and the hope of salvation for those living in that portion of the world. How could Joseph succeed under those circumstances?
I believe that if we follow a few key principles we can, like Joseph, succeed despite all odds.
I am not saying you will become wealthy and powerful. I am saying you will succeed in accordance with God’s plans for your life. And God’s plans are great!
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
- Jeremiah 29:11 NKJVAnd we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
- Romans 8:28 NKJVBut as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJVFor we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
God has a plan for us and based on what happened with Joseph I believe that no one can frustrate God’s plans for our lives. So if someone betrays you, falsely accuses you, and intends to do you harm, they can never frustrate God’s will for your life. By this, I mean that God can use whatever is meant for evil and still bring some good out of it.
Please understand that I am not saying that God wills for bad things to happen. I am saying He does not allow them to frustrate His plans. He can bring good out of the evil that others wish upon you. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of Joseph. They could have focused on their lives and God’s plans for them, but instead, they focused on their hatred for their youngest brother. Their hatred in turn caused them to desire to kill their brother, and eventually, they sold him as a slave. As a result of their behavior there was great suffering. Jacob suffered, Joseph suffered, and even the brothers later were full of remorse and guilt. From their interaction with Joseph, we notice that they were filled with remorse and guilt for their actions. Yes, God indeed used their actions to bring about good and to deliver many from starvation. But this does not mean that Joseph’s brothers had to be mean and sell him as a slave.
We only know what God did, we do not know what would have happened if Joseph’s brothers had been loving and supportive. Joseph realized how God blessed him and noticing how repentant his brothers were he tried to ease their guilt. Joseph understood his life as guided by God to bring a greater good. This view allowed him to remain positive and to forgive his brothers.
Joseph’s understanding that God was ultimately in control allowed him to live generously. He understood that God was his provider, and he remained faithful to God and allowed God to provide at the right time. As a servant in Potiphar’s house, Joseph was the best servant and God blessed him and he prospered (But God was with him). When tempted to sin, Joseph resisted, and his right behavior did not keep him from being thrown in jail (Wrongfully Accused). While in jail, Joseph continued to be generous and kind and hard-working and God was with him and he prospered again. Whether at home with his father, as a servant/slave in Potiphar’s house, or in prison, Joseph always rose to the top. The Bible is clear that God was with Joseph, but I also believe that Joseph chose to behave in accordance with the will and character of God. I believe that God is with us in the same manner, and if we are, like Joseph, willing to be kind and generous and work hard we too will prosper in accordance with God’s will.
Hurry and go tell Dad!
9 “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.” ’
12 “And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.”
14 Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him.
- Genesis 45:9-14 NKJV
Joseph’s brothers are not sure what to do with all the information they just received, so Joseph helps them by telling them what to do next. “God tell Dad, and bring everyone back to Egypt.” Joseph hugs them and kisses them, starting with Benjamin. After this, his brothers finally find the words to talk to Joseph. I would have loved to know what they talked about and how well that conversation went.
Pharaoh’s Reaction
16 Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. 17 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and depart; go to the land of Canaan. 18 Bring your father and your households and come to me; I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land. 19 Now you are commanded—do this: Take carts out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and your wives; bring your father and come. 20 Also do not be concerned about your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.’ ”
21 Then the sons of Israel did so; and Joseph gave them carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey. 22 He gave to all of them, to each man, changes of garments; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of garments. 23 And he sent to his father these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten female donkeys loaded with grain, bread, and food for his father for the journey. 24 So he sent his brothers away, and they departed; and he said to them, “See that you do not become troubled along the way.”
- Genesis 45:16-24 NKJV
I was surprised by Pharaoh’s generosity. I had underestimated Pharaoh’s appreciation for Joseph. Maybe it’s my familiarity with the Pharaoh that Moses interacts with in the book of Exodus that caused me to view all Pharaohs in the same light. But here we have a Pharaoh who is kind to Joseph and in favor of having his entire family move to Egypt. Joseph was such an amazing person to work with that Pharaoh and his servants were happy to have Joseph’s family join them. Here we also witness Pharaoh commanding Joseph to do something, to take carts from the land of Egypt for the women and children. Pharaoh also commands Joseph’s family not to be concerned with their good since the best of the land of Egypt is theirs. So Joseph and his brothers obeyed the Pharaoh.
I am blown away by Pharaoh’s generosity. How wonderful it is for someone who works hard to be appreciated for the work she or he does. Pharaoh values Joseph and his leadership and so he is very generous with Joseph and his family. One powerful and positive witness opened the doors for many blessings. Sadly, a powerful negative witness is also able to close doors for many. Your interactions with others are never just about you. You are opening or closing doors for those who will come after you.
Heart Problems?
25 Then they went up out of Egypt, and came to the land of Canaan to Jacob their father. 26 And they told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them. 27 But when they told him all the words which Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the carts which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. 28 Then Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.”
- Genesis 45:25-28 NKJV
I was worried for a moment about Jacob because his heart stood still while he struggled to believe the news his sons brought him. But as they talked and he saw the carts from Egypt, he finally believed and his spirit revived. Jacob had gained new vigor and a new life goal, he was going to see his son Joseph before he died.
Practical Application
Joseph found himself on the receiving end of a series of unfortunate events. That puts it too mildly. Joseph suffered at the hands of those who were more powerful than him. But instead of becoming bitter, vengeful, and rebellious, Joseph prospered and became more powerful than anyone who had ever hurt him. Joseph’s rise to power was not motivated by a desire for revenge, nor was it by hatred. Sure, hatred and revenge may make for blockbuster movies and best-seller novels, but the story of Joseph’s life is not about hatred and revenge, but rather about salvation and forgiveness. Joseph used his power and influence to bless others and not to repay evil for evil.
Joseph could have made his brothers, Potiphar and his wife, and even all of Egypt feel his wrath. Joseph could have been a cruel ruler and even attempted to overthrow the Pharaoh. Joseph’s story had all the characteristics for the making of a supervillain, yet he became the hero. Through Joseph nation and peoples were able to survive a seven-year famine!
Similar to Joseph, many of you who are reading this have likely been betrayed and wrongfully accused by those who have more power than you. Chances are that you have been mistreated even though you did nothing to deserve such treatment. You are unable to control those around you, so what do you do? Joseph’s brothers were stronger than him and outnumbered him. He pleaded with them but they did not listen to him. There was nothing Joseph could do and he was sold as a servant. Similarly, Potiphar’s wife had more power and authority than Joseph, despite his pleas he was sent to jail. Yet as a servant and as a prisoner Joseph rose to the top and was placed in charge of everything. I believe the only way this could happen was if God was with him. Yet, I believe that Joseph had to choose to be kind, dependable, generous, and work hard every day. Joseph had to choose to not be bitter, to not be vengeful, to not be angry, and to not drown in sorrows in some substance that would numb the pain.
Joseph remained engaged and continued to do good and to learn from each situation he found himself in. Joseph trusted in God to provide and judge, and focused on doing his part.
What do I take away from Genesis 45?
I may not be able to control those around me, especially those who have more power than me. Instead of spending my time wishing I could control them or that they would behave differently, I can focus on what I can do. Instead of wishing others would behave differently I can choose to behave in the best way possible. Luck is oftentimes on the other side of hard work.
Life is not fair. People will not always appreciate your worth. Many times it may feel like no one notices that you’re working hard and going the extra mile, but God is watching. It could be that the situation you are in is preparing you for what God has in store for you next.
How do you become unstoppable?
Believe in God’s promises and claim them in prayer.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
- Romans 8:28 NKJVWork for God and not for people.
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
- Colossians 3:23-24 NKJVLeave vengeance to God.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Romans 12:17-21 NKJV
