Genesis 45-46 – REUNIONS
Classes have them. Military units have them. Families have them.
When people who have something in common gather together to renew acquaintances, it is called a reunion. Sometimes reunions are times of sadness because they are held at a funeral, or because there is unresolved tension between some of those attending. Sometimes reunions take people by surprise, because two people are suddenly reunited through unplanned circumstances.
There are many reunions found in the Bible. Two such reunions involved Joseph.
Joseph had been separated from his family because of his brothers’ cruelty. Genesis 37:12-36
Joseph suffered much hardship in Egypt, but eventually became Prime Minister. Genesis 39-41
Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to get food during a famine and were forced to deal with him.
They did not know that the Prime Minister was Joseph.
Review the events of Genesis 42-44.
- THE REUNION BETWEEN JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS
FEAR – 45:1-3
The brothers were afraid because they had mistreated their brother, and now he was in a position of power over them.
FORGIVENESS – 45:4-5, 50:15-21
Joseph forgave his brothers for their sins and saw God’s hand in their actions. We should be as quick to forgive. Ephesians 4:32
FORESIGHT – 45:6-13
A message was to be sent to Jacob. There were more years of famine coming. God had sent Joseph on ahead to preserve live. “Come on down!”
FELLOWSHIP – 45:14-15
There was sweet, emotional fellowship between brothers.
- THE REUNION BETWEEN JOSEPH AND HIS FATHER
EXPLANATION – 45:26-28
Joseph was alive! Jacob saw the evidence. He believed it, and was ready to travel to Egypt.
EXCURSION – 46:1-7
EXCLAMATION – 46:28-30
Jacob made an exclamation of joy because he had seen his son alive whom he thought to be dead.