The Big Reveal

Genesis 45:1-15

Genesis has always been one of my favorite books in the Bible.  It is full of rich stories and fascinating characters.  The story of Joseph and his psychedelic coat (and dreams) is no different. 

In this scripture passage, we come to the big reveal.  Joseph jumps out, removing his fake beard and glasses (that somehow everyone was fooled by), and yells...."Surprise! It's me...the brother you left for dead, all because you felt like Dad may have loved me a little more than you!"  In this moment, I imagine that Joseph is thinking to himself, "This is going to be great! There are going to be more tears & hugging than when Ty Pennington yells 'MOVE THAT BUS!' on Extreme Home Makeover!". Instead, the scripture tells us that his brothers said nothing, so dismayed at his presence. The brothers were probably seeing a more gruesome scene in their minds.  I imagine them identifying more with Little Red Riding Hood, seeing the wolf for the first time...now that he had removed the wig and glasses, awaiting their inevitable doom. Joseph's brothers knew that he would have been justified in his actions if he had exacted revenge; treating them as horribly as they had treated him.  After all, he was in the perfect position now to do that, and the element of surprise is always a nice touch in any good revenge scenario. 

However, we read that Joseph did the unexpected (as is so often the case throughout scripture).  He challenged what they believed to be the appropriate response, and in many ways the most fair response. Joseph did not retaliate, instead he welcomed his brothers into his arms and wept with joy over their reunion.

Jesus, like Joseph, was a fan of thinking outside of the box.  You never really know what to expect from him, he is always doing the opposite of what the world (law) says he should do.  It would have been easy for Joseph to punish his brothers in a fit of rage, just as it would have been easy for Jesus to respond violently to those who oppressed him.  

It is easy for us to let the words and actions of others dictate how we respond. No one ever said being a follower of Christ would be easy!  We are called to do the hard thing.  Joseph chose to respond to his brothers in love.  In doing so, he blessed them...but he received a blessing as well--a restored family.

Written by Keely DeBoever