Get It Right

“And now, my lord, I cannot go back to my father without the boy. Our father’s life is bound up in the boy’s life. [Genesis 44.30]

The difference in Joseph's brothers is seen right here. When they sold Joseph into slavery, they gave no thought to Jacob their father. But now, they realize that just because they hated Joseph did not mean that Jacob did not love him dearly.

Seeing their father's same love for Benjamin, Joseph's brothers finally understood and had genuine compassion for their father.

Sometimes I wonder about circumstances in which I find myself. Are those circumstances opportunities to "get it right" from previous responses to similar circumstances? I think so.

Joseph's harsh treatment of his brothers might have served some personal vendetta for Joseph. However, I am seeing that more than that, it appears that God was using the situation to show the brothers that they had indeed changed. They all understood they were probably paying for what they did to Joseph years earlier. But instead of acting carelessly and selfishly as they did before, we see them acting with genuine compassion and love - even the greatest kind of love...

“So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. [Genesis 45.33]

Judah, speaking on behalf of all the brothers, made the statement above. But it must be understood that ALL the brothers returned when the silver cup was found in Benjamin's sack. There was solidarity in their change of heart - they stood together in love and compassion to do what was right.

This was indeed the chance for all the brothers to "get it right." And, they did.

Father, help us all to see the opportunities You allow in our lives to "get it right." Help us, like Joseph's brothers, to be humble and repentant about our past failures while determining to do the right thing going forward.