How often have you wished for the ability to give back to someone just what you thought they had coming after they did something against you? Payback would be so sweet! Now imagine having the authority to do whatever you like. Somebody is going to regret treating you wrong.
Joseph has been elevated by God to second in power over all the land of Egypt. He is at least twice as old as when he was sold into slavery in Egypt. When famine forces his brothers to come seeking food from the Egyptians, he is unrecognizable and goes undetected as the ruler they must deal with. After more time, he reveals himself to his clan and they with their father come down to sojourn in the provision of Joseph. In due time Father Israel dies and now the brothers face the potential wrath of revenge. They fear the recompense for what they did so many years earlier and concoct an elaborate ruse to try to curry favor with ruler Joseph; they send a message to Joseph that their father had desired Joseph to forgive his brothers.
We do not know the moment Joseph came to recognize the participation of God in his journey from boy to slave to ruler but his response clearly acknowledges that all that has passed must be comprehended in the context of God’s participation:
Can you believe today what you will not see until tomorrow? Joseph is a story of being faithful in Today and being prepared in the today for what God is providing for in the future. Today, you can make the most of life by participating with God fully while it is called Today.
Be Blessed.