Joseph was the most powerful man in Egypt – under Pharaoh. His brothers were terrified when he invited them to his home.

He maintained his Hebrew heritage. That is one reason the Egyptians did not eat with him.

Genesis 43:32, “Joseph was served at his private table, the brothers off by themselves and the Egyptians off by themselves (Egyptians won’t eat at the same table with Hebrews; it’s repulsive to them).” The Message

Why didn’t his brothers recognize him? They believed he was a slave or dead. Slaves were overworked, underfed, and sleep-deprived. They didn’t get vacations or a day off. Most of them died at a young age.

This 39-year-old Hebrew looked nothing like the 17-year-old they sold into slavery. They couldn’t imagine Joseph rising to second-in-command.

Joseph lived skillfully in the fear of God. Wherever he was, he made it a better, more prosperous place. There was no place too humble – not even a jail.

Proverbs 15:33, “Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living – first you learn humility, then you experience glory.” The Message

October 15, 2019: Genesis 43-45.

“2019 Relevant Bible Reading Guide”

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