The famine Joseph said would come, came with a vengeance. It stretched all the way into the land of Canaan where Jacob and his sons were living. Jacob sent all his sons except Benjamin to Egypt to buy grain for food. Since Joseph was in charge they were brought before Joseph but did not recognize him. Joseph recognized his brothers immediately but did not reveal himself to them. He asked about his father and if there any other children back home. He learned his father was still alive and Benjamin was well. Joseph insisted they leave one of the brothers there in Egypt and bring your other brother with them back to Egypt. He also had one of his servants put his silver cup in one of the bags of grain. On their way home they stopped for the night and discovered the silver cup. They thought it was a way they were to be accused of being spies and dishonest men. They also thought it was happening because of what they had done to Joseph. When they got back to Canaan their father was angry when he learned they had told Joseph, whom he thought to be dead, they had yet a brother back home. Benjamin was the last son born to Jacob, who was now called Israel, by his beloved wife Rachel. At first Israel refused to let Benjamin go with them but their food ran out and they had no choice. The brothers returned to Egypt and once again stood before Joseph still unaware it was he. Finally, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. They were afraid he would treat them cruelly because of their treatment of him so many years before. Joseph explained to them that God had orchestrated the whole thing in order to save their family and that he held no malice towards them. God in His providence had saved Jacob (Israel) and his family because it was through Israel’s family the Messiah was to come into the world.
Today we have no idea what our lives would be like without God’s protection and blessings. We do not understand God’s providence but we do know that God as the omnipotent, sovereign ruler of His creation can and does play a role in our lives. We must praise God for His goodness and recognize our need to submit to His Divine will. The Bible is God’s inspired revelation to man. In it He has revealed His mind (1 Corinthians 2:9-11) and His plan of salvation.
We have Bible study courses you can take on line or by mail in your home if you prefer. We pay all postage for your convenience. These courses will help gain a better understanding of the Bible. All material is non-denominational in nature. To take the course online just go to the “Resources” tab and click on “Bible Correspondence Course” and sign-up to take the course. If you prefer to take the course by mail simply fill out the request form indicating you wish to take the course and we will send you the first lesson along with a stamped self-addressed envelope to send the question portion back to us. We will look over your answers, answer any questions you have and send the question sheet back to you along with the next lesson and a stamped, self-addressed envelope. We hope to hear from you. Of course, all is FREE of charge.
