“Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.”
The grand event of Joseph identifying himself to his brothers was not one for strangers to witnes3. Alone with his brethren, the touching scene brought out the long-deferred display of his affections, a picture of the time when the Lord, as the Messiah of Israel, will make Himself known to His earthly people. At his words, “I am Joseph,” his brethren were terrified, fearing no doubt that he would show them the wrath that was due them. They certainly had not expected to ever encounter him again, much less to find him in so glorious and stately a position of authority and power.
Joseph was well aware that such a discovery must fill them with fear and dread, and he graciously sought to put them at ease. His love would cast out their fear. “Doth my father yet live?” he inquired, although already informed that he was alive and well. The question would have two purposes: First to remind them that their father was also his father —the relationship remained a binding claim upon them all. Second, he knew from Judah’s words that their thoughts toward the old father were now right and affectionate, and to be reminded of him would help to relieve their fear of Joseph and help also to take their thoughts away from their own poor selves. This wise and thoughtful act by Joseph is another picture of the Lord Jesus, primarily in His future relations with a repentant Israel, but also in His ways with all who come to Him in our present day of grace. He is ready and desirous of putting away the anxiety of every repentant sinner who will come to Him in need and will bow and own Him as Redeemer and Saviour. One coming to our loving Saviour with a sense of his sins and of judgment deserved, but claiming the merits of His Person and work on Calvary, will prove the grace that will remove his fears and bring him into quiet security and rest. “My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:2727Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27).
What a wonderful thing it is to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and have all fears of being in His presence removed. Are you enjoying that place? The day is coming when all who have owned Him as Saviour will be brought into His presence with exceeding joy. But those who reject Him will be in His presence with fear and trembling as they face the sentence of judgment from His lips: “Depart from Me ye workers of iniquity.”
ML 10/15/1967