Recognized but Unknown

Key Points

• The ten brothers carry the weight of the guilt and shame they’ve tried to suppress. They don’t “see” who Joseph is, but the heaviness is exposed when they encounter him  (42:21-22).

• Joseph is human and experiences trauma when his brothers arrive in Egypt. Even as his childhood dreams come true—he instantly recognizes his brothers and sees them bow before him—he is reminded of the wounds inflicted when they sold him into slavery (42:6-9).

• All of this affects Joseph emotionally. Yet he recognizes that God is ultimately in charge. He does not exact revenge but instead provides a way for his brothers to be tested and to prove they have changed (42:17-24).

• Jacob is a person whose life is dominated by the trauma of what he has lost and the fear of future loss (42:35-38). Jacob doesn’t “see” that God is rescuing his family through Joseph and fulfilling his promises to Abraham.

Application

• As creatures, we have a limited perspective. Our life experiences and personal makeup shape what we can see (recognize). What dominates your perspective?

• What do you see? What is hidden? How do you respond?

• The only thing that can reorient you to the truth is a thorough faith that helps you lay hold of what you can’t see (Hebrews 11:1).