The Reunion

 Genesis 45-46

            What a moving scene! Joseph, convinced that his brothers are changed men, reveals himself to them. Just look at the number of times in these two chapters that there is weeping. After 17 years apart, after jealousy and bitterness and rage, after time to stew and reversals of fortune, after being convinced of death—after all that and beyond all hope, the family is back together.

            The one thing that stands out to me is the faithfulness of God. We’ve observed it often in Genesis: the Lord takes a long time to fulfill his promises, but He does fulfill them. No matter our circumstances, no matter our loss, St. Paul says in Romans 8, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Reconciliation and restoration may take place in our lifetime. I myself rejoice that the Gospel opens up the possibility that reconciliations that seem impossible from a human point of view become possible in Christ. Even if I can’t see how it will happen, there is a potential for blessed ends. But even if that healing doesn’t take place our whole life long, we are a people who believe that we will live with God forever, and we believe that in the new creation all disease and brokenness will be undone. The Lord will do things in His own time, but ultimately He is faithful.