IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOSEPH-"Am I in the Place of God"?

Conclusion of "YOU WILL BE TESTED"

Judah was moved to respond with an impassioned speech. "He is the only remaining son of his mother, and his father loves him," Judah said. Those words must have touched Joseph for he was the older son  of Jacob's beloved wife Rachel, who had died  while giving birth to Benjamin. Joseph, like his father, evidently cherished memories of Rachel. Perhaps that connection made Benjamin even dearer to Joseph. -Genesis 35:18-20; 44:20. 

Judah went on to implore Joseph not to enslave Benjamin. He even offered to become a slave in Benjamin's place. Then he concluded with the heartrending plea:  "How can I return to my father without the boy along with me? I could not bear looking on when this calamity befalls my father!"  (Genesis 44:18-34) Here, now was evidence of a changed man. Not only did he show a repentant spirit but he even showed an admirable degree of sympathy, selflessness, and compassion. 

Joseph could bear no more. He had to release the emotion that was pent up  within him. Dismissing all his servants, he wept so loudly that the sound carried to Pharaoh's palace. Then he revealed himself at last: "I am Joseph your brother."  He embraced his stunned brothers and kindly extended forgiveness for all that they had done to him.  (Genesis 45:1-15) He thus reflected the disposition of Jehovah, who forgives generously. (Psalm 86:5) Do we do likewise? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH-"Am I in the Place of God"? -"YOU ARE STILL ALIVE"!

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015