What might be some of Joseph’s thoughts when he sees his brothers?

“The original Hebrew root of distress means ‘to bind, to restrict, to cramp, to tie up.”Chuck Swindoll

“ You can’t keep the cover on covered-up sin!”

Psalm 32:3-4“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.”

Psalm 32:5“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

“Joseph is forcing them to face their past. They previously put more value on money than on life. In that connection, he is testing their loyalty to Simeon. To return with Benjamin is easy enough, but not when they appear to be criminals.”Bruce Waltke

1. Unresolved Guilt leads to a self-focus and distress.

1. Unresolved Guilt leads to a self-focus and distress.

2. Undeserved Grace leads to a God-focus and destiny.

Hebrews 12:2-3“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”