Joseph Forgives And The Chain Of Bitterness Shatters Part 2

...The group of scruffy Bedouins looks out of place in the palace forecourt. They bring their own atmosphere, their own odor. In silence they approach the governor and as is appropriate bow deeply. The governor stares at them unable to believe his own eyes.
His brothers? There’s no doubt. His heart thumps and his breath comes in short gasps. Sweat trickles down his temples. His eyes narrow as he stands erect. The question comes harshly.
“You, where do you come from?”
He knows the answer. Their accent falls sweetly on his ears. He doesn’t need the services of his interpreter.
Huge feathery fans wave lethargically; time seems to stand still. Suddenly Joseph hears the echo of those mocking words: ‘Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule over us?’

Coming back to the present, Joseph takes charge of the situation. There is an exchange of harsh words. The Governor insists they are spies; the Bedouins insist on their innocence. The argument ends with the Bedouins in prison for three days.
The third day Joseph demands that one of the men remain in custody till the rest return with the youngest that they have told him about. They converse together about their predicament unaware that the Governor understands every word.
Reuben speaks up: “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen. Now we must give an accounting for his blood.”
Tears spring unbidden to Joseph’s eyes. Turning away, with a great effort he composes himself. Then he gives the order for Simeon to be bound in front of them.
The following orders perplex the servants. Some raise their eyebrows; others roll their eyes.
But the orders are carried out:
“Fill the sacks with grain. Return the silver in each sack. Give them provisions for the journey.”

*** *** ***

Time passes and scene repeats itself. The Bedouins arrive at the palace courtyard and reverently bow. The Governor barks his orders. “Take these men to my house. Slaughter an animal and prepare dinner. They are to eat with me at noon.”
The chain of bitterness present in the family from generations behind, is about to snap!
Love triumphs over evil.
Joseph arrives home at midday. His brothers bow and give him the gifts they have brought. He asks after their elderly father and then he sees his little brother.
“Is this your youngest brother? God be gracious to you my son.”
A tsunami of emotions forces itself into Joseph’s heart and threatens to spill over in front of his brothers. He hurries from the room. Throwing himself on to his bed he sobs inconsolably. Pain, sorrow and nostalgia push for first place in his soul. Instead of bitterness, deep brotherly love floods his whole being.
Seated at the dinner table in their birth order, the brothers glance nervously at one another. No one speaks; their faces reveal consternation and confusion. The food is served them from the Governor’s table. A question hangs in the air: Why is Benjamin the youngest being served exaggerated portions?
The answer is nearer than they imagine.

*** *** ***

Once again Joseph orders the money to be returned in the grain sacks, and that his own silver cup is hidden in Benjamin’s sack. After dismissing the travelers he sends someone after them to bring them back in order to investigate the robbery. The culprit will remain as his slave.
Judah takes charge of the situation.
“What can we say my lord? God has uncovered our guilt. We are now your slaves, we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.”
Joseph’s reply hits them like a jet of icy water.
“Not at all. Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace.”
Judah breaks all the rules of protocol, and goes right up to the stern governor. Joseph listens as the Bedouin speaks at length. He strokes his pointed beard; a slight frown creases his brow. It is the following offer that pierces his heart.
“Please let me stay as your slave. Let the boy go home. How can I go back to my father without him? I can’t bear to see my father’s misery.”
Joseph can no longer control his emotions.
“Make everyone leave my presence!” he cries.
Immediately he breaks down.
“I am Joseph. Is my father still living?”
His brothers freeze. Some tremble uncontrollably, others go deathly pale. No one dares pronounce a word.
“Come close to me”
In slow motion the group gathers round.
“I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold to Egypt.”
Every eye is on Joseph. Guilt  is reflected on their faces.
Joseph continues: “Please don’t be distressed, and don’t be angry at yourselves for selling me here. It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”
In the spiritual world a loud noise is heard. The chain of bitterness from many past generations is breaking.
“For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no ploughing or reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on the earth and to save your lives in an extraordinary way. It wasn’t you who sent me here, but God.”

The thunderous silence that fills the room is broken by men sobbing.
Joseph and Benjamin fling their arms around one another weeping. Joseph kisses all his brothers.
Tears flow freely, melting resentment and hatred.
Embraces cause the walls of rivalry to crumble.
Forgiveness shatters the chain of bitterness.