Joseph was a smart guy. We see this in how he managed Potiphar’s house, the prison, and the distribution of grain in Egypt. More importantly, we see this in the way Joseph trusted God.

We see this in how God blessed him and gave him wisdom in what he did. Surely, then,

Joseph connected the dots of his life. Surely, he understood how God used each link in the chain of events of his life – even the painful ones – to bring him to his position of authority, beneath only Pharaoh.

And yet, when Joseph saw his brothers, it appears that his reaction – treating them like strangers and speaking harshly to them – was instinctive. It was his gut response – or more aptly his heart response – to seeing his brothers who had hurt him so deeply. Twenty years had passed, but the wound was deep and seeing them reopened it.

As we continue reading through Joseph’s account, we will see God working on his heart, to bring it to the place his mind surely was. This is the beauty of God’s work in us – He is after our complete, not partial, transformation by the power of the Gospel.

• What are some areas of your life – thoughts, emotions, or behaviors – where you recognize your need for the Gospel to change you?