The Brinkley argus., 1913-06-06
INTERNATIONAL SINlGSC|lOOL
 LESSON CBy E. O. SELLERS Director of Even ing Department, The Moody Bible In- stitute of Chicago)
LESSON FOR JUNE 8
JosePH FoRclvEs HIS BRETHREN


 JOSEPH FoRcivEs HIS BRETHREN
 LESSON TExT-Gen. 6:1-15.
 GOLDEN TExT-"Behold how good and how pleasant 1t is for brethren to dwell together in unity" Ps lS3:i-
 No story of the Old Testament is fraught with greater dramatic inter est than that which is presented to- day. Let us get the setting of the pic ture. An opulent oriental court; that man who next to Pharaoh exercised more power than any congress or as- sembly, and into whose hands had been placed the destinies of king dom by earthly power and the out working of the plan of redemption by divine power Servants, power, resources, all at Joseph's command. Before him his brothers who long ago gave him up as being dead. Out side great calamity resting upon the people, and none prepared to meet 1t except these of Egypt whose provi- sion was the result of the work of this man of God. q. Tim. 4:O. Be- fore this man, as humble supplicants. we see those who "entreated him de spitefully.' Judah's speech was a revelation to Joseph, it satisfied him. and what need. therefore, for further delay in revealing himself in his true character?
 Saving Love.
 |. Revelation, w. 1-3.-Excluding all from his presence, saving his broth CTS, Joseph gave full vent to his joy and rejoicing. T am Joseph; doth my father yet liver" Their astonishr ment was so great as to leave them speeches.. and again haunting memo ries condemn them to fear and fore boding for they were troubled in his presence" We have here a beautiful picture of forgiveness and saving love
 The exaltation of Jesus was to give repentance to Israel through the forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:31. Even so did Joseph bring repentance to his brothers and forgiveness of their wrongs toward him 22 years before Joseph's severe dealings with his brothers aroused them to full recog- milton of their evil deeds and pre- pared them to receive his pardon and forgiveness.
 But the cup is full. no longer can he restrain himself. and with a loud voice. so loud that 1t could be heard without, he cried T am Joseph" Small wonder that at such procla- nation by him whom they had so grievously wounded. they were trou- bled" So shall 1t be when the breth- ren of Jesus shall look upon him whom they have pierced" Zech. 12: 10.
 II. Reconciliation. w. 48.-The greatness of Joseph is here revealed in clear. true light He interprets to his brothers their own actions with all that God has involved in it, which must have been a great surprise to his brothers. Joseph does not wait for them to fall at his feet and sue for mercy, but seeks to allay their fears. Come near to me l pray you" These who by their wicked works were rightfully alienated from him are invited to- draw nigh, Col. 1:21 and Matt l1:2S.
 Joseph's Grace.
 Joseph was as one who was dead and out of that came life for those of his own family as well as those out side. Even so God has brought life to many out of the death of Jesus, work ing salvation for all out of the most colossal and infamous crtme ever per. petrated--the cricihxion. Joseph was sent" tv. D. to save those very ones John IBID. It was great deliver ence." see Heb. 2:3. Here. again, we see Joseph's intimate relations with God, it was not you that sent me hith- CT. but God" That is the right way to look at life. Rom. 8:2S.
 III. Proclamation, w. s-15.--Ths news of this meeting came to Pha- raoh. w. 2. Is. with the result that he commanded Jacob and all of his household to be brought into Egypt Having received good things them selves. they are commanded to 60 with haste. and tell others. Matt. 2S:7. The first call is always "come" (v. D, and that is always followed by the command of to .'go" (v. 9. Joseph was not ashamed of his old father and his brothers in the days of his pros perity, and added that when they should dwell in Egypt they were to be near unto me-" see Phil. 1928. John 14:3. When the brothers reached Jacob and told him that Joseph was alive and exalted in Egypt he could not believe them. and his heart faint ed. Can we be surprised? Yet con yiction was at hand in the shape of the wagons laden with the rich spoil of Egypt. w 21, 27. 28. Again God appears to Jacob. 46:2. 3, and adds the assurance of his own word.
 Lessons of the Lesson.--The great ness of Joseph's character is revealed in the hour of the fulflllment of his dreams-tears, not yindictiyeness. manifest the condition of his heart. Jacob recognizes Gods great plan. and that it's outcome is an evident blessing for others as we'll as for him. self. There Is no evidence of pride as Joseph interprets Gods dealings. God has made abundant provision for us in Christ. This lesson Is the re- verse of the usual order in that the lesson illustrates the golden text rath- CT than the text Illuminating the les-