The Green Forest tribune., 1913-06-06

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 pie 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 a king dom by earthly power and the out working of the plan of redemption by a divine power. Servants, powes, 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 it except these of Egypt whose provi- sion was the result of the work of this man of God q. Tim. 4:S). 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 live?" Their astonish- ment was so great as to leave them speeches., and again haunting memo ries condemn them to fear and fore bading for they were troubled in his presence. We have here a beautiful picture of forgiveness and saving love, and also a wonderful foreshadowing of Jesus dealing with his erring broth CTS, the Jews. When he was here upon earth they rejected him and it has been among the Gentiles that he has been exalted even as was Joseph in Egypt.
 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 2 years before. Joseph's severe dealings with his brothers aroused them to a 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 it could be heard without, he cried "I am Joseph |" Small wonder that at such a procla- nation by him whom they had so grievously wounded, they were trou- bled.' So shall it be when the breth- ren of Jesus shall look upon him whom they have pierced" Zech. 12: 10
 II. Reconciliation, w. 4-8.-The greatness of Joseph is here revealed in a clear, true light. He interprets to his brothers their own actions with all that God has involved in it, which must have been 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 neGr to me 1 pray you" These who by their wicked works were rightfulIy slienated from him are invited to draw nigh, Col. 1:21 and Matt. 11:28. Joseph's invitation is made assured to them by his words T am your brother" Thus we see that Gods purpose is performed and that what they intended for evil God intended for good verify, the wrath of man is made to praise him"
 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 crime ever per petrated-the crici6xion. Joseph was sent" (y. D, to save those very ones (John l.: ID. t was a 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 S:28 Joseph might have shown these men an in- depreciation of his life and acted to- wards them "in strict justice" by ex- ecuting upon them the just penalty of their acts, but his fellowship with God, and the support to his faith gained during the past P years, gave him grace in this, his hour of power, to succor his father and his brothers, and to bring them into a place of peace and prosperity. The lessons of strength and tenderness which God had taught him gave him restraining power and compassion towards his brothers
 Ill. Proclamation, w. 9-15.-The news of this meeting came to Pha- raoh, w. 2, 16, 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 go with haste, and tell others, Matt. 28:7. The first call is always come" (v. 4 and that is always followed by the command of to go" (y 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. 1:23, John l4:3. 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 viction was at hand in the shape of the wagons laden with the rich spoil of Egypt, w. 21. 27. 2S. Again God appears to Jacob, 46:2, 3, and adds the