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     The great saga of Joseph, sold into slavery, became better known to the public in the wonderful musical JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAM COAT by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber.  But the story should be read and reflected on for its study in family relationships and human motives.  The lines at the end of today's portion of the story challenge all of us.  

     Joseph's brothers build up a large store of resentment because they perceive him to be their father, Jacob's, favorite.  In addition, Joseph, like many siblings, did not hesitate to talk about dreams he had which made his older brothers seem beneath him in importance.  The brothers plot first to kill him and then decide to sell him to some passing Ishmaelites who then sell him to Pharaoh's household where he rises to be in charge of food supplies in a time of famine.  The brothers come to Egypt to find food and unknowingly find themselves asking the brother whom they sold into slavery to help them!  

     The hand of divine providence is part of the grand narrative of the deliverance of God's people in many ways in the Old Testament, and the merciful attitude of Joseph toward his brothers reflects that hand of providence.  There is no seeking of revenge, but there is some tough love in the story.  How many of us have been through a difficult time with someone else and vowed never to speak to that person again, only to find ourselves needing that person and hoping they will be merciful?  And how many of us have found ourselves in the position of the one who is challenged to show mercy?  And how many of us can see the workings of divine providence in such a situation?  We have Joseph to thank for these important questions to think about!  AMEN