28 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.

30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”

Dear God, this is such a powerful image—a father and son embracing and weeping. I wonder how the other brothers were feeling while they watched this. Did any of them ever tell Jacob what they had done? How could their tell-tale hearts keep their wickedness silent?

Guilt is an interesting thing. There have been times in my life where I did something wrong and I lied about it to my parents or someone else. I have secrets. I have things I have hidden from others. I think we all do.

I think if I had been one of the brothers I probably would have packed up my bags, gathered my family, and made ready to set out for the desert. Then I would have gone to my father, told him what I did, that I was prepared to be banished from his presence, and then ask for his mercy. If he was crushed beyond grace then I would have left, taking my lot in life. If he had mercy then I would stay. I don’t, however think I could have lived with the secret. My brothers might have been mad, but some might have joined me. It would have been interesting to see how this kind of a scenario would play out.

Father, help me to be reconciled to anyone with whom I need to be reconciled. Help me to be open and honest. Help me to be appropriately vulnerable. Help me to be humble before others and to bring you glory through my life.