Genesis 45:24 (NASBStr)
So he sent his brothers away, and as they departed, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the journey.”
After all these years apart from his brothers, Joseph still knew their hearts. Sometimes time and space change people; sometimes not. In this case Joseph had been in a pit, a prison and not a powerful position. He had changed. But, his brothers, apparently, he didn't think had. He sends them away to go and return to their father with the news of his life in Egypt. He returns them with money and possessions and travel arrangements. He returns them with great news of life and salvation. Yet, his final admonition to them is that they "don't quarrel" on the journey. This is a remarkable line for the writer to add. It gives us great insight into both their lives, but also the human condition. Men are going to be sinful and divisive, even in the midst of great times and experiences or news. Joseph was extending them forgiveness and opportunity. Yet, he knew they would be more tempted to fight about all the things he gave them. Loaded down with treasure would only assure one thing: They would fight over it. We, too, like the brothers, in the midst of blessing and the offer of peach, tend to argue and fight over things and possessions and personal space. The Church today is blessed with so much but we tend to fight as much for parking spaces on Sunday and privilege positions to hold within the Church. Don't be like the brothers. Don't be so captivated with the treasure that you forget the good news of salvation and deliverance. Don't have the tendencies to quarrel on the journey.
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