Genesis 45

New beginnings all have one thing in common, the past. We all have a past. The new beginning does not mean we lose the past, but it does require us to come to terms with it. Joseph’s brothers all had much in common in their past. They had done things they regretted. They had done things that made them feel guilty. Joseph tells them not to be angry with themselves for the things they have done. He makes it clear that no matter how wicked their actions were, God’s grace was greater. They sold him into slavery with evil intent, but God used their evil deeds to bring about their family’s salvation.

They had proved to Joseph that they were no longer the same. They could not change their past, but it no longer defined them. They were new men, but they were still learning how to live in a new way. Joseph knew that they were going to face a very difficult task. They were going to have to explain to their father how and why Joseph was still alive. As they were leaving, Joseph said to them “Don’t quarrel on the way!” He knew his family was full of conflict. There were twelve brothers from four different mothers. Quarreling had been a part of their life almost from birth. Joseph knew that even with a new beginning old habits are hard to break.

Christians deal with the same realities today. What of our past do we need to reveal, and what needs to remain hidden? How do we avoid falling back into old habits? How do we change our relationships into healthy and meaningful relationships? How do we let go of guilt? How do we remember the past without letting it define us? These are good questions to have. These questions mean we have experienced a new beginning. The new beginning makes the effort of dealing with the past worthwhile. God is the God of new beginnings.