What if we were named for what we have done for God?
In Biblical times, that was often the case. Abram, “High Father,” became Abraham, “Father of a Multitude.” Sarai, “Princess,” became Sarah, “Mother of Nations.”
Even Jacob, Joseph’s father, had his name changed. Jacob means “supplanter.” God changed his name to Israel, or “having power with God.”
In the New Testament, after Simon became known as Peter, Jesus often called him Simon. Why? Sometimes Peter acted like his old self instead of the rock God needed him to be.
The name we are known by, our reputation in modern terms, tells the world who we are. It can shut doors for us or open them. Our name is the most important thing we own.
The same was true in ancient Egypt.
Joseph had devised a test to see if his brothers had reformed in the 22 years since he had seen them. He forced them to bring Benjamin, his father’s youngest son, to Egypt to redeem Simeon from prison. When they showed up, Joseph pushed his brothers once again. In Genesis 43:34, he gave Benjamin five times the portions he gave to his older brothers. Then Joseph went one step further, testing his brothers’ character to the limit. When they left to return to Canaan, he placed his personal silver cup in Benjamin’s sack of grain. If the brothers were going to abandon Benjamin to save themselves, that was their chance.
It was Judah who set the tone for Joseph’s revelation of who he was. In Chapter 44, when the cup was discovered, Judah fell to his face before Joseph, offering himself as a slave if Joseph would only let Benjamin go free.
That was the point at which Joseph was truly convinced of his brothers’ changed hearts. We read at the beginning of Chapter 45 that he cried to those around him, “Leave us alone for a time.” It was time to reveal who he truly was.
Why did Joseph make the Egyptians leave? For two reasons:
Reason 1:
When he revealed himself, he couldn’t be sure how his brothers would react. After all, he was the most powerful man in Egypt, second under the pharaoh, and his brothers had done him an egregious wrong.
Reason 2:
Joseph intended to bring his family to Egypt. If they were known as the ones who had sold him into slavery, they would be outcasts in Egyptian society. As his valued kinsmen, they would be highly respected, and they would receive the best Egypt had to offer.
The fourth confirmation of true forgiveness is when we want the best for the one who has hurt us.
If we take away someone’s good name, we’ve taken the most important thing they possess.
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