Joseph recalled his prophetic dreams… Wise and virtuous Joseph decided to postpone revealing his identity to his siblings. What remarkable restraint he demonstrated! His heart longed to hasten the joyful news of his existence to his aged, righteous father, who had mourned him as lost for over twenty years. Nonetheless, he resisted the compelling desires of his noble heart, opting instead for actions that would benefit both himself and his brothers. Joseph was aware of the roughness and unruliness of these men; they were untamed shepherds, raised among nomads, accustomed to a life spent tending flocks in the freedom of the wilderness and the open air. They lacked self-governance and often disobeyed their father, frequently disrespecting him, yielding to every reckless impulse, stained with guilt from their violent actions. Such is how the Scriptures depict the sons of Jacob. They needed to learn a lesson. It was crucial for their own well-being to understand submission and courtesy. Those who had grown accustomed to disregarding their conscience and the fear of God could only be awakened to self-awareness through the trials of human fear. Anticipating a prolonged famine, Joseph foresaw the necessity of relocating Jacob's family from Canaan to Egypt. Was this not why he initially accused his brothers of being spies upon their arrival in Egypt? If they had brought their reckless behavior into this new land, they would undoubtedly have fallen into the Egyptians’ ire, jeopardizing both the safety of Jacob's family and Joseph's own well-being, exposing them to great misfortune. What had been secured through years of suffering needed to be safeguarded by prudent actions. Joseph confronted his brothers with authority, as one would expect from a stern leader. "Where have you come from?" he inquired. They responded, "From the land of Canaan, we have come to buy bread." He retorted, "You are spies; you have come to explore our territory!"
THEOSIS