Genesis 45:14, 15

And he fell upon his brother Benjamin’s neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him.

The fourth purpose of Joseph’s position is proximity. I like that, because Joseph did not rise to power simply to pardon his brothers from a distance. He drew them near. He wept on them. He embraced them. He kissed them. The whole scene is full of tenderness.

That is what the Lord wants with us too. He does not simply rescue us legally and then keep us at arm’s length. He brings us near. He wants nearness. He wants fellowship. He wants that kind of relationship where fear begins to melt, and the heart finally settles down in His presence.

I love the way the text says, “and after that his brethren talked with him.” Of course they did. Once they saw his tears, once they felt his embrace, once they realized Joseph was not against them, the conversation could finally begin. The brothers who once wanted nothing to do with him are now close enough to talk with him.

There is something beautiful in that.

A lot of people know the Lord forgives, but they still live as though He is far away. They know about salvation, but they do not really enjoy communion. They know they are spared, but they are not resting in nearness. Yet this is exactly what Jesus has made possible. He did not save us merely to keep us from judgment. He saved us to bring us near.

Joseph is a picture of that here.

The first time Joseph came to his brothers, they rejected him. “Get out of here, dreamer,” was the spirit of their response. But the second time, everything changed. Now they receive him. Now they bow before him. Now they appreciate him. Now they are glad to be near him.

Stephen points out in Acts 7 that this was often the pattern in Israel’s history. Moses was rejected at first, then later received as deliverer. Joshua gave a true report, but the people would not hear it until later. David was despised by his brothers before he was crowned. And above all, Jesus came the first time and was rejected by His own.

But the second time will not be like the first.

Romans 14:11

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

The first time Jesus came, men mocked Him, rejected Him, and said in effect, “We will not have this Man to reign over us.” But when He comes again, every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess. There will be no debate then.

What touches me here, though, is not only the prophetic picture. It is the personal one. Joseph’s brothers were not merely standing before authority. They were brought into intimacy. They were close enough to weep with him. Close enough to be kissed by him. Close enough to speak with him.

That is what the Lord desires of me.

Not cold distance.
Not stiff religion.
Not mere outward duty.

He wants me near enough to talk with Him.

And really, that is where real prayer begins. Not when I am reciting words, but when I know I am welcomed. Not when I am trying to impress God, but when I know I am loved by Him. Joseph’s brothers could finally speak because they knew Joseph’s heart toward them.

That is the very thing Jesus shows us over and over again.

Beloved, the Lord wants you near. He wants you close enough to stop hiding. Close enough to stop assuming He is against you. Close enough to speak honestly with Him. The tears of Joseph, the embrace of Joseph, and the conversation that follows all point to the heart of our greater Joseph.

He brings us near.