S – “They served him by himself, his brothers by themselves, and the Egyptians who were eating with him by themselves, because Egyptians could not eat with Hebrews, since that is detestable to them. ³³ They were seated before him in order by age, from the firstborn to the youngest. The men looked at each other in astonishment.”

Genesis 43:32–33 CSB

O – In the “charade” Joseph is playing of not knowing his brothers, he maintains distance.  Even though he knew everything about them, he still didn’t let them know about him.  Even eating separately from the brothers and the Egyptians, he is demonstrating that he isn’t a part of “anyone’s family.”  It is a lonely, isolated place but one where Joseph puts himself.  We cannot live this way.  We are designed to find a group of people to do life with – family, close friends or interest groups.

A – I need to continue to cultivate “close circle relationships.”  These are people who help me lead, govern and steward my life at the highest level.

R – Lord, help me to do this