Today’s Reading: Genesis 45-50

I think Joseph struggled with the decision to forgive his brothers. I think it took him some time of battling between hurt and healing before he decided to let go of the past and expose his heart to those who had wounded him so deeply. I believe God did an amazing thing in the soul of this young leader when he let go of his right for restitution and clung to the hope of restoration.

When Joseph, overcome with emotion, chose to reveal his identity to his brothers, his focus was not on how they had wounded him but on how they were dealing with the guilt of their sin. He went out of his way to help them see the good God had brought out of the bad they had done.

“I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives…God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an advisory to Pharoah…” – Genesis 45:4b-8

Because he was able to let go of his own need for justice, Joseph was reunited with his father and his brothers. He was able to enjoy 17 years before his father died. After the death of Jacob, Joseph’s brothers threw themselves down before Joseph in repentance. He had to show them once more that he had forgiven them.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. – Genesis 50:19-20

I love how the message parallels the NIV here: Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now – life for many people. – Genesis 50:19 (The Message)

DO I ACT FOR GOD?

When I am sinned against or suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin, is it for me to refuse to forgive them? Do I act for God? Is it my right to question or be angry with God that He did not intervene and prevent the hurt? Do I act for God? God never leaves us or abandons us; He is never uninvolved. We can trust in the God of this promise:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Lord, Show me today when I am manipulating my circumstances or attempting to act for you. Get my attention when I begin to question you. Teach us to trust that you are the God who works for the good of those who love him and help us to see you clearly through our circumstances. Amen.