Bible in 365 Days – Day 18

Focus Chapters:

• Genesis 47:28-31
• Genesis 48-50

Standout Verse(s):

THE ACTION

Genesis 50:15-18 NLT

But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.”

When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said.

THE REACTION

Genesis 50:19-21 NLT

But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

Observation (s):

1. Joseph, the second highest man in Egypt, recognized that it was not his duty to dole out punishment or judgement on the sins of others, even if these sins are committed against him. He left the judgement and punishment of his brothers to God. Instead he chose to show them love and forgiveness.
   
   

   But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. .

   
   
2. Joseph’s brothers were punished. Since moving to Egypt, they have lived under the constant fear of punishment from the brother whom they had terribly wrong. Throughout that time, they thought that their only source of protection was their father. It would seem that Jacob also thought the same thing, hence his instructions to his sons.
   
   

   But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said. So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us  to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.”

   
   
3. Joseph saw beyond the natural of his circumstances to the spiritual matters. He recognized that all the events of his past, including the evil done to him by his brothers, were orchestrated by God in aid of the good needed, saving of lives.
   
   

   You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

Application:

Oftentimes when I am wronged by others, I find forgiveness very hard. The greater the wrong, the harder it is to forgive. Sometimes, even when I forgive, I find it hard to be around the person who wronged me because forgiveness does not come with a guarantee of forgetfulness and returned trust. We can learn something from Joseph. He forgave his brothers, leaving it up to God to deal with them. He did not ponder on the negatives but chose to look forward in positivity: rendering forgiveness, reassuring his brothers and ensuring they and their families are cared for. Let us not take it upon ourselves to be the judge, jury and executioner. Let us focus on moving forward, being kind and leaving the sins of our enemies to the eternal Judge.

Additionally, if we begin to look beyond the physical, into the spiritual realms, our perspectives are bound to change. Then we can see, understand and proclaim, “what our enemies meant for our downfall, God meant for good.” We serve a great Orchestrator who means us well. I don’t know about you but I am truly comforted by this.