God Meant it for Good – The Life of Joseph (Part 7)
Conclusion
Genesis 37-50
Joseph (c. 1562 – 1452 BCE)
Recap and Review
Throughout his experiences of doubt, fear, hatred, and injustice, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith, consistently attributing all successes to God. His life journey transformed him from a privileged teenager to a slave, and subsequently from a prisoner to a prince—a remarkable life-changing process. Throughout these trials, Joseph exhibited growth by his humility and compassion, qualities that are characteristic of a wise and gracious individual. Such individuals often endure significant hardships at the hands of others without just cause and emerge from these experiences devoid of bitterness, anger, or a desire for vengeance. These are the individuals who genuinely honor God and are deemed worthy of His trust. Compassion and love serve as fundamental principles in the face of adversity. When individuals can genuinely forgive and forget, their lives may become enriched with the peace, freedom, joy, and happiness that can only be bestowed by God. This concept is powerfully illustrated by the account of Joseph at the conclusion of the book of Genesis.
The Purpose of it All
Through divine intervention, Joseph ensured that the regions surrounding Egypt did not suffer famine during the drought. This intervention facilitated his eventual reunion with his family. Upon learning of the availability of grain in Egypt, Jacob sent his sons to procure sufficient food to sustain them through the devastating famine that affected their homeland. Upon their arrival in Egypt, the brothers, in accordance with Joseph’s earlier prophecy, bowed before him (Genesis 42:6b). While Joseph recognized his brothers immediately, they failed to recognize him. Joseph was now a grown man, dressed in Egyptian attire, which made him unrecognizable to his brothers. No longer the childish boy who used to prance around in his gifted robe, Joseph was someone completely different. His brothers had no idea who they were speaking to, even though divine intervention was unfolding before them. Joseph also noted the absence of Benjamin, which raised concerns and a sense of mistrust. He contemplated, ‘Why is Benjamin not with them? Have my brothers harmed him as they did me? Have they sold him into slavery as well?’ Given his prior experience of betrayal, such thoughts were reasonable.
In order to ascertain the intentions of his brothers, Joseph decided to test them without disclosing his identity. Communicating through an interpreter in the Egyptian language, he accused them harshly of being spies against Egypt’s territory. The brothers defended their honesty, asserting that their only intention was to purchase grain. Nevertheless, Joseph dismissed their claims and confined them for three days. He was resolute in determining the fate of Benjamin, his full-blood brother born to their father, Jacob, and mother, Rachel.
As Joseph’s brothers implored him for mercy in exchange for food, the dreams of his youth materialized into reality. The presence of God brought Joseph a profound sense of peace rather than a compulsion for revenge. Whereas the adversary seeks vengeance, God offers redemption. Joseph held the power to impose a more severe punishment on his brothers; he could have justifiably chosen to execute them. However, pursuing vengeance would have obstructed his opportunity to reunite with his father, Jacob and younger brother Benjamin. The New Testament emphatically states that God is the ultimate avenger of all wrongdoing.
Romans 12:19 (NKJV) – Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Hebrews 10:30 (NKJV) – For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.”
Joseph harbored a deep longing to reunite with his entire family. The adage “home is where the heart is” resonates profoundly, as Joseph’s true home was defined by the presence of his family. He yearned for a harmonious reconciliation. The desire facilitated the emergence of the Holy Spirit’s wisdom within Joseph’s heart. He transcended the grievances stemming from the actions of his brothers, which occurred twenty years prior; he was no longer characterized by arrogance, pride, or haughtiness. Joseph relinquished any intent to retaliate against his brothers for their past transgressions, beginning to understand that God’s design for his life had been predetermined. This transformative realization exemplified the influence of the Holy Spirit’s work.
Closure
The narrative culminates in God’s provision of closure for all parties involved. In the latter portions of the book of Genesis, significant interactions unfold between Joseph and his brothers. While the details of these exchanges can be explored in Genesis chapters 43 through 50—the concluding chapter—reveals the momentous reunion of the brothers with Joseph.
After many years apart, they were finally together. Joseph extended forgiveness to his brothers, as they had evidenced their integrity by presenting Benjamin to him. One act of compassion, one demonstration of mercy, and one instance of unconditional love effectively reconciled their past grievances.
Matthew 6:14-15 (BSB) – For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
Consider the potential for a more peaceful world if individuals extended greater compassion, patience, mercy, and forgiveness to those who have wronged them. It is essential to move beyond the practice of keeping score or cataloging grievances. Acknowledging our own faults and shortcomings allows us to recognize that we, too, require forgiveness for our personal issues. It is prudent to avoid stubbornness and pride, as these tendencies often lead to stress, embarrassment, and shame.
Following the death of their father, Jacob, Joseph took additional steps to ensure that his brothers and their families could remain with him in Egypt. This decision illustrates the profound love exemplified by Christ, despite humanity’s unworthiness of such love. Although we are inherently unworthy of Jesus Christ’s love, forgiveness, and salvation, accepting Christ as our Savior enables us to acknowledge our guilt, which He then covers. The sacrificial death of Christ on the cross and His offer of complete forgiveness for our sins should serve as a compelling motivation for all individuals to cultivate a spirit of forgiveness towards others.
Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) – But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Joseph lived to be one hundred and ten years old. His body was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. Upon Joseph’s request, his bones were to be removed from Egypt (emphasis mine).
This verse can be explained that in life bad things can result in unexpected outcomes, possibly for good. Exemplifying the power of forgiveness resonates extreme love and mercy. It makes all things that are wrong become right again. It is our job as Christians to learn how to handle life in the realm of making the right choices since these choices will greatly influence any and all results.
Throughout the preceding events, Joseph possessed numerous opportunities and the authority to take revenge on his brothers. He could have commanded their execution or condemned them to slavery, mirroring his own experience. Instead, Joseph made the deliberate choice to honor God by “turning the other cheek.” His remark, as stated in the previously, served to highlight the miracle of God and to illustrate that forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of his character. Ultimately, in accordance with divine timing, “All things work together for good to those who love God”(Romans 8:28 NKJV).
Luke 6:29 (NLT) – If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.
Prayer to Exemplify Compassion
Dear God in heaven,
We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your forgiveness for our wrongdoings against others and against You. Help us to embody kindness, forgiveness, love, and compassion in our interactions with everyone we meet. The world today is filled with anger and pain, with many spreading hate without realizing the damage they cause. We plead with You to open their eyes and transform their hearts and minds to reflect Your love.
Let us strive to see others through Your eyes, filled with love and understanding. Grant us the strength and wisdom to follow Your guidance each day, making a positive impact in our world. Thank you for Your unwavering love and the gift of salvation. We cherish You deeply!
Amen.
Blessings and hope,
Annah
photo credit: http:www.luciasblog.com/2015/12/got-meant-it-for-good.html?spref=pi