Today’s Bible Reading: Genesis 48-50
We come to the part of the story of Joseph which we love. The part where he tells them what they meant for evil God meant for good. His brothers came to him in fear, they expected him to exact his revenge now that their father had died.
When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. -Genesis 50:15-21
This morning what strikes me about this conversation is the initial part of Joseph’s response, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” I cannot help but think about the times I have been wounded by others and this is not my response at all. Rather, I consider how I might punish them for their misdeeds when I should consider how I might extend grace to them. Love your enemies, isn’t that what we are told to do?
When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. -Genesis 50:15-21
This morning what strikes me about this conversation is the initial part of Joseph’s response, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?” I cannot help but think about the times I have been wounded by others and this is not my response at all. Rather, I consider how I might punish them for their misdeeds when I should consider how I might extend grace to them. Love your enemies, isn’t that what we are told to do?
To God be the glory,
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