The biblical account of Joseph has always fascinated me. I am the youngest of four siblings, and, although our experience didn’t involve a lot of sibling rivalry, I understand very well how arguments and jealousies arise.
The book of Genesis records the account of Joseph’s ideal life as his father’s favored son. Everything seemed to be going in Joseph’s favor until he was sold into slavery by his brothers. This set into motion a series of very difficult events in Joseph’s life. Interspersed among these horrible events we read:The Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2 esv).
After Joseph had been in jail for two years, Pharaoh had a dream, but none of his wise men could interpret the dream for him. Then, the cupbearer who had been in jail with Joseph, told the Pharaoh that Joseph could interpret his dream. Pharaoh summoned Joseph who did interpret the dream and Pharaoh made him second in command to prepare Egypt for the coming famine.
Fast forward seven years to when the drought hit the land and Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt for food. The chapters that follow tell of Joseph providing for his family and being reunited with his father, Jacob. The children of Israel then moved to Egypt and prospered under the care of Joseph.
As we pick up the account in Genesis 50:15-21, we find that Jacob has died. Joseph’s brothers are afraid now that their father is dead, Joseph will decide to take revenge on them for selling him into slavery. They come to Joseph to beg for mercy. The fact that they thought Joseph would do them harm brings tears to Joseph’s eyes.
Joseph tells them that it’s God’s job to judge them, not his. And then he tells them that what they intended for evil (selling him into slavery), God used for good (to provide for them, their families, and all of Egypt) (Genesis 50:20).
Joseph treated them lovingly and mercifully. There was no anger, bitterness, or hatred toward his brothers. He responded in forgiveness and compassion.
How in the world was Joseph able to respond to his brothers in kindness, love, mercy, and grace? We see several biblical truths involved here.
First of all, Joseph knew God was God. Even though his position as second in command directly under Pharaoh gave him great power in Egypt, he didn’t try to take God’s place as judge. When he said, “Am I in God’s place?” (Genesis 50:19 esv), Joseph was saying, “It’s God’s job to judge you, brothers, not mine.”
Joseph tells his brothers, “You meant it for evil when you sold me into slavery; but God meant it for good.” Joseph is talking about God’s providence, meaning that God works in and through every situation to bring about His will—regardless of the good or bad intentions of people.
Joseph also understood that God was at work in and through everything that was happening to him—he understood the sovereignty and providence of God. His understanding of who God is produced a grateful heart within him.
When we walk with God, we understand that God is in control and working everything for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). That knowledge enables us to walk through the suffering, pain, and trials, empowered by God’s strength.
Even though we may not understand what is happening in our lives, we can always know that God is in control.
NOTE: A devotional version of this is in Hope for New Beginnings by Dr. Howard Eyrich and SHirley Crowder
Photo credits: word montage: Can Stock Photo / ibreakstock
Brotherly Love image by katelynott from Pixabay
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