God’s Love: Part 8

Genesis 50: 15-21

“15 Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” 16 So they approached Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this instruction before he died, 17 ‘Say to Joseph: I beg you, forgive the crime of your brothers and the wrong they did in harming you.’ Now therefore please forgive the crime of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his brothers also wept, fell down before him, and said, “We are here as your slaves.” 19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? 20 Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as he is doing today. 21 So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.” In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them.”

Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy grain and Joseph recognized them even though they did not recognize him.  He eventually revealed to them that he was the brother that they had sold into slavery.  Jacob, their father, was able to reunite with Joseph before his death.

After Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers feared for their lives, thinking that Joseph had been holding back his revenge until their father was no longer around.

But Jacob told his brothers that even though what they had done to them was an evil act motivated by hate, God had used their evil to accomplish something good.

Through our limited vision, we cannot see beyond the evil and the hatred.  But rest assured, God is always present, always working, and can and will use these things to His good purpose.

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”  (Proverbs 19:21)

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)