Genesis 42 – 50

Up to this point in Joseph we have seen both some attributes of God and attributes of people. In today’s reading we see the hand of God’s providence and the positive outcome that flows from individual willingness to try things God’s way. Yahweh, the I AM, is not fickle. People on the other hand are divinely given the freedom of choosing right and wrong.

It would be easy to dismiss the saga of the sons of Israel as a predictable plot in hard-to-believe Hollywood epic. Ok, you want me to believe that brothers sell their brother into slavery in a foreign country where he becomes Prime Minister just as they have to go begging for food during a famine? Right. Disbelief and skepticism wane, however, as we recall that this IS the epic tale of the family God chose to bring the savior of mankind into this world. Flawed people make bad choices, people suffer, but the purpose of God is revealed as an unstoppable wave rolling through time. No human choice can stop the will of God from accomplishing His divine purpose for His creation. The brothers of Joseph – soon to be revered as the Patriarchs of the tribes of Israel – make some poor choices.

The scene where all of the brothers are together and Joseph tells them who he really is will tug of the heart strings a bit. Our mind races to anticipate the vengeance Joseph commands at his whim to exact justifiable revenge for what they did to him. At the very least he can assure they starve to death, at most he can torture the very breath of life out of them and squeeze the torment of many years into the final moments of their lives. So, what does Joseph do? He forgives them. Wait, what?

Through Joseph, the God who made us teaches us that we need to forgive others for our own sake. It is a burden released, certainly, but it is much more than that. Jesus will teach us that we forgive others, so that we are prepared for the forgiveness of God. The offenses that others commit against us may hurt for a time here. My offenses against God separate me from Him and, absent forgiveness, last for all eternity. Forgiveness of others benefitted Joseph.

Through Joseph, the God who made us teaches us that we need to forgive others for their sakes, as well. These brothers in varying degrees had done something they knew was wrong. They hurt not only Joseph, but took the joy of living away from their father in the process. When we hurt others we add weight to a bag of burdens we carry on our backs. Sometimes the weight is unbearable. Relief from this burden comes in being forgiven. These brothers of Joseph needed forgiveness. The family needed healing. Now, this family had a future together.

Sometimes being part of a family means ever-increasing baggage of wrongs and offenses that overtakes our fond love for each other. Years of hurt turn into bitterness. The only solution is forgiveness. For your sake and theirs.

Before we move on, remember Joseph told Potiphar’s wife that adultery with her was sin against God. Surely it would be a sin against both Potiphar and his wife, too, but all sin is ultimately against our Creator. Even more so than Joseph, the degree of vengeance at the fingertips of El Shaddai (Almighty God) is incomprehensible. What does God do? He takes the brutal vengeance of men on Himself – scourging, mocking, beating, spitting brutality ending in crucifixion – and chooses to forgive. For His sake. For your sake. For my sake. Now we have a future together.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!