When we left Joseph our hero from Chapter 11 of Hebrews, he had shared with his brothers who he was in this final reunion. His first question he asked was his father still alive.
Read with me in Genesis,
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Genesis 45:3.
Beloved, have you ever been really afraid? Unadulterated fear over took his brothers. Now it made sense to them, the things Joseph knew. Joseph was alive and they feared retribution from him. Quickly, Joseph alleviates their fears and the reunion with his younger brother brings tears to my eyes.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.[a]
8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’
12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him. Genesis 45: 4-13.
Beloved, Joseph makes arrangements for his father and all of the relatives to come to Egypt. His statement must have assured his brothers “I will provide for you because we still have five years of famine to come.”
Joseph’s brothers questioned his motives and his lack of wanting revenge. But Joseph full of integrity said God sent me here to be in a position to save our family.
God orchestrated salvation for Joseph’s whole family. Joseph turned the other cheek. He did not seek revenge.
Beloved it is hard when we are wronged to not seek revenge. It is difficult when someone says something against you.
I had a time that I was wronged by a supervisor and a peer. But God redeemed the situation by removing me and giving me a new job. Years later, my peer apologized to me.
In Isaiah 54:17 we read,
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. Isaiah 54:17.
God is our redeemer, just as God redeemed Joseph’s life, He will redeem ours. Perhaps, you are estranged from a love one, keep praying. Perhaps, a grown child has gone astray, keep praying. Perhaps your marriage is not what you want it to be, keep praying. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with what is happening in the world, keep praying.
We see the conclusion of Joseph’s life, his father is dying and his brothers are fearful of retribution but Joseph full of integrity, give all the glory to God about being sold as a slave, read with me in Genesis 50.
And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying,
17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
22 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his father’s house: and Joseph lived an hundred and ten years. Genesis 50: 16-22.
Lessons
To trust God even in difficult situations
To praise God in hard times
To not seek revenge
To God be the glory.
Beloved as we end Joseph’s life how does he point to Jesus. Jesus like Joseph was betrayed but He never became bitter. Joseph and Jesus are redeemers. Joseph saved his whole family by being obedient. Jesus’ saves those who believe in Him and gives eternal life.
Will you trust God in your current situation? This song brings me much comfort, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-hKYiuOr7w. Only trust Him, Only trust Him now.
Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Father God, how I praise you and thank you for safety, for answered prayer. Father God, I trust you with my life and the days I have to live. Lord, I give you all the glory as you are my kinsman redeemer. You answer prayer better than I can ever imagine. I ask sweet Lord for salvation for the unsaved person that may be reading my words. I ask for a peace to surround each person reading this prayer. Thank you that you are our protector. In Jesus’ name, I pray amen.
Who do you need to forgive?
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