SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 50
BIBLE VERSES:
“His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:18-20)
After Jacob died, he was embalmed for 40 days. Then they mourned him for 70 days. Joseph requested Pharaoh to buy his father at Canaan. Pharaoh consented and sent his officials to accompany him with chariots and horsemen. Upon reaching the threshing floor of Atao near Jordan, they lamented loudly and Joseph observed 7 days period of mourning for his father. They carried Jacob anto Canaan and buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, which Abraham had bought from the Hittite. The Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt.
JOSEPH REASSURES HIS BROTHERS (vs. 15-21)
After Jacob had died, Joseph’s brothers were afraid that Joseph would hold grudges against them and take revenge. So, they told Joseph that their father had left instruction asking him to forgive them. Then Joseph said to them not to be afraid saying that they might intend to harm him but God intended for good to accomplish the savings of lives.
THE DEATH OF JOSEPH (vs. 22-26)
Joseph lived 110 years and saw the third generations of Ephraim’s children and also the generation of Manasseh.
THOUGHTS:
Joseph’s brothers did not believe that Joseph had forgiven them.. Their unbelief caused them to fear after them after their father died. They wanted to work for his forgiveness by being his servants. But Joseph’s words to them was: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children” (vs. 19-20). Christians who cannot accept God’s word will live in fear and doubt. Christ’s word to us is that He had died and forgiven our sins. The only thing we need is to believe and accept Him as our personal Savior. We do not need to work out for our salvation.
Joseph’s forgiveness was sincere and complete. Not only he forgave them, he reassured them and also offered to care for their families. He showed mercy to his brothers. In the same manner, God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners. He forgives and accepts us even if we do not deserve it. We should also learn to forgive others.
Joseph’s life had many experiences. He was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, unjustly put in prison, totally been forgotten by the cup bearer. But it teaches us that God can bring good from evil for those who trust in Him. Let us trust God and wait patiently for him to bring good out of bad situation. God can over-rule people’s evil intentions and bring about His intended results.