GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD (Genesis 50:15-21)

This is a touching scene. Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 years. He made Joseph promise that once he dies, he should carry his body back to the Promised Land. He was 147 years old when he died. Joseph and his brothers carried his body to Canaan. They buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the same place with Leah, his wife and with his ‘fathers’, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebeccah. The death or Jacob ends an era. After that, Joseph’s brothers became afraid that Joseph would punish them for the sin they committed against him many years ago. They assumed that Joseph hates them “for the evil” they did against him. They sent messengers to Joseph asking for mercy and forgiveness. Joseph called them and wept in their presence. He was not ashamed to show his deep emotions of love towards them. Why was he hurt? Because after all these years, the brothers still did not believe that he has truly forgiven them. They assumed that Joseph was pretending to forgive them because their father was still alive. But now, they assumed that finally, Joseph would punish them. In their hearts, they thought that Joseph is a hypocrite. The truth is that they had issues with forgiving themselves and they projected their doubts upon Joseph. They were afraid of Joseph. They still did not love him. That hurt Joseph. “There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]” (1Jn 4:18; AMP). This painful situation gives Joseph a wonderful occasion to re-assure them of his total forgiveness, done for the sake of God. Here you see the spiritual maturity of Joseph. You see why God chose him from among his brothers to promote him to the highest office in the land.

Joseph is a symbol of Christ glorified, our Great High Priest. Study the way He speaks to His brothers and be encouraged too! He says:

*Do not be afraid! It is true that Joseph has the power to hurt them, but he loves them. He encourages his brothers not to be afraid of him. Lesson: if you have forgiven someone, you will not intimidate him with the memory of the past! You encourage him to be strong and do not fear punishment! As our Great High Priest, Jesus intercedes for the believer in heaven. His love continues. There is no fear in Love!

*Am I in the place of God? Joseph is truly humble. He tells his brothers that his high position in Egypt does not make him God to them. Joseph does not use his authority to intimidate his brothers. Joseph loved and respected his father, Jacob. He did not want to hurt him. But Jacob was now dead. He could have punished his brothers. But he has already forgiven them, not for the sake of Jacob, but for the sake of God! “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord” (Rom 12:19). When you remain humble in the place of promotion, your forgiveness and love towards your enemies is genuine. God will vindicate you. The Great High Priest in heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ, “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God” (Phil 2:6). God Himself promoted Him to be the only authorized intercessor and mediator of the New Covenant between man and God.

*You meant evil against me! Joseph could not have used this word. But this is what they said. They helped him tell the truth. Sin does damage. The truth is that his brothers’ jealousy and wickedness could have killed him. It brought depression to their father for many years and damaged their relationship with Joseph. Sin is always evil. Sin is designed to kill, steal and destroy. Sin must be hated! “You who love the LORD, hate evil!” (Ps 97:10). “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Rom 12:9; NIV). You don’t tolerate sin! You don’t ignore evil. You expose it, confess it, repent from it, and move on, walking by faith and love! Forgiveness does not mean forgetfulness. The Great High Priest carries the scars on His hands as a reminder of what sin on earth did to Him. That is why as the Great High Priest, Jesus can now help us when we fall into sin. Praise His Holy Name!

*God meant it for good! Joseph believed the revelation given by God to him thru dreams as a young man. God chose him from among his brothers to make him their leader and Savior. God was with him during his troubles. God brought him to the place of promotion, honoured him, not for his benefit, but to save his family which later became the nation called Isreal. Joseph has seen the hand of God in his life. That gave him peace and joy during his trials. That is how he truly forgave his brothers, not for their sakes, but for the sake of God. Love sees God in all things. The unbelievers, when they suffer, get angry and bitter. They are spiritually blind. They do not see any good coming out of trouble. That is why they insult and punish those who hurt them. But the believers are different. They see God working for their good. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).

*Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them! Joseph encouraged them with kind words. He promised to continue to take care of them, to provide and protect them for as long as he lives. He kept his promise. Lesson: true forgiveness is not just an isolated act. It is a lifestyle. It produces fruits of kindness and good behaviour. Our Great High Priest continues to help us live godly and saves us to the uttermost. Glory to God!

Finally, reconciliation always points to glory! Peace leads to promotion! We see that Jesus, in His office as our eternal Intercessor, has the power to help us finish the race and reach heaven. He saves us by His eternal Life! In this life, we are tempted by sin, the world and by the devil. But Jesus defeated all of them on the Cross. Our Great High Priest is able to prevent us from falling into sin and to deliver us in case we fall. “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen” (Jude 1:24, 25). Worship the Lord!