Genesis
Genesis 50:14-26
Forgiveness Shouldn’t Have an Expiration Date
In the preceding verses of this story, we read that Israel (formerly Jacob) has died. All of his sons take time to mourn and bury their father after hearing his last words. Once the funeral is over, they all return to Egypt. Joseph’s brothers get scared and think that since their father has now died, Joseph will pursue all of them in vengeance. They were convinced that he would pay them back for the evil they did against him (Genesis 50:15). They even told Joseph that their father had made a command before he died for Joseph to forgive his brothers. That whole story was more than likely made up! (Genesis 50:16-17).
As if Joseph’s first act of forgiveness wasn’t enough, the brothers were desperate to be in right standing with Joseph. When Joseph heard their plea, the Bible says that he wept (Genesis 50:17). Then, his brothers bowed before him and devoted themselves to serving him. What was Joseph’s response? “Am I in the place of God?” he said. Think about how justified Joseph would have been to unleash full wrath on his brothers (in the world’s eyes). They had done such great evil to him, and now that his father was dead, there was no reason to maintain a relationship, much less take care of them.
Yet, Joseph fully understood that it was not his place to retaliate or punish his brothers. That task was God’s job, if He chose to do so. Although Joseph was quick to remind them, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Joseph then goes on to tell his brothers that he would take care of them and their children! Joseph remains in Egypt until his death at the age of 110. As he died, he assured his brothers that they would see the land that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
It’s pretty easy to see the beautiful message within this story. I believe Joseph was foreshadowing scripture that would be written many, many years later in Romans 8:28:
AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD, TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.
This is true! What I love the most about this story is that, more than a foreshadowing of Romans 8:28, Joseph yet again gives a glimpse into how, one day, a greater son would come to forgive us of our many transgressions. Except, He WAS God and still IS God.
HE IS JESUS.
How often do we come to Jesus, begging and asking for forgiveness for things that He has already cast as far as the east is from the west? (Psalm 103:12). And, just as Joseph reassured his brothers that they were forgiven and that he would take care of them, Jesus also brings us into His house and calls us His own. Because of this, we can rest assured that God’s Word is true and that Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins.
DON’T WALK AROUND WITH SHAME OR CONDEMNATION FOR THINGS THAT OUR SAVIOR HAS FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN ABOUT!
Imagine what a life we could live if we fully walked in this identity? Joseph forgave his brothers and brought them into his house. Jesus forgives us, brings us into his house, and promises us an eternal life in glory. This story is a beautiful foreshadowing of our ultimate salvation in Christ because...
THIS IS THE BIBLE. EVERY WORD ON EVERY PAGE WHISPERS THE NAME "JESUS."
By Pastor Blake Holder
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