The Thread: Part IIExemple

God Meant it for Good

We re-watched the video of Genesis today because minute 6:00 describes the culmination of Jacob and Joseph's lives and the summary of the entire book of Genesis. After burying their father, all the brothers returned to Egypt, and fear retook them. Naturally, they assumed Joseph had spared their lives to keep peace before their father.

The brothers started writing stories in their heads: "Joseph has been being nice until our father is gone, but now he will probably take his revenge for what we did to him." These "stories" tell us a lot about the condition of their hearts. After all the time that had passed and the forgiveness Joseph had offered, the brothers still doubted that real forgiveness from Joseph was possible. Does that make you curious about what they harbored in their hearts? Maybe they assumed he would respond to them how they had responded to him many years before.

Their assumptions lead them to send a message to Joseph, once again angling to protect themselves from the consequences of their evil actions toward him. Their message told Joseph that their father wished Joseph to forgive his brothers. They were scared, and they lied again! Their actions broke Joseph's heart. How many times did they need to hear that he had forgiven them? He wept and promised to provide for them and their children. He explained that they intended to harm him, but God used their actions for good.

Dr. Tony Evans encourages this perspective: "Please note the order: evil, God, good. When we experience unjust evil, we must look for God, who can bring about incredible good." Joseph knew that vengeance belonged to God; somehow, he learned to let God be his vindicator. In contrast, the brothers still had much to learn about accepting forgiveness and yielding to God.

If forgiveness is difficult, it can indicate you need help trusting God's and his plans. It can also show your need for God's healing in your heart and mind. Ask God to meet you in the difficulty and pain. Ask for inspired trust to know he has everything in his hands, including you.

Question: What allows someone to forgive like Joseph forgave his brothers?

Prayer: Ask God to show you if there is anyone you may need to forgive. Take some time to choose forgiveness for that situation or person. You may need to do this several times after today but take the first step by speaking forgiveness right now. The Holy Spirit can give you the ability; take the step and watch how he meets you.