God's love and justiceSample

God Is The Judge

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

This is a classic passage about forgiveness. Joseph had been deeply wronged by his jealous brothers—sold into slavery, transported to a strange land, and made a slave in the household of an Egyptian. He would spend thirteen years in prison before being rescued and elevated to prime minister of all Egypt.

Years later, in the midst of a great famine, Joseph rescues his brothers, forgives them, and brings them to Egypt. However, when their father dies, they are terrified that their powerful brother will take his vengeance. They are scared to death, so they throw themselves at Joseph’s feet and shout, “We are your servants!” (Gen. 50:18).

Joseph’s reply is classic. “But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?’” (Gen. 50:19). Forgiveness won’t come if we try to play God. When we are wronged, we subconsciously feel we have the right to try, convict, sentence, retaliate, and hold others under judgment.

But God, not us, is the Judge of all the earth. Only God has the right to judge and execute justice. Refuse to retaliate. Refuse to play God. Joseph continues, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Gen. 50:20).

Notice that Joseph doesn’t deny the wrongdoing. He doesn’t excuse it or whitewash it. “You meant evil against me.” But he doesn’t stop there. He trusts God to redeem their wrongdoing, to take the harm that was caused and bring good out of it.

When we are wronged, we have a choice. We can focus on the wrong, the hurt, and the evil. Or, we can believe in God to bring good out of evil, to redeem the wrongdoing. Joseph made the choice to forgive, the healing choice. So can you. By God’s grace, so can you.