Scripture: Genesis 50:15–26
Joseph Reassures His Brothers
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
The Death of Joseph
22 Joseph stayed in Egypt, along with all his father’s family. He lived a hundred and ten years 23 and saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also the children of Makir son of Manasseh were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees.
24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” 25 And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.”
26 So Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. And after they embalmed him, he was placed in a coffin in Egypt. (NIV)
Observation:
After Jacob's death, Joseph's brothers approached him as servants and sent a message claiming that Jacob had requested Joseph to forgive them for their wrongdoings against him. “Joseph responded, ‘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 50:19b-21)
Application:
Joseph always sought God’s unseen hand in his life. Even though he played with his brothers a bit when he first encountered them after so many years, his ultimate intention was to show them mercy. He recognized that while they had meant harm, God had used it for the saving of many lives. We, like Joseph, should always look for God’s unseen hand in our own lives. We, like Joseph, should be a merciful people, honoring God in all things.
Prayer:
Lord, guide us as Your children to recognize Your unseen presence in our lives. Help us honor You by aligning with the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Encourage us to immerse ourselves in Your divine word so it can shape and transform our lives. Amen.