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.
Jacob had died and when the brothers saw
that their father was dead. They are
concerned that Joseph had held a grudge against them. So they sent word to Joseph and told him that
his father left instruction with them that if Joseph felt taking revenge that
he was to forgive them for the sake of Jacob.
Joseph wept and
here are some reasons.
a. First, Joseph was not like them. Joseph wept
because his brothers did not really know him or understand him. It also hurt him that His father felt the
same way as the boys.
b. Here is reality even though you walk
consistency, integrity and forgiveness.
People who have wronged you sometimes never get it.
c. Another truth. Wrong, hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness
cloud everything you do and the way you view yourself and others. You expect people to treat you the way you
treated them. This is a huge reason why
we must get free of unforgiveness in any form.
It robs us of healing, the benefits of heaven, abundant life, freedom,
getting our prayers answered and victory in life.
d. The devil will also use this these things to
rob, kill and destroy your belief in the kindness of others.
e. Joseph wept because he did not live in that
world. He had seen the kindness of
God. He had learned through his life
that you needed to let go of the past to go forward in life.
f. The brothers were still living in the
past. They thought everyone was like
them. Also they were living under the
generational curse of deception. This
can be called a poverty spirit or victim mentality. Jacob has been transformed
from Jacob or deceiver into Israel but his sons had not.
g. The sad fact is this reveal d that the other
brothers had not embraced the faith of their father. The only one besides Joseph was Judah. A powerful truth is just because a family
heritage may be Christian that does make us a Christian. Each one of us must make that decision.
18
His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your
slaves,” they said.
The brothers then came in person and threw
themselves in front of Joseph and told him they were his slaves. The boys here can teach a lesson in human
relationships. It is always best to
rectify something in person. Also when
you are wrong admit it, make it right and say you’re sorry and mean it. When you have wronged someone make it
right. You are called to reconciliation
and restoration. This is actually a
biblical approach. Jesus teaches us
Matt 18, that when you have wronged or have been wronged we are to go to the
offending party to make it right. Next,
if they do not want to hear you bring someone along you both trust to act as
mediator to make it right. If that
fails. Thirdly, bring it before the
leadership of the church and lastly if it cannot be resolved break
fellowship. Sometimes it happens. Don’t get mad or have regret that it does
happen because sometimes it is for the best.
Remember you don’t want to have toxic people and situations in your life
any longer than need be.
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.
1. Now Joseph here reveals a true understanding
of God, redemption and forgiveness.
First, he says, “Don’t be afraid.”
True forgiveness always eliminates the threat of reciprocation. Forgiveness does that. Redemption always releases the
oppressed. Remember God has not given us
a spirit of fear but love, power and a sound mind. Perfect love cats out all fear. Joseph was showing perfect love. It was now his nature and lifestyle.
2. Then Joseph states something very
powerful. Am I in the place of God? Joseph understood that God keeps the
book. He knew that God was the ultimate
judge. He knew that people will reap
what they sow. Joseph refused to be
their judge.
We do not have
the right to judge. We do not have the
right to revenge. Romans 12:19. Beloved,
never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Such a powerful truth. Joseph got it I trust we will as well. Never place yourself in the place of God and
you do that when you insist on revenge.
A person of godly character sees this.
3. Joseph understood that even though they meant
to harm him God turned it for good. God
placed Joseph in Egypt to save not only his family but all men. Joseph saw the plan of God. Rom 8:28, all things work together for
good. This story illustrates this. How else would have Joseph got to where he
was without this. Joseph saw the hand of
God each step of the way. Only truly
redeemed and transformed people can see this.
Joseph had a heavenly view.
Slavery, prison were all stepping stones to greatness. How we handle bad situation will define us
and others. Be like Joseph and look for
God’s hand in everything. If you believe
the steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord that you believe that even
bad things have a purpose. What you need
to look is for the lessons and remember this trial does not define who you are
in Christ and it will only last as long as God wishes. There is gold in every situation you just
sometimes had to dig for it to find it.
Joseph saw his destiny as one saving lives do you
4. Joseph then reassures them that he will care
for them and their families. Part of our
job as the redeemed is reassure people.
This is the work of exhortation, reconciliation, assurance and
restoration. That is part of our mandate
so if you see one who needs encouragement do it. People today need it. They need kindness, love, grace, peace and
assurance.
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