Gen 50:15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.”
Gen 50:16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died:
Gen 50:17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
Gen 50:18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
Gen 50:19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
Gen 50:20 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 50:21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Don't you just like a happy ending. The brothers who hated their father's favorite son and sold him into slavery never had peace. They thought with the father gone that Joseph would get even, but instead they were forgiven.
Joseph is a type of Christ. He had grace for his brothers. Jesus gave us grace too. He loved people and suffered excruciating pain, was nailed to a cross to deliver us from our sins. That is love. None of us deserve to be forgiven. Joseph showed his love and godly character by forgiving his brothers. "God meant it for good", it is God's doing. Love, forgiveness and kindness shown is to be aware that we are blessed of God. Give God the glory and live at peace with those who will receive peace.
2Co 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment