Genesis 50:15-26
Psalms 101, 109, 119:121-144
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Mark 8:11-26
Genesis 50:15-26
Today’s passage from Genesis shows another beautiful example of forgiveness in the life of Joseph.
His brothers betrayed him by selling him into slavery. Then they broke their father’s heart by faking his death.
In a time of need, they came to Joseph, hat in hand. He forgave them, and used his new authority in Egypt to help them.
Now we read that Jacob has died. It would be easy for Joseph to be angry, bitter and depressed. I still miss my father, and would not blame Joseph one bit for feeling cheated out of the many years he could have had with Jacob before they were actually reunited.
Times like these can stir up strife in families, and Joseph’s brothers thought it might be time for him to seek revenge (v.1). However Joseph continued to show love, grace and compassion to his brothers. He was very close to his father, a major reason his brothers had despised him in the first place. But rather than lashing out, knowing his father would not be there to be upset by any more sibling rivalry, he did not treat his brothers differently.
He knew that God had vindicated him and blessed him. He also knew that any time lost with his father would be made up for in eternity.
Amen to that.
Susannah Westlake