The Joseph Series: Evil to Good, Forgiveness to Redemption
Last week, Pharaoh released Joseph from prison, and elevated him to the second highest position in all of Egypt! It was second only to Pharaoh!
Due to a severe famine in all the world, Joseph’s brothers are forced to go to Egypt to buy grain so their families can survive. Little do they know that they must appear before Joseph to buy supplies. When they see Joseph face-to-face for the first time in 13 years, they do not recognize him; however, Joseph recognizes his brothers.
There are some twists and turns as the plot thickens! Joseph forces his brothers to make multiple trips to and from Egypt, but eventually, he reveals his identity to them. They are in shock and total disbelief! Can you blame them? For 13 years, they have wondered what happened to Joseph—the brother they sold to a bunch of strangers.
Joseph then pronounces this to his brothers: “It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” “So it was God who sent me here, not you! And He is the one who made me an advisor to Pharaoh…” [Genesis 45: 5, 8]
As it turns out, Jacob (Joseph’s father) and all eleven brothers, with their families, move to Egypt. Because Pharaoh trusts Joseph implicitly, he gives the best land in all of Egypt to Joseph’s clan where they can live and raise their children.
Shortly after settling in Egypt, Jacob passes away. Now, the brothers are sure that Joseph will turn against them for what they did to him. Contrary to their thinking, Joseph speaks kindly to them and assures them he will take care of them. He tells them again: “You intended to harm me but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” [Genesis 50: 20-21]
WOW! What a change in Joseph! He grew from tattling on his brothers to forgiving them of their unconscionable actions towards him. Joseph recognized God’s providential hand in his arrival in Egypt: Sold into slavery, accused of rape, falsely imprisoned. Yet in the midst of all those terrible things, God was shaping Joseph’s character so he could save his family and the nation of Egypt. Only God!
What about you? When bad things happen (and they will), do you look for the good? Can you see God’s hand in His providential care of you? No matter how bad things may get, there is hope!
His name is JESUS!
