“And Joseph said to his brothers, . . . ‘I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God.’” (Genesis 45:4-8)
Our media-focused society loves a good story, one filled with high tension, drama, and a happy ending. Although the story of the reunion of Joseph with his brothers is one which contains these desirable elements, it is probably one which the media gurus would twist around or shun entirely. The reason is that Joseph exhibits righteousness, wisdom, and Christlike love and forgiveness. In our present cultural climate, many would maintain that Joseph’s brothers deserved some sort of punishment. Whenever someone wrongs us or violates our concept of right and wrong, we find it hard to forgive even if they apologize. This is the way of the world.
We believers are called to forgive those brethren who sin against us or against God, because Jesus has forgiven their sins just as He has ours. And we are called to offer forgiveness to all others and to tell them of the forgiveness of all sin that is found only by faith in Jesus. God forgives our sins based on the righteousness of Christ, not our own.
The life of Joseph teaches us that God’s sovereignty always wins out even when we sin. Like Jesus, Joseph was abused and mistreated, falsely accused and punished for the sins of others even though totally innocent. Yet the suffering of both was ordained by God for the salvation of many. What was intended for evil by others, God used to accomplish His will. Throughout, Joseph knew he was innocent but realized that God had a purpose in allowing it. So, like Christ, he suffered willingly and in patient silence. So how could he hold a grudge against his brothers? How could he withhold forgiveness or mercy or love? All is forgiven. Enjoy the blessings of God with me.
Not only does our evil does not take Almighty God by surprise, but He can bring good out of the bad: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28). This never justifies the evil that we do, nor does it mean we or those we hurt will be spared the consequences of our sins. These matters are in the Lord’s hands. He will dispense grace and mercy to all who call on Him in faith. The punishment for the sins of all mankind was borne by Jesus on the cross.