But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 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. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:19–21).
Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son and everyone knows it. When he shares his dream of his brothers bowing down to him, they begin to plot his demise. They sell him off as a slave, then slaughter a goat and dip Joseph’s unmistakable robe in its blood to deceive their father into thinking his son is dead.
In Egypt, Joseph finds favor with Potiphar until he doesn’t. He interprets dreams in prison and is eventually brought before Pharaoh to do the same. The dream reveals seven plentiful years to come followed by seven years of famine. Joseph recommends a course of action and is given authority to reserve one-fifth of Egypt’s produce before the famine to ensure their survival. During the famine, Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy grain. Joseph recognizes his brothers immediately. He questions them, tests them, and accuses them of espionage before finally revealing his identity. Joseph is reunited with his father and his entire family relocates to Egypt and thrives there. After their father dies, the brothers are concerned that Joseph had been kind to them only for their father’s sake. They send word that Jacob’s dying wish was for Joseph to forgive them for sinning against him so long ago. Joseph weeps at hearing this. He reassures them that there is no need to fear and that he will continue to provide for them. He reminds them that God used for good what they meant for evil.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:11-12).
His brothers fear Joseph has only been faking forgiveness. How could it possibly be real? They don’t deserve the abundance they now enjoy when what they did to him was repulsive. The sins of their past keep them from enjoying the blessings of the present.
Faithful God, forgive us when we don’t trust your forgiveness. We can’t fully comprehend how you could possibly love us, knowing what we have done. Help us to rest in your forgiveness, knowing how undeserving we are of your mercy. Let it flow through us and extend to others.
