As we read Genesis, chapter 50, we see that Jacob, who is called Israel, has died. And after three days of mourning, he was buried with his fathers. It was in this moment of sadness and grief that Joseph’s brothers got to thinking that Joseph would begin to treat them like they did to him when he was younger. Therefore, they pleaded at the feet of Joseph to forgive them. This is that account. It is written, “and when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.” (Genesis 50:15-17) This showed that Joseph’s brothers were sorry for what they had done, which is what God asks of us when we come to Him for forgiveness. His mercy is for us as sinners.
As we continue reading this account in Genesis, we will see how humble and forgiving Joseph is. He may have been upset with his brothers in the past because of what they had done to him, but these hard feelings were no more. He even wept when they asked him for forgiveness. What happened next is written here. “And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” (Genesis 50:18-21) I love how Joseph said to his brothers, am I in the place of God, which means to judge them. How only the Lord God Almighty has the power to save them not him. He then acted like God on earth and said that he would comfort them and their children. He was so kind to them. God is the same way to us when we truly repent and ask Him for forgiveness. There is mercy and His comfort and kindness are on full display. So please come Him if you have not already. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that our lives will become conformed to be like Yours. I know how hard it is for people to give up certain things like addictions, bad habits, and walls of unforgiveness, but all this is so important in order to walk in Your light. As for me, I am willing, God, to do whatever You ask of me. I have given up everything that could keep me away from Your love in order to do Your will above all else. So I ask that You use me for Your kingdom. Light up my path, that every ounce of darkness will be scattered when I talk to or walk past people. Don’t let anything that is worldly enter my life again. You have given me a heart that despises what is evil and clings to what is good. Thank You for teaching me what it means to forgive that I might be forgiven also. Your mercy is real but I wasn’t able to experience it until I developed a true heart to allow You to change me from within. Truly, I can only do so much when it comes to my strivings to do good in this life. However, with You leading me, I am bold for Your kingdom. Nothing on earth can stop me from proclaiming the good news of the gospel to everyone I meet. This is only true because You are with me. I love You, Lord. I trust in You. Amen.
