Forgiving Joseph's Way (I)

Forgiving Joseph's Way (I)

Genesis 42:8-17 (I)
Genesis 45:1-8

If there was one person in the Bible who had been wronged, it was Joseph. Yet Joseph is not known for exacting revenge, but rather he is known for forgiveness.

In Genesis 37, we read how Joseph went through great lengths to find his brothers to bring them food. When he did find his brothers, they plotted to kill him. Joseph was 17 years old at this time.

They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him.
Genesis 37:18 ESV

Joseph was sold into slavery but not killed. In Egypt, he went through many trials including being was falsely accused and thrown into jail. In Genesis 41, Joseph was made prime minister after he was given insight on how to overcome an upcoming famine. Joseph was 30 years when he was made prime minister.

There were seven years of plenty and then seven years of scarcity. If Joseph saw his brothers in the second year of scarcity, this meant that he had not seen his brothers or family for 22 years. He had labored through all the hurt from his brothers but there was also all the longing of returning home to familiar places.

When Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to buy food. Joseph recognized them and remembered the past. This brings back the historical past into the present. All the emotions come back as well

And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. And he said to them, “You are spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”
Genesis 42:8‭-‬9 ESV

God puts people in our lives for many reasons. There are those who have hurt us and sometimes we have to live with them. Joseph gives us a good example of forgiving which can be broken down into two steps.

1. Strive to understand why God would allow this pain in your life. Joseph remembered the dreams and how his brothers would bow to him. Although Joseph remembered the hurt of betrayal, he also remembered why God put Joseph where he is now. We should always acknowledge that the main purpose in our life is to be a witness of Jesus.

2. Joseph waits for three days before making his decision. He did not react immediately. For 22 years he had not seen his brothers and had lived with the grief and pain, but instead of letting his emotions take over, he removed himself. This gave him time to think and rationally think about what has happened and what can be done.

During this time Joseph remembered that the ability to interpret dreams came from God. He also knew that God had placed Joseph where he was.

Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
Genesis 41:16 ESV

Joseph had the wisdom to know that God had used him even with all the hurt which came with it.

And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.
Genesis 45:5 ESV

Let us not be controlled by our emotions but put our trust in God that He can be the true witness of Christ by practicing forgiveness.