“Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph. … Do not be distressed.’ … And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them.”
Genesis 45:4, 15
It is amazing how forgiveness can break down barriers set up from offenses. The story of Joseph in the Bible illustrates this. Distress and panic overwhelmed him when his own brothers betrayed him. He plead desperately for his life as he was being led away (Genesis 42:21). His brothers showed no compassion and then led a cover-up operation to hide the truth of his disappearance.
Years later during extreme famine, these same brothers stood before Joseph, by then a ruler in Egypt, to beg for food for their households. How was it possible that he could offer such grace and forgiveness to those who had so deeply wronged him? He had a broader perspective, one that saw God’s providence in all circumstances of life. “So then it was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:8a), he told them.
The One we serve, follow, and worship revealed His forgiving heart at the cross when He cried out for those crucifying Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). We then must also forgive others of their offenses against us.
Years later during extreme famine, these same brothers stood before Joseph, by then a ruler in Egypt, to beg for food for their households. How was it possible that he could offer such grace and forgiveness to those who had so deeply wronged him? He had a broader perspective, one that saw God’s providence in all circumstances of life. “So then it was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:8a), he told them.
The One we serve, follow, and worship revealed His forgiving heart at the cross when He cried out for those crucifying Him, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). We then must also forgive others of their offenses against us.
Scripture Focus
Genesis 45:1-15
Insight
Lord, help me to have a forgiving heart and to see your sovereignty in all events and circumstances of life. Amen
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 9-10
- Proverbs 15
- 1 Peter 2-3
