February 22, 2020
What does it say?
Joseph reassured his brothers of his forgiveness and promised to provide for their families. He asked for an oath from his family to take his bones out of Egypt when God delivered them from there to the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
What does it mean?
Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers for the harm they had caused him was evidence of mature faith. Joseph knew that God is the greater Judge and had actually brought something good out of what they had intended for evil. Joseph’s obedience in the midst of God’s providence moved him from slavery to prison to power. That knowledge and intimacy with God removed thoughts of retaliation and replaced them with the genuine desire to provide good things for his brothers and their families.
How should I respond?
At one point or another, we’ve all been hurt. It’s difficult to imagine any good coming from some situations. But God is still Judge and Sovereign Lord over every hurt you’ve experienced. Who are you having difficulty forgiving? How has that situation exercised your faith? If you can’t see yet how God might ‘intend for good’ what someone else ‘intended for harm,’ keep obeying, praying and trusting. With God’s help, you can forgive and even desire good things for that person. Remember, it’s impossible to have intimacy with God and refuse to forgive those who’ve wronged you.