| Subject: Gen 50 vss 15-21 Post 225 |
Author:
Hillbilly
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Date Posted: 18:27:31 11/21/12 Wed
Genesis 50:15-21 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. 16 And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, 17 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. 18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. 19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 20 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. 21 Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.
"Justice called but mercy answered". Here we see for the last time in the Book of Genesis an incident which greatly foreshadows the work of Christ in His mercy and grace. The brethren were guilty of a despicable act against Joseph as Israel was against Jesus. Joseph was sold into slavery which could easily have been a living death. Had not the hand of God been on Joseph he would have been put to death by Potiphar when he was falsely accused of trying to force his wife.
All the time Jacob was alive they lived in fear of the day when their just judgment and reward would come. The could not believe the lack of animosity from Joseph to them was real. They were judging Joseph by the way they themselves would react. Jacob dies and what happens? Forgiveness!
Sin put Jesus on the cross. Not just the Jews and Roman soldiers but sin, theirs and ours. He died for our sins as much as for the sins of Israel and the world. What did Jesus say from the cross? "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."(Lk.23:34) What do we that believe receive for our sin? Grace and mercy! God forgave the sinner for his part in the death of His Son if the sinner did as the repentant thief beside Him.
Look at the wording that Joseph used in conveying this to his brothers. "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." Isn't this the truth about Jesus and the Heavenly Father? The betrayal and subsequent crucifixion was because of a people who thought evil against Jesus. "But God meant if unto good--to save much people--" The cross is about salvation. Going to Egypt was about the salvation of Israel. Joseph didn't know it at the time but God had revealed much to him in dreams so that when he looked back in retrospect he could see where God was leading all along.
This is a great truth in a Christians life. We cannot see tomorrow but we can look back and see the guiding hand of God bringing us to where we are today. You say; "I don't like where I am today." "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" (Romans 9:20) Joseph didn't like his circumstances either but on looking back he had to thank God for all he had done for him and Israel. There is a gospel song out that has words in it that say; "I will trust You for tomorrow, because you were faithful yesterday". That should be our attitude and testimony to the providence of God. He has kept us through many trials so I am trusting Him for tomorrow.
Joseph was true to his word also. He promised them that he would take care of him and until the day of his death he nurtured and cared for his people. Do we think God would do less? He has promised us that "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Heb. 13:5) Further more it is written in 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
As Joseph looked down on his brothers that were bowed his feet he incredulously asked; "Am I in the place of God?" His brethren were offering to be servants to him but he had already forgiven them. They would not be his bondservants but they were to be his family.
When Jesus forgave me and saved my soul He made me part of His family. I proudly carry the name "Christian" because I am proud of the One who made it all possible.
I truly believe from that day forward there was no more suspicion as to Joseph's motive or desire for revenge. I believe Joseph, in the best spirit of Christ, showed them true love.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) No strings attached!
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