Genesis 50:19-21

It may have been one of the most impressive funeral processions of all antiquity. There were chariots and horseman. There were the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt. All of the house of Joseph, and Joseph’s brethren, and his father’s house, except for the small children.

The occasion? The death of Jacob. His remains were taken from Egypt to the land of Canaan for burial in the cave of Machpelah.

When Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt after the burial of their father, his brothers were fearful that he would extract revenge on them now that their father was gone. So they send a messenger to Joseph to remind him that their father had entreated before he died that Joseph forgive his brothers for the terrible wrong they had done to him when they sold him into slavery. In fact, his brothers literally fell down on their faces and begged, “Behold we are your servants.”

“Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

We learn some important life lessons from this great Patriarch. Note 3 Things  he didn’t do.

#1 He didn’t hold a grudge against his brothers.

He didn’t blame them for his past suffering. For their envy. For throwing him into the pit. For their murderous intentions. For languishing in prison. For being deprived of time with his father. Joseph could have become very bitter. But he didn’t.

Bitterness is a cancer of the soul that will consume you. Regardless of how justified you feel toward another’s wrongs against you, “get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger” (Eph. 4:31).

#2 He didn’t blame God for past problems.

In fact, Joseph rhetorically asked, “Am I in the place of God?” He didn’t accuse God. Question God. Or attack God.

“Where was God when I needed Him?” people often cry as they incriminate the Creator when they suffer some adversity, failure, or hurt. Never forget that “God is the giver of good gifts” (Jas 1:17). And all problems, suffering, and sin can be traced back to Satan.

#3 He didn’t respond arrogantly.

Joseph could have laughed instead of cried. He could have strutted and said, “Boys look at me. See how great I am. But it was no thanks to you. I made it big in spite of you. I could enslave you, but I won’t.”

Instead, Joseph was humble. Tender hearted. And kind. His attitude serves as a great example to us to treat others with compassion, even when they’ve hurt us. If we’ve achieved some success in life, let us say, “I am what I am, by the grace of God” (1 Cor. 15:10).

Three Things Joseph Understood.

#1 The providence of God.

With the exception of Queen Esther, there’s no better Bible illustration of God’s providence than Joseph. Joseph’s life from his father’s partiality, to his cries from the pit, to his pining in prison, all led to his promotion to the palace.

“God sent me before.” Now he could see God’s hand in it. God can even use the evil that others do to us to work out something good in the future. However, we must “wait upon the Lord” and trust that God will work all things according to His will in His time (Ps. 27:14; 37:5).

#2 His Purpose.

Joseph realized that God used him as an instrument to accomplish His will. “I’m not God,” Joseph understood. “I’m simply a servant to be used by God.”

We need to see ourselves, our jobs, our position and our possession in the same light. God can use who we are, where we are, and what we have to achieve His purpose.

Instead of looking at our problems, let’s look for opportunities. Instead of complaining about our plight, let’s look for Divine purpose.. Instead of crying in despair, let us hope in faith.

#3 Vengeance wasn’t His to Return.

While Joseph’s didn’t minimize their evil, or excuse his brothers’ sins, he knew it wasn’t his place to retaliate. To strike back. To seek revenge. Instead of returning retribution, Joseph offered forgiveness.

When others treat us badly, Romans 12:17-21 reminds to “repay no one evil for evil.” Instead to “live at peace.” And remember vengeance is not our prerogative. That belongs to God.

“Am I in the place of God?” It’s a question we need to answer as we face life’s challenges.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman