Abide Together: Reflections on Genesis 50

In Genesis 50 Joseph mourns over the death of his father, Jacob.  He and his brothers bury him in of Canaan as Jacob had requested. After the burial of Jacob, Joseph brothers beg forgiveness from Joseph, thinking now that their father is dead Joseph may take revenge for their sin against him. Joseph assures them this is not the case, but he will provide for them and their families.  Before Joseph dies, he reminds his brothers that God will bring their descendants back to the land that God promised Abraham.  The thing that sticks out to is what Joseph said to his brothers in respond to their asking for forgiveness.  Joseph said, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Joseph basically says God is Sovereign over all things, and HIS Sovereignty is not threatened by our sin. Joseph expressed something like this: “Yes, what you did was evil, but God’s was ruling over the whole situation and planned for me to come to Egypt to be used as his instrument to save many people from destruction.” Joseph Embraced God’s Sovereignty and because of that he was able to Forgive His brothers.  Lord, may I daily embrace Your Sovereignty and may it be seen in all I do and say.

– Bryan McKenzie