Genesis 50:21
The story of Joseph provides for us a detail that is both fascinating and useful – there is purpose in our pain. God showed up in Joseph’s pain and masterfully used even the evil plans of the enemy for good. The end result was “to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:19). Sometimes we tend to forget this fact when undergoing the severe crucibles of life. It’s never just for us or about us. We go through what we go through and must go through to help others – to hopefully save people alive – to bless others.
Joseph learnt his lesson well. After his redemption and exaltation, there are no vestiges of malice, hatred, bitterness or revenge. Instead of seeking revenge, he desires only to bless, encourage, restore and help his brothers. He patiently suffers and endures the indignities of rejection, slavery, insults and imprisonment. It’s painful to configure his trajectory, from favored son to enslaved prisoner in a strange land, yet instead of being consumed with bitterness and evil thoughts, Joseph forgives and becomes savior and deliverer to his evil brothers and so many others.
As his brothers feared justifiable retaliation from Joseph, our passage powerfully builds to a climax with Joseph speaking most comfortingly and reassuringly to those who meant him the worst harm. The one that they summarily rejected and sought to destroy is now their ruler and Lord. However, instead of giving them what they deserved, Joseph returns their meanness with gracious kindness and the promise of protection and nourishment to their little ones (v21).
Brethren, life is too short to nurture bitterness and to harbor grudges and ill-will in our hearts even to those who may have grievously wronged and harmed us. Should Joseph have acted like his brothers had towards him, it certainly would have made him just as evil and terrible as his brothers. He could not have helped them or shown them a better way. By extending genuine love and forgiveness to them, he was able to help them see real brotherly love in action which came not from him, but from his relationship with Yahweh. He rescued them not just physically but more importantly spiritually.
His response to his brother’s query as to where they stood with him after their father’s death is not just classic, but more than heroic. He states, “Now therefore fear ye not . . .” (21). In other words, you have nothing to fear, easy now. Joseph further intimated “I will nourish you, and your little ones.” He said, “I will take care of you.” May God help us today to realize that it is our responsibility to take care of the brethren and of each other.
It remains true that we are blessed to bless others. He promotes and elevates us after we have suffered a while, that we in turn may help and comfort others (2 Cor 1:4). We are strengthened through our trials to help those who are desperately in need of help. He brought us out that we in turn may reach back in and help others. It is our duty to take care of each other. The Word declares “. . . and he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them” (21). It’s about time we start comforting and caring for each other like Joseph did for his brothers and Jesus so mandated (John 13:35).
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
