Several days ago I published a blog titled “Thrown under the bus?” I wrote on life applications from the life of Joseph in Genesis chapters 37, 39-48. There are a couple more things I want to touch on before moving beyond this incredible character in the Old Testament.
It’s amazing to see God at work in the lives of people. Through the successes, failures, triumphs and trials: it takes the Holy Spirits guidance to see Gods hand at work through it all.
When Joseph was younger he had a dream about his brothers bowing before him. Genesis 37:8 says, “His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them.” (NLT)
I may be wrong but I pick up on some immaturity in these earlier accounts of Joseph telling his brothers about his dreams. Once they sold him into slavery, all the many hardships, injustice and trials shaped his character. You see that God was with him during each trial and allowed him to succeed.
Years later when his brothers had to go to Egypt for food because the famine was so bad, his dream came true. At this time Joseph was second in command in Egypt and in charge of all the food. His brothers came before him to get food, not knowing he was their brother because he used an interpreter. Joseph could have gloated over them and reminded them of his earlier dream but he did not. However he did test them by asking questions about their family, if their father was alive, and if they had any other brothers. In this way he could see if they had changed.
When his brothers came back to Egypt a second time for food, he ended up telling them who he was. This is such a beautiful story of forgiveness. Joseph has seen the hand of God in his journey of grief. God has developed his character and he was able to freely forgive his brothers for all they did to him. Genesis 45:5 says, “But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” (NLT)
We all could learn something from Joseph’s life of example. Don’t let bitterness take hold in your heart. Forgive those who have hurt you and cause trouble. Unforgiveness and bitterness are like cancer. They eat away at you and spill over into every part of your life. Even if the person who wronged you isn’t sorry, you can still forgive them for your own sake. Forgiveness will set you free and enable your heart to heal. God forgives us and He expects us to forgive each other. I know it’s hard. One sure way to make it a bit easier is to pray for the person who wronged you. It’s hard to stay angry at someone you pray for. Give the situation to God and ask Him to work it out. Ask Him to help you love instead of hold grudges. He will set you free.
Another thing I really admire about Joseph is his ability to see God at work in his trials. He saw God preparing him. Sometimes we don’t have a clue what God is up to. Ok…most of the time! However when you have a relationship with God, you study His Word and who He is, you can glimpse Him working behind the scenes. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”( NLT)
In todays culture so many people are easily offended. If you want a true sense of humanity just get on a social media platform and read what people have to say. It is enlightening in the saddest way. God did not intend for people to be this way. God doesn’t want us to be judgemental and mean to each other. He wants us to love! Galatians 5:14 tells us, “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NLT)
You might ask, “Who is my neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone you encounter. You might be thinking I’m a joke! I’m not! I’m just sharing what God’s Word says. He wants us to have a relationship with Him. He desires for us to live in love and forgiveness. Humanly this is impossible but all things are possible with God! (Matthew 19:26)
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