How many times have we said, or at least heard others say, “I
could never forgive him/her for that!” And we go on with hurt, indignation, and
bitterness building within us sometimes growing into full blown rage and hate. We
believe we have a right to feel this way. Afterall, look at what the other
person did to us or said about us. How can anyone forgive that?
Jesus has plenty to say about that and the New Testament is
full of good examples and reasons to forgive. But this morning, I was reading
in Genesis about Joseph. While we are aware of his reunion with his brothers
and his forgiveness in the end, I was pondering his statements he made when he
revealed himself to his brothers and then looking back at his life from the
time he was sold into slavery up to this point in time. How did he get here?
How was he able to say to his brothers, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you
sold into slavery in Egypt. 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.” Genesis 45:4-5 NLT
It appears to me that Joseph had a huge trust in the
sovereignty of God right from the beginning. If I had been sold into slavery, I
fear I would have pulled into myself and withered up and died. I would have had
plenty to say about those who put me in this place and ranted and cried. And
maybe Joseph did initially. We don’t know all the details. But somewhere early
on, Joseph came to a place where he trusted God with his life and was able to
make the best of wherever he found himself. He used his God-given gifts of
administration and was promoted to the highest position wherever he served –
first with Potiphar’s household and then following the second great injustice
done to him putting him in prison.
How was Joseph able to serve so well when injustice after
injustice had happened to him? It seems that Joseph had surrendered his life to
God and was willing to be used by God wherever he ended up. Because he was
serving God, it didn’t matter if it was in Potiphar’s household, the prison or
the palace. He could serve with all his heart and do the best he could do. And
God blessed him in each situation. And he quickly rose to the top and was
recognized for these blessings.
And when his brothers finally showed up, hungry and in need
of help, Joseph could say with confidence, “God sent me ahead of you to
preserve your lives.” I wonder, could I do that? Could I so completely forgive
them that I could respond as Joseph did or would I want to scream at them, “How
could you do this to me? Just go and starve!” The answer to that question is
really the answer to the question, “How completely have I surrendered my life
to God?” Can I trust in His sovereignty even when things are not going well for
me? When I have been hurt by others? Can I work hard for Him even when I am
being taken advantage of by others?
These are the things that clearly define our level of trust
in our Maker! “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working
for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23 Is God in charge or not? Is
He Lord of my life or am I? Do I believe, “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.” Romans 8:28
Joseph did not have these verses to encourage him as he
served Potiphar and the prison warden. But he had trust in God. He knew he was
in God’s hands and God would accomplish His purposes as Joseph served wherever
he found himself.
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your
Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us
today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who
sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation; but rescue us from the
evil one. We give You all the honor and glory. In Jesus name, Amen. (Lord’s
Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 NLT)
