Genesis 50:15-26 – Meant For Good
Joseph’s brothers’ guilty consciences and inability to forgive and forget, make them suspicious and fear the worst from Joseph. They humble themselves, confess their sin, and ask for forgiveness and mercy, promising to be his servants. They tell Joseph that they are all children of Jacob and worshippers of the same God. We must be ready to forgive all men, but we must be especially careful to have a forgiving spirit towards any that are the servants of God. We should always treat them with a special kindness for we and they have the same Master.
Joseph directs them to look to God in their repentance. If they make their peace with God, they will find it an easier matter to make peace with Joseph. Joseph points out the great good that God has brought out of their sin. God often brings good out of evil, and accomplishes His plans even by the sins of men; not that He is the author of sin, but His infinite wisdom so overrules events, and directs the chain of them, so that they end in His praise as we see in the putting of Christ to death. This doesn’t make sin less sinful or sinners less punishable, but it shows the glory of God’s wisdom.
On his deathbed Joseph comforts his brothers, encouraging them that the day will come when they will return to Canaan, and he makes them promise, that when that day comes, they will take his body with them. This is a confession of his own faith in the promises of God made in covenant to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and the children of Israel.
Questions
- Why are Joseph’s brothers scared?
- What does Joseph teach them about God?
- What promises does Joseph believe in, even on his deathbed?
- What does Joseph make the children of Israel promise?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.