It’s time to forgive

Genesis 45

Just as God delivered Jesus into the hands of the Jews and the Romans to kill Him to save many, He sent Joseph to Egypt to preserve a generation. They meant it for evil but God used it for good. He can make all things work together for good. Joseph had come to the point of revealing himself to his brothers and forgiving them for what they did to him. They sold him for his dreams but God used him for His plans.

What can we learn?

#1. To forgive, see the hand of God in your life. (Genesis 45:1-8)

When Joseph realised how changed his brothers had become to the point of being ready to die for each other, he revealed his real identity to them as their brother whom they sold into slavery. Joseph did not only see the human factor, but also the divine hand of God operating to ensure His purposes are achieved to redeem His people from destruction. We cannot freely forgive if we fail to see the invincible and mighty hand of God at work in our lives. If we see only the human factor, we may never do anything to reconcile.  Joseph saw that it was God who sent him to Egypt through the human action of his brothers. They were doing it for evil but God meant it for good.

#2. God favours us. (Genesis 45:25-28)

After the reconciliation, they enjoyed the uncommon favour of God. Remember that before they left for Egypt their father prayed that God would grant them mercies on the journey. That was what was at play here. God answered their father’s prayers. Our prayers align with God’s purposes for our lives. Furthermore, when Pharaoh heard about the reunion, he favoured them and asked that they come and stay in Egypt because of the famine. Joseph gave them the best for their journey to inform their father that he was alive and wanted him to come to Egypt. When we trust God, we will surely walk in his powerful ways of favour. Lamentations say that His mercies are new every morning we can plug in.

The stage is set for Israel and all his descendants and properties to go to Egypt to fulfill God’s word in Genesis 15 to multiply them and make them a nation. Forever, oh Lord, His word is settled in heaven.

Take Action: God can use bad situations for His good.