And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence. So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (45:4-5)
“So it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (45:8)
We know from Genesis 42 that Joseph’s brothers have not forgotten their horrible deed of selling Joseph to the slave traders. They felt guilty about it, and now here Joseph appears as a most powerful person. No wonder they were “dismayed” and couldn’t answer him.
But Joseph reassures them – it was not they who sent him there, but God.
Note that Joseph’s brothers did actually “send him there” by selling him to the Midianite traders going to Egypt, but Joseph sees God’s hand in it and reassures his brothers. He is able not to take it personally and seek revenge, although he certainly has the power to do so.
Can you think of a time when people meant to harm you, but it turned out for your good? Something that just came to mind was an incident from when I was in seventh grade. A girl in my class (she was pretty and somewhat popular) made fun of how I said the letter “s”. I didn’t know I said it differently from anyone else, and I don’t think my family noticed either (I have observed that parents and siblings often don’t notice the speech impediments of a family member). This classmate got the whole class making fun of me. I was mortified and didn’t want to return to school. And yet, what this incident did do is make my mother aware of my problem and send me to speech therapy. Before long, I was pronouncing my S’s as I should. So, what this girl meant for harm, God used for good. I don’t know if I ever thought to forgive her, but I forgive her now.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You used the meanness of that girl for good. I do forgive her. Please help me to look for what you are doing in all my circumstances. May I seek to be a blessing to others, may You lead me by Your Spirit. Amen.
