19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? Genesis 50:19
In recent days I have grown weary of hearing people foolishly comment, “this is what I would have done.” Brothers and sisters, everyone has faith when it comes to the hypothetical. But when it comes to the moment when faith is required, many times we are surprised at our responses.
In Genesis 50, it is revealed to us that Joseph’s brothers had not really bought into Joseph’s forgiveness of their sins. In their minds Joseph had been waiting until his father died. They believed the hammer of judgment would fall as soon as their dad died.
When he died, the guys quickly put together a plan. They sent a letter to Joseph saying that Dad said to forgive them. Now we really do not know if dad said this or not. What we do know is that they were afraid of what Joseph could do if he chose to want to get even.
I am almost afraid to ask this question because it is a hypothetical question. But here goes: What would you have done if you had been in the place of Joseph? Here are some options: make them feel shame, punish them with banishment from the family blessings, put them in prison, make them serve you, or forgive them.
Joseph chose, all those years ago, the God response. What is the God response? Paul enlightens us with the God response in Ephesians 4:32:
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Joseph knew he was not God (50:19) and he knew that God had placed him in the earthly position to judge their sin. Joseph chose the God response in both forgiving them because they repented and caring for them as restored servants of the Lord.
In the book of Proverbs we are reminded that death and life are in the power of the tongue. You and I can be used of God as ministers of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:19) or ministers of doom (crucifying people that Jesus wants to restore).
2 questions:
- Is there someone in your past that you are holding in prison because you have not forgiven them?
- Are you being held in prison by someone who will not forgive you?
If you are a Christian, it is time that you forgive them. You serve a God of reconciliation not a god of retaliation.
If you are a Christian who has repented of your sin. You are free, come out of the prison that others have made for you.