Day 3: A Picture of Forgiveness

Text: Genesis 50:15-21

Nothing about the act of forgiveness is natural or logical. It defies the notion of fairness and justice. Imagine being betrayed by your siblings – imagine being sold as a slave – imagine being accused and incarcerated for a crime you did not commit. If anyone had the right to a seething, scalding hot hatred towards those who wronged him, it would be Joseph. I would understand if he would become bitter, or vengeful, or angry towards those who wronged him. It would make sense if Joseph would exact justice at long last from the culprits who are now under his mercy.

But Joseph goes against nature. He defies logic by offering forgiveness – by offering a perspective that allowed him to overcome the pain, and the desire for revenge. He simply said, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see – you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good…”

This profound understanding of the nature and character of God takes away the bitter poison of anger and resentment. Joseph had a perspective that transcended the evil done to him. He rested in a God who is not only a God of justice, but a God of good intentions and benevolence. While recognizing the harm intended for him, Joseph saw God is able to circumvent it so that good comes out. Joseph could have stayed and grown old in the loving embrace of his father, or he would become a mighty ruler of Egypt (but in order to do that he had to undergo the pain of the evil plans of his siblings). In the end, God was able to give Joseph the best.

“Lord – as I remember those that did evil to me – and the temptation to exact revenge or partake the bitter brew of resentment overcome me – may I learn to look beyond the pain of my situation, and see with new perspective Your ways, and Your purposes.”