“And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spoke kindly unto them” (Genesis 50:20-21).
Joseph had been deeply wounded by his wicked brothers. Coldheartedly he had been sold to the passing Ishmaelite merchantmen who then sold him into slavery in Egypt. Through a turnabout that was nothing short of the incredible hand of God, Joseph eventually became second in command, just under the authority of Pharaoh. Time passed and Joseph’s father died. Finally, this could have been the prime time for Joseph to seek revenge on his brothers. But as you know, he not only did not avenge himself for the misery he had endured because of them, he treated them kindly and extended grace. “You thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” This could have been the prime time for Joseph to finally seek revenge on his brothers. He didn’t minimize their sin. Yet on the other hand, he never wasted his time by seeking to get even. What a model for us today.
For today: How will this play out in your life today? Is there someone who meant it for evil, but God worked it out for good? I suspect there are many who can identify with this.