Daily devotional · September 15
You Meant Evil, God Meant Good
“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. Therefore do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” So Joseph reassured his brothers and spoke kindly to them.”
Joseph's brothers once sold him into slavery. Years later, with their father dead, they fear he will finally take revenge. Joseph weeps when he hears it. His reply in Genesis 50:20 does not deny the harm, since he says plainly that they meant evil. But he refuses to play God, and he sees a larger hand at work, turning even betrayal toward the saving of many lives. Notice that he does two things: he tells the truth about the wrong, and he speaks kindly to the ones who did it. Forgiveness is not pretending something did not hurt; it is choosing not to let the hurt decide what we do next. This may take years and may not mean restored trust. Today, think of one old wound. Ask God for the willingness to forgive, even if only to want to want it, and consider whether a wise person could help you carry it.
Also read
“As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.”
Genesis 50:20
Prayer
God, you can turn what was meant for harm into good. Heal my old wounds and teach me to forgive.