Sometimes fear has a way of sneaking back in, even after years have passed. In this passage we see Joseph’s brothers, who have lived under his kindness for a long time start fearing for their future. It seems as if once Jacob their father died, they start thinking that Joseph will now take revenge on them. The protection of their father’s presence is removed, and so they feel their old guilt resurfacing. Would Joseph finally pay them back for what they had done? Let’s have a look.

Genesis 50:15–21 (ESV)

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him.

These brothers are haunted by their sin. Even after years of Joseph’s kindness, they still expect revenge. Guilt can be like that. It lingers. It reminds you time and again, payback is just around the corner. Sin really is it’s own reward… So these brothers again take things into their own hands. It seems to me that they make up Jacob’s dying words, or at least we have no record of Jacob saying what they say he said. And so they send a message on behalf of their father, to plead for forgiveness.

In response Joseph weeps. Why? Maybe because they don’t understand how forgiveness works. When sin is wiped out, it is gone for good. Maybe he had forgiven them, but he sees that they haven’t forgiven themselves…

His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

This is the gospel. This is actually what the whole book of Genesis has primarily been about. God created the world good, but Satan infiltrated, tempted Adam and Eve and the fall of sin happened. Eventually what Satan had meant for evil, will ultimately result in good. With Jesus glorified through his death and resurrection. Here we see the mini-version of that same story. “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Their sin was real. Their betrayal was evil. But God was at work through it all. It is through this broken family, that he saved many many lives from a terrible famine. It is from this family that he will ultimately save many many lives from sin.

And this points us straight to Christ. On the cross, humanity did its worst. We meant it for evil. But God meant it for good.

The invitation is to stop living like Joseph’s brothers, afraid that God is still holding something against us. If we are in Christ, forgiveness has already been given. The debt has already been paid. We don’t need to grovel, we can boldly approach the throne. The war is won. Rejoice.

PrayerFather, we confess that guilt often clings to us, even after we know Your forgiveness. Help us to believe the good news—that in Christ, what was meant for evil You have turned for good. Thank You that He not only forgives us but provides for us, comforts us, and speaks kindly to us. Teach us to rest in His mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reformed Devotionals Daily is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thanks for reading Reformed Devotionals Daily! This post is public so feel free to share it.