Denver Seminary

"Now, it is not you who sent me here, but it is God!" - Genesis 45:8

Joseph’s brothers went through a roller coaster of emotions when they realized that Joseph was standing before them. The events of Genesis 37 flashed before their eyes. They remembered hating Joseph to the point of selling him to traveling merchants. Now, the tables were turned and Joseph had the upper hand. Realizing their plight, fear gripped their hearts and confusion set in. They felt deep guilt for their actions of long ago, and then, the blame game began to unfold...Who would take the responsibility for the events of the past?

Joseph, a man chosen by God to save his people during a time of severe famine, turned away from unforgiveness, forsook the opportunity to retaliate, and chose not to hold a grudge against those who had hurt him so deeply. He was able to do so only because he recognized that God had orchestrated the events of his life. He could have been bitter and taken advantage of the situation, but motivated by the love of God, Joseph had compassion on his brothers and extended grace to them. For years, Joseph had yearned for the moment when he could be reunited with his family. Finally, it had come!

As human beings, we see events from an earthly standpoint, generally oblivious to God’s plan and input in our situations. Long before Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, he had recognized that God’s hand had been in the seemingly unfortunate circumstances and the regrettable outcome of earlier sibling rivalry. When the opportune moment arose, Joseph revealed what he had pondered in his heart during his years in Egypt. God had a plan and a purpose for his life, a design that his brothers had not grasped. God is to be trusted! Only He can bring his plans and purposes to pass.