Joseph at the End

15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

18His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

19But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:15-21)

Thoughts: Joseph showed an amazing amount of grace.  He had gone from a proud dreamer who was his father's favorite to barely escaping death, to being put in a hole in the ground, sold to slavery, falsely accused, put in prison.  But he never waivered in his faith in God and God lifted him up.  Jospeh realized he was lifted up not just to help Egypt but to help save his own family. 
   He knew he wasn't God but saw God's hand.  He believed God had led him through the valley and up the mountaintop to save his family.  He not only didn't take revenge, he provided wealth and land for his family in Egypt.  This is the gospel- mercy and grace rolled up by God's power.  

Prayer: :Lord, help me to be gracious because you have been gracious to me.