City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

¹⁵ 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.” ¹⁶ So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ¹⁷ ‘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. ¹⁸ His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” ¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ 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. ²¹ So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

–Genesis 50:15-21 (ESV)

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. ¹⁹ Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ²⁰ To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

–Romans 12:14-21 (ESV)

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses shed light on Joseph’s character and attitude towards his brothers as well as God. Now that their father had passed, Joseph’s brothers feared Joseph would pay them back for the evil they committed against him. In an effort to protect themselves, they invented a dying wish from their father–that Joseph would forgive their transgression. 

At this, Joseph wept and reassured them:

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? ²⁰ 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. ²¹ So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

–Genesis 50:19-21 (ESV)

Joseph had completely forgiven his brothers and saw God’s purpose even in abhorrent circumstances. Just like Joseph discovered, what gives us the ability to forgive and move on from bad experiences in life is recognizing God’s position in your life. 

Joseph was uniquely positioned as the second in command in every stage of his life journey. As a boy, he deferred to his father, Jacob, who favored him. As a slave, he was under Potiphar, who favored him. As a prisoner, he was under the prison warden, who favored him. As a royal vizier, he was subject to Pharoah, who favored him. Ultimately, Joseph was submitted to God, who greatly favored him.

Perhaps God divinely placed Joseph as the number 2 in every situation, so that he would always remember he’s not in the place of God. When you try to usurp God’s role in your life, life falls apart. 

However, when you recognize that God is in charge of your life, God will turn it around. He always does! God is so creative, He can take the bad things that happen in life and turn it around for our good and His glory. 

Joseph understood his place in relation to God. He let God be God in his life and was able to not only forgive his brothers, but experience reunification with his family as well as the fulfillment of his dreams. 

Application

Ask yourself honestly, are you in the place of God? Is there any area of your life in which you are trying to force an outcome or experiencing frustration? It is likely you are not surrendering this issue or some part of yourself to God. It could be any number of things. Perhaps you are a committed follower of Christ but do not want to give God the final say in _________. You want to handle it yourself. 

Today’s application is to lay down that matter at the feet of Jesus. If you are tired of trying to figure out life on your own, let God do it. He already has a tailor-made plan for your life that is just right for you. Do not resist what God wants to do in and through you right where He has you. Trust Him to take what others meant for evil and turn it around for good.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for being with me throughout all of life’s ups and downs. You stay steady and consistent in every season. I recognize Your place of rulership in my life. If there is any area where I’m not letting You lead, please show me. I want to follow You and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.