Our scripture this morning is Genesis 50:20 (NET).
As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day.
After the death of their father Jaccob, Joseph’s brothers again worry that he might seek retribution for what they did to him many years before. Joseph answers them with this verse, showing that he sees what happened as God’s provision for His people. This points ahead to the forgiveness Jesus showed to those who took His human life. It is what He taught us to do as well. Forgiving doesn’t mean things never happened. It doesn’t mean there can’t be change. It does mean we can move ahead in confidence, knowing that God is with us and He can use any circumstance for our good.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we retaliate inappropriately. Forgive us and bless us to forgive as You first forgave us. Amen.
