January 17, 2024 Bible Study — Joseph Did Not Forgive His Brothers

Today, I am reading and commenting on  Genesis 48-50.

Despite what Joseph had said when he revealed himself to his brothers they feared that he would seek revenge on them after their father passed away.  So, they sent a message to him claiming that their father had left a last message asking Joseph to forgive his brothers.  I think we learn a lot about Joseph from his reaction to that message: he wept.  He was broken hearted that they still feared him, even after he had reassured them that he saw God’s hand in the actions for which they still felt guilt.  Really, it teaches us an important lesson about forgiveness.  In a way, Joseph never forgave his brothers, because he did not think they had done something for which they needed forgiveness.  Yes, they had acted in a way which caused him suffering, but God had used that suffering to build Joseph up and to put him into a place to save his family.  We should strive to see our lives in a similar manner.  Instead of seeing others doing us wrong, let us see how God uses our trials and troubles to bring good things into our lives.

I use the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.