In Genesis chapter 50 it is written by THE SPIRIT:
15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.”
16 So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying,
17 ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
18 Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
19 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Most believers are familiar with the story of Joseph. The above passage concludes the 13 year trial and testing period Joseph was called to suffer on behalf of mankind. FATHER knew a famine was coming upon the earth when HE began preparing Joseph for his ministry. We would like to think that there would be no adversity we must endure in our own callings but that is not the case. Love requires us to learn patience and it is often learned through such adversity. Sometimes that adversity will hit close to home and we must not be moved by the circumstances but instead trust in FATHER and HIS steadfastness.
The attributes of Love did not start in the New Testament but were present in the Old Testament as the above passage shows. Joseph matured to the point of realizing that his brothers’ actions were all part of the plan. We must look at our adversaries in the same manner in order to broaden our understanding of FATHER’S plan for us. Who better to teach you patience than your enemy?
Joseph had the power to punish his brothers and no one would blame him. Instead, he learned that Love is kind. Though they acted as adversaries to him, he forgave them of their sins against him and restored fellowship with them. We are to do the same.
Joseph gave 13 years of his life to save mankind from starvation. It was quite a challenge for him at a personal level but his fruitfulness was multiplied many times over for all of mankind. How much greater is the ministry of Jesus! We must never become lax in acknowledging the ministry of Jesus Christ. His Body and His Blood have been critical to our individual lives so let us acknowledge Him often in our personal communion with Him. Joseph sacrificed much for mankind by his acts of Love. How much more did Jesus!