Let’s start off with a recap from Joseph’s story since we’ve had to skip over some of it. Now we
are beginning to see part of God’s purpose in all of the hardships that Joseph walked through.
In fact, all of that pain had a purpose in God’s plan. Through his time in prison, Joseph is
connected to a cupbearer, and God gives him the ability to interpret the cupbearer’s dream.
Later, Pharoah, the leader of all Egypt, has a dream…and this cupbearer remembers what
Joseph did for him! Because of Joseph’s dream interpretations, Pharoah raises up Joseph to rule
over all of Egypt (Genesis 41:41).

Read Genesis 41 and Genesis 47:13-31

We see that because of Joseph’s position in Egypt, the Israelites are able to go to Egypt and get
food during a famine that sweeps across the land. This creates an interesting dynamic, as now
the same brothers that sold Joseph into slavery must now rely on him for food to survive (they
don’t yet know it is Joseph who oversees the food distribution). When they finally figure out
that this is the same brother they sold into slavery, they are terrified of how he will respond to
them. This tension reaches a climax when Jacob, Joseph’s father, dies. His brothers create a plan
to protect themselves by saying that Jacob wanted Joseph to forgive them.

Genesis 50:15-21
15 When 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?” 16 So 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.
18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they
said.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm
me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many
lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured
them and spoke kindly to them.

We see that all of the things Joseph has walked through haven’t changed his honesty, integrity
and mercy. He forgives his brothers before making a beautiful statement that what they
intended to harm Joseph, God used for the good of Joseph and God’s own plan. What a
beautiful way to wrap up this book after seeing so many situations full of deceit, betrayal and
rebellion. This promise that God worked everything that happened in Joseph’s life for Joseph’s
good and God’s glory. Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Here’s the promise you
can cling to today, whatever you walk through, God will use for your ultimate good and for His
glory. Rest assured, our God is still on the throne, and although we now live in a world filled
with pain, He doesn’t allow us to go through an ounce of purposeless pain, when we are His
children through Christ.

Questions to consider.

1. Has there been a way that you have seen God use a difficult circumstance for your good
and His glory?

2. What situation do you need to trust that God is working for your good and His glory right
now?

3. Reflect on God’s work in your life. Thank him for using all things in your life to make you
more like Christ and to glorify Himself.

Now that Joseph’s family is in Egypt, we’ll see some new challenges presented to God’s
people….stay tuned for that next week!