Articles
Am I God?
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Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 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. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Gen. 50:19-21)
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After their father's death, Joseph’s brothers expected the worst. By their own standard, Joseph had the right to take his revenge for what they had done to him many years before. Worse, he had the power to do it, and no one could stop him. They were terrified of what came next.
If ever a man had an opportunity and the justification to get even with his enemies, Joseph was that man. But he refused to do so. Instead, he used his power and resources to provide for his brothers and their families. He "comforted them and spoke kindly to them." There was no political calculation behind his generosity; it was a remarkable display of undeserved love that healed the family and preserved their future.
Joseph’s response, of course, is a metaphor for the grace of God. Like Joseph's brothers, we have treated God abominably. But like Joseph, not only has God not exterminated us, He has extended His kindness to us in the sacrifice of His Son for our crimes. We have a hope that we have not earned, through a love that we struggle to understand. Joseph's plea to his brothers, "do not be afraid," is the gospel in a nutshell.
But there is more than just feel-good theology in this story. Joseph's behavior also provides practical guidance on how to deal with the injustices that we encounter in our own lives. On a personal level, we tend to hold grudges against those who have wronged us in the past, and relish opportunities to make them suffer for their wrongdoing. On a societal level, our nation is currently tearing itself apart over how to address historical grievances from the past. Increasingly, the "solution" to these injustices involves creating new injustices, forcing people to pay for their sins or the sins of their ancestors. This only perpetuates a cycle of retribution, intensifying the hatreds and animosities. The end result is mutual destruction.
Joseph shows us a better way. Though he was powerful, Joseph recognized that he was not God. The only way the cycle of violence could be broken was to unilaterally break it himself. He forgave his brothers and showed them a kindness they did not deserve. In doing so, Joseph was demonstrating the character of God in a manner that could have been seen in no other way.
"'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,' says the Lord" (Rom. 12:19). None of us are God. Let’s stop acting like we are.
--David
