Joseph's Way, Forgiveness and Grace
Have you
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were completely powerless? Have you ever been in the unfortunate position of seeing no chance of changing your circumstances? Imagine being in a hopeless situation, with no way to free yourself. How would you react?
Perhaps you're familiar with the story of Joseph, the favorite among Jacob's twelve sons. His father gave him a magnificent, colorful cloak, which aroused envy and jealousy among his brothers. In anger and contempt, they threw Joseph into a deep well. There he lay helpless, unable to free himself—completely dependent on the help of others. This was just the beginning of a rocky road that led him to slavery, imprisonment, and abuse.
Years later, after being released from prison, Joseph rose to the second-highest position of power in Egypt. During a severe famine, his brothers came to Egypt to ask for food for their family, unaware that the powerful Egyptian official they were facing was their own brother Joseph, whom they had once thrown down a well.
At first, Joseph hesitated to immediately reveal his true identity to his brothers. Grace prevailed. He ended his charade, revealed himself, and said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” His brothers could not answer him, so afraid were they before him. But he said to his brothers, “Come near me!” And they came near. And he said, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt.” (1. Mose 45,3-4).
They were so overwhelmed by seeing him that Joseph had to repeat himself several times to gain their attention. The balance of power had completely reversed. Now they were in a desperate situation, while Joseph was in control. They were suffering from famine and dependent on the mercy of Egypt. Joseph had the upper hand, and instead of using his power to retaliate, he revealed his plan to care for their aging father.
This is grace that renounces the right to retaliate and pauses when we seek to establish "justice" according to human standards. God's grace shows us that he does not operate according to human standards. Joseph forgave his brothers who had mistreated him and welcomed them with love. In God's kingdom, the weak find strength; sinners are received with honor. The boy once thrown into the well ascended the throne, and Joseph, stripped of his magnificent robe, now provides for his family. Just as Joseph gave grace to his brothers, God calls us to make room in our lives for his grace—both to receive it ourselves and to share it with others.
Dear reader, consider where God's grace has already worked in your life and where it is still needed. God's grace is limitless and available to you too. Allow it to fill and guide you so that you, too, can find the strength to forgive others and accept them with love. God wants to give you far more grace than you can ever imagine. Open your heart and receive His grace.
from Greg Williams
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