24 Days to Reflect on God's Heart for Redemptionნიმუში

Joseph: Redeemed through suffering

Joseph experienced mistreatment, injustice, cruelty, and deception throughout his journey - from his early days as a dreamer through his role as second in command of Egypt under Pharaoh. He was sold by his brothers as a slave (Genesis 12-36); accused of adultery by the wife of Potiphar, his master, and was unjustly thrown into prison (Genesis 39:1-23); and was forgotten in prison by the cupbearer rather than commending Joseph for release from prison (Genesis 40:23). Finally, Joseph was recognized for his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and was placed in charge of Egypt under Pharaoh. Joseph provided management over Egypt’s harvest and led them through seven years of famine.

Through this experience, he came back in touch with his family and was in position to reconcile their relationships. Joseph was instrumental not only in saving their lives through the famine but also playing a role in God’s redeeming work in his life, his family, and the entire nation of Israel.

The story of Joseph teaches us several principles of redemption.

• Nothing can stop God’s redemptive plans for our lives.
• God’s redemptive plan for our lives may not exclude pain, injustice, false accusations, or mistreatment.
• The redeeming God is able to reverse tangible problems, destructive circumstances, and extremely harsh situations for his redemptive purpose and glory.

When Joseph’s father, Jacob, dies, his brothers begin to fear they’d receive what they deserved - retribution, punishment, imprisonment, and perhaps death as a result of a feared grudge that Joseph might present. All they had was the hope of mercy and grace through repentance.

From the grave, Jacob’s words would speak to Joseph: “I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly” (Genesis 50:17). When Joseph heard these words, he began to cry.

The story of redemption continues as his brothers come to the palace, ready to be slaves to Joseph, and he reassures them and tells them not to be afraid.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your children” (Genesis 50:20).

How can a person so mistreated and maligned like Joseph forgive? What was it about him that gave him the strength to restore, preserve, serve, and protect the lives of those who wanted him dead?

It has to come from Joseph’s relationship with God as redeemer. The lives of the redeemed become the tools in the hands of the redeemer.

Do you have the courage to say this to the person or people who that may have hurt you?

Reflection questions:

• What observations do you have about Joseph’s story?
• How has God taken what was intended to harm you and turned it into good?