READING: GENESIS 50
At the end of Jacob’s sojourn in Egypt, he blessed his sons in accordance with their character and the future of their tribes. Joseph made elaborate arrangements for Jacob’s embalming and burial, and a large retinue of Egyptian officials accompanied them for the solemn burial and lamentation in Canaan. Sadly, Joseph’s brothers assumed that their father Jacob was the restraining influence that kept Joseph from seeking vengeance on them for their sin against him. When they approached him after Jacob’s death, Joseph had to assure them that although they meant evil against him, “God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (50:20).
Lord, I thank You for Joseph’s words of comfort, wisdom, and perspective to his brothers. Apart from a divine perspective, I realize that I would be vulnerable to bitterness, resentment, and wrath when people intend evil against me.
Meditation passage: verses 19–20
