The Saving of Many Lives

A Public Faith PART VIII
17 November 2013
Dr. Timothy Keller

Genesis 50:15-21
15When 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?"  16So they sent word to Joseph, saying, "Your father left these instructions before he died: 17'This is what you are to say to Joesph: 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.

18His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him.  "We are your slaves," they said.

19But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  20You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  21So then, don't be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children."  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

WHY JOSEPH WEPT
--After Joeseph's failed death, his brothers thought their dad, Jacob, would love them more.
--Joseph, as a prisoner, was elevated to prime minister; had a change of character.
--Saved people from famine and redeemed his family.
--Joseph made his brothers relive the past; they broke down and repented.
--He wept because he recognized the lie in v.16

WHAT JOSEPH SAID
--I have forgiven them; Am I in the place of God?
--Who knows what people deserve--only God
--Who has this right?
--V.20; God uses the destructive power of evil for ultimate good.
--Romans 8:28
--No need to retaliate because it was all overcome by God.
--Joseph didn't deny his feelings, but could forgive.
--Joseph's suffering didn't just make him stronger, but was able to save others, serve others, and was useful to others.

JOSEPH POINTS TO JESUS
--Joseph was rejected by his family.
--Joseph endured suffering
--Like Joseph, we were all formed by God to do good
--Ephesians 2:10