Genesis 43-45, Matthew 12:24-50 • Key Verse: Genesis 45:5

Joseph’s life had its shares of downs. His brothers were jealous of him, almost killed him, sold him into slavery and lied to his father about what happened to him. As a result, Joseph lived as a slave, was falsely accused and then imprisoned. He could have become filled with resentment, feeding on thoughts of malicious intent and looking for an opportunity to get back at his brothers.

Opportunity came knocking—not just once but twice! His brothers literally came knocking, needing food. Joseph put them to the test and then finally revealed himself to them. Their reaction of fear was natural. It was Joseph who acted in a supernatural way. He did not use the opportunity to extract his revenge.

His heart had not fed on thoughts of getting even but on the sovereignty of God. His conclusion was that God had sent him to Egypt in order to preserve his family. Joseph knew that to get past the past he had to trust God.

We, too, must rest in the sovereignty of God. We may not understand all that is happening, but we must determine to rest in the truth that He is God.

Is there someone you would like to get back at? When, hurt, we are tempted to hurt back-—and harder. Instead of bringing that other person to mind, think of Joseph. A heart of revenge hurts first itself, and then others.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in