The Power of Forgiveness

The story of Joseph is one of the most compelling stories in the Bible.  It is thought to mirror many of the parts of the life of Jesus.  For example, Joseph is sold out by his brothers ... Jesus is betrayed by his brothers.  Joseph is left for dead ... even the disciples were counting Jesus out.  Joseph becomes the great power of his day and becomes the salvation for those that sold him out ... Jesus is resurrected and becomes the way of salvation for all people, including those who killed Him.  I could go on, but let's leave this line of thought to say, the stories in Scripture are intertwined because they were inspired by the God who desired them to have living meaning from beginning to end.
Now for that forgiveness thing.  While Joseph was prideful and probably arrogant (he was the favorite) he didn't deserve to be sold into slavery, imprisoned, forgotten and accused unjustly of wrongdoing.  Still, he excelled everywhere he was placed because he knew the God of the Covenant.  When his brothers come to Egypt where Joseph is in command of the food supply he had every right to treat them badly (at least by worldly standards).  They had lots of grief coming their way.  But it didn't happen.  Instead Joseph forgives them and even blesses them with a government bailout and a relocation to a place they could practice their trade of shepherding.  In the moment Joseph does this he makes a profound statement " You meant it for evil but God meant it for good, so that many people could be saved."  The moment Joseph's attitude goes to forgiveness several things happen.  First, I believe his heart had a weight lifted.  The Scripture says he wept, I think in a moment of release of the bad baggage that he had carried around.  You might want to try this ... it is amazing!
Second, Joseph begins to see something we seek and wonder why we are not able to perceive it.  What I am speaking of is God's will.  Joseph pieces it all together from start to finish, seeing God's hand in his provision, his industriousness, his new position and his place as an agent of God's blessing.
Finally, Joseph sees that God has used him for a mighty and far-reaching purpose ... the salvation of many people.  Isn't that just what God promised Abraham ... that his offspring would be a blessing to all the nations.
Maybe it's time we begin to see ourselves not as victims but as agents of blessings who are in this place at this time to bless the world.  May we see it clearly, forgive well and live as the Covenant people we were made to be!