Things I Heard In Church:
This amazing quote about the way Joseph responded to the brutal cruelty shown to him by his brothers.
What Joseph’s Brothers Said
When Joseph’s brothers saw their father was dead, they said, “Now that dad’s gone, Joseph might hate us and pay us back for all the evil we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”‘
How Joseph Responded
Joseph wept. His brothers came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God? You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people from famine. So don’t fear; I’ll provide for you and your little ones.”
This Amazing Quote
“Each sentence of his (Joseph’s) threefold reply is a pinnacle of Old Testament (and New Testament) faith. To leave all the righting of one’s wrongs to God; to see His providence in man’s malice; and to repay evil not only with forgiveness but also with practical affection, are attitudes which anticipate the adjective ‘Christian’ and even ‘Christlike.'” –Derek Kidner
“Father, please help me and help each person who reads this to respond to man’s malice the way Joseph responded. In Jesus name, Amen.”
References and Resources:
Derek Kidner, Genesis Commentary, IVP, 2008, p. 224
Thank you for reminding me of this great message…
Kathy and I really enjoyed it. That quote from Kidner was one of my favorite parts. Thanks for stopping by Vicki!