Joseph was in charge of  Jacob, his father’s embalming.  This required 40 days.
  There were 70 days of mourning by the Egyptians.
  Joseph used Egyptian court protocol, to leave Egypt and go to Canaan to bury his father.  Joseph promised the Pharaoh he would return.   Joseph was permitted to leave. Genesis 50:1-6

  A large retinue including Joseph and his brothers and their wives,  Egyptian elders, and servants went to Canaan to bury Jacob.
  After they crossed the Jordan River – the entourage lamented Jacob for seven days!  The Canaanites observed and concluded the Egyptians greatly mourned.  All the brothers agreed where to bury their father, Jacob. Genesis 50:7-14

  The brothers of Joseph feared him.  So much that they sent him a note after they returned to Egypt.  They asked him to forgive them, begging for his forgiveness.  They acknowledged that they were servants of the God of Joseph’s father.
  Joseph wept.  How little they knew of Joseph’s character.  They looked at their own character and judged Joseph by comparing him to themselves.  Genesis 50:15-17
Don’t we do that too much?  Judging others by how we think and act, believing our intentions are their intentions?

2 Corinthians 10:12
“For we are not bold to class or compare
ourselves with some of those who commend themselves;
but when they measure themselves by themselves and commend themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.”

    Joseph asked them, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”  Genesis 50:18-19

  Joseph promised to provide for his brothers and their families.  He encouraged them to not fear him or think that there was any revenge on his part.  He offered comfort and spoke kindly to them.  Genesis 50:21

  Joseph let go of bitterness years before – he forgave them – years before.

God’s Word ~ Alive!

Matthew 6:12
“And forgive us our debts, 
as we also have forgiven our debtors…”

Are you hanging onto bitterness?
Are you nursing grudges?
If so, forgive!

Categories: God's Word ~ Alive!