Joseph and Revenge

The natural inclination of man is to love our friends and hate our enemies (Matt 5:43-48). When someone has wronged us, we seek to get them back. God’s Word calls on us to grow from that place of immaturity and to instead see the larger picture. We do not hold the responsibility of punishing evildoers. Vengeance belongs to God (Deut 32:35; Rom 12:19-21). Additionally, we should acknowledge how our God brings about His will, utilizing both good and evil actions from mankind to serve His purpose. Rather than focusing on the evil which has been done, followers of God should look to the good which can still come. In whatever circumstance, ask where you can serve as an active force for good.

Joseph reunited with his brothers after he came to power in Egypt. His brothers had treated him wickedly (Gen 37:18-28). They likely expected to never see Joseph again, even as they traveled to Egypt seeking food in time of famine (Gen 42:1-3). Now as second most powerful in all the land, Joseph held their lives in his hand. By the order of the Pharaoh (Gen 41:41-44), he certainly had the authority to enslave, imprison, or execute his brothers. Instead, Joseph showed restraint and mercy. He first kept his identity secret (Gen 42:6-8). He tested his brothers and sought information about his father and his younger brother, Benjamin (Gen 42:15; 43:7). Through the course of events, Judah showed a changed character, professing his willingness to sacrifice himself for his brother Benjamin (Gen 44:33). Eventually, Joseph made himself known to his brothers (Gen 45:1-4). When there could have been a great conflict, Joseph instead created an occasion of rejoicing.

Joseph declared with confidence, “God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen 45:5). A lesser man would think that God had empowered him to bring their death. Consistently we find that God blesses us so that we may bless others, and he provides comfort with the idea that we would pass on the same (2 Cor 1:3-4). We must give to others as we have received from God, not man. Remember we were created for good works, not evil (Eph 2:10; Tit 3:8). Today, we must choose how we react to wrongdoing in the world around us. Do we seek to get even? Or do we seek to preserve life – to overcome evil with good?

After the death of their father, Joseph’s brothers again fear that he will repay them for all the evil which they did to him (Gen 50:15). Notice the wise response given by Joseph, “am I in the place of God?” (Gen 50:19). Let sin have its punishment from the sinless source! As Joseph did (Gen 50:21), we should busy ourselves with faithful service, providing comfort, and kindness!