“HOPE IN HURT” Genesis 50:14-21

14 After burying Jacob, Joseph returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had accompanied him to his father’s burial.

15 But now that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers became fearful. “Now Joseph will show his anger and pay us back for all the wrong we did to him,” they said.

16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you” 17 ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you, for their sin

in treating you so cruelly in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept.

18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. 19 But Joseph replied, ‘Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can

punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid.

I will continue to take care of you and your children I will continue to take care of you and your children.’ So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”

1. WE HAVE TO LEAVE ALL THE RIGHTING OF OUR WRONGS TO GOD. Verse 19

19 “Am I God, that I can punish you?”

2. WE HAVE TO SEE GOD’S PROTECTIVE PROVISION IN OTHER’S DESIRE TO DO EVIL.

Verse 20

20 ”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Verse 20 Job 31:3-8

3-8 “Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take 3-8 “Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take? Have I lied to anyone or deceived anyone? Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity.

If I have strayed from his pathway, or if my heart has lusted for what my eyes have seen, or if I am guilty of any other sin, then let someone else eat the crops I have planted.

Let all that I have plant be uprooted.”

Verse 20 Job 31:3-8 Job 38:1-4

1-4 ”Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions

for you, and you must answer them for you, and you must answer them. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.”

3. WE HAVE TO REPAY EVIL NOT ONLY WITH FORGIVENESS BUT ALSO WITH PRACTICAL AFFECTION. Verse 21

21 “No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.’ So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.”

“What the enemy intended to hard me, God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”