Kingdom Covenant Part 10

At Keys Vineyard Church, we present a series called ‘Kingdom Covenant,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

Last week, in our series ‘Kingdom Covenant,’ we started discussing Joseph’s life and looked at what it means to live with integrity in the face of temptation. This week, we will examine more of Joseph’s life as we discuss forgiveness.

Joseph’s journey, filled with suffering and divine providence, mirrors our own struggles and the guiding hand of God in our lives. As he stands before his brothers, who do not recognize him, Joseph is in a position of immense power. He could exact revenge, seek justice for the wrongs done to him, or simply turn them away. Instead, what unfolds is a beautiful narrative of reconciliation and forgiveness, a story that holds valuable lessons for each of us.

Genesis 45:3–7 (NIV)
3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. 4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, was favored by his father, which led to jealousy and resentment among his brothers. Their envy culminated in them selling Joseph into slavery and deceiving their father into believing he was dead. Despite these cruel actions, Joseph’s journey unfolds remarkably, showcasing the transformative power of forgiveness.

Joseph’s life in Egypt, initially as a slave and then as a prisoner, was marked by adversity. However, his unwavering faith in God and exceptional ability to interpret dreams eventually led him to become Egypt’s second most powerful man, second only to Pharaoh. During a severe famine, his brothers came to Egypt seeking food, not recognizing Joseph in his new position of power. This encounter set the stage for one of the Bible’s most poignant moments of forgiveness.

Their fear and guilt were palpable when Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. They expected retribution for their past misdeeds. However, Joseph responded with grace and compassion. He acknowledged their wrongdoing but chose to see a higher purpose in his suffering, stating,

Genesis 50:19–21 (NIV)
19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers is not merely an act of compassion but a profound expression of love and reconciliation. His journey towards forgiveness involved acknowledging their wrongdoing, seeing a higher purpose in his suffering, and ultimately choosing to forgive. By breaking the cycle of bitterness and hatred, Joseph allowed for healing and restoration within his family. His story exemplifies the liberating power of forgiveness, showing that it can transform hearts, mend broken relationships, and align human actions with divine will.

This week at Keys Vineyard Church, we will not only examine how to practically engage in forgiveness but also invite you to reflect on your own experiences of forgiveness. Please join us in person or online as we delve deeper into this transformative aspect of our faith.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.