Genesis 45

“God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over the land of Egypt.”  Genesis 45:7-8 (HCSB)

With incredible generosity, Joseph reassures his brothers by pointing out God’s purpose and plan, which has overruled their crime. This event foreshadows Jesus’ first statement from the cross:

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 (HCSB)

Was it a crime for Jacob’s brothers to abuse and sell him into slavery? Yes. Did they suffer the consequences of their sin? Of course, they did. But was their consequence as great as it “should” have been had it been reviewed by an impartial judge? No.  

Here, we see, perhaps, the most significant similarity between Joseph and Jesus. Biblically, this combination of Grace and Mercy was completely without precedence until Joseph revealed his intentions to his brothers. Here was a man who had undergone severe physical, social, emotional, and financial hardships…completely undeserved. Yet, Joseph’s response was based solely on his belief in God’s promise.  

Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done!”  Jesus had faith that the grave could not hold down those to whom the Lord would summon, “Arise!”  His faith in God’s Word and character allowed Messiah to endure the cross, free of any entanglements this World might otherwise hold. Jesus held no malice to compel Him to keep “souvenirs of hate” towards those who crucified Him.

Who could be offended by so great a love shown towards us? I can identify with Joseph’s brothers in that I once had difficulty coping with the reality that I was REALLY forgiven!

As God told Abraham to leave his father’s house and go to the place He would show him, Joseph also told his brothers to leave everything in Canaan to quickly receive the fullness of their deliverance.

Likewise, Jesus charges all who would follow Him: “Leave everything and follow me.”  Have you partially followed Jesus? That is, have you enjoyed proximity to Him without actually committing to know Him in a saving way? Until you do so, you are not “fully delivered.”  And nobody wants to be left outside of salvation: Matthew 7:21-29 If you haven’t already, I urge you to fully receive Jesus today!