Forgiveness
In the later chapters of Genesis, Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, is betrayed by his brothers. They throw him into a well and sell him for 20 shekels of silver. Joseph’s journey takes him from slavery to prison to being put in charge of the Pharaoh’s stores of grain. By chapter 43, as a famine spreads throughout the land, Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to plead for food, unaware that the administrator to whom they make their case is the brother they had betrayed. Joseph, being in a position of great power, shows mercy:
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “come closer to me.” And they came closer. He said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” Gen. 45:4-5.
The story echoes the conflicts that surround the topic of forgiveness. Joseph’s brothers have acted in a way that many would consider unforgivable. Yet, the story asks the reader to consider that there may have been larger forces at play, namely, a God who orchestrated events for the greater good. The story also suggests that the brothers feel genuine remorse. Does this earn them forgiveness? Joseph played a part as well. He shamelessly flaunted his father’s favor and his gift for divination in front of his brothers until they were driven mad with jealousy. Should he own up to his behavior as part of their reconciliation? Finally, even though the brothers are reunited, the distrust emerges again in chapter 50
Realizing that their father was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “What if Joseph still bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong that we did to him?” Gen 50:15.
If you think forgiveness is a complicated topic you are not alone. The biblical story presents a lot for us to wrestle with, and it only gets harder in the New Testament. This is the topic we will consider on Sunday through Luke 6:27-38, which opens with Jesus’ saying to his disciples “but I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you.” Until then…
wishing you God’s peace,
Pastor Jen
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