Series Introduction:

The story of Joseph is one of the most remarkable and inspiring tales in all scripture. It is a story that demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness and highlights the sovereignty of God. Even during Joseph's darkest hours, God's plan for his life was unfolding, and the end result was a testament to God's goodness and faithfulness. Despite the injustice Joseph experienced, he chose to forgive his brothers, and this act of mercy and reconciliation paved the way for God's ultimate plan to be fulfilled. Joseph's story is a powerful reminder that even in our most difficult moments, we can trust in God's plan for our lives. It is a story that urges us to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation, even when it is difficult. It reminds us that God's grace is always sufficient and that we can find strength and hope amid even the most difficult of struggles. 

Scripture Reading: 

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28, ESV.

But Joseph replied, "Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this— to preserve the lives of many people. Therefore do not be afraid. - Genesis 50:19-21, ESV

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we gather today, we reflect on the journey from humiliation to exaltation that Joseph experienced in your providence. We acknowledge your wisdom in orchestrating events for the good of those who love you. May the story of Joseph inspire us to trust in your goodness, even in the midst of trials. Open our hearts to the lessons of humility, redemption, and forgiveness woven into this narrative. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

From Humiliation to Exaltation 

Through God's providence, Joseph rose to power in Egypt due to his ability to interpret dreams and his wisdom, ultimately becoming second-in-command in the years leading up to a great famine.

And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.” - Genesis 41:38-40. 

A man once cast into the pit by his jealous brothers is now vested with authority, adorned with Pharaoh's signet ring, fine linen garments, and a gold chain. Joseph's administrative prowess is on display as he efficiently organizes the collection and storage of grain during years of abundance, ensuring Egypt's preparedness for the lean years ahead. As the predicted famine descends, the stored grain becomes a beacon of hope not only for the people of Egypt but also for neighboring regions. In this way, God used Joseph to save the lives of thousands of people who would have otherwise starved in the great famine. 

If Joseph had not been sold into slavery by his brothers or wrongfully imprisoned by Potiphar, he would not have been where he needed to be to fulfill his destiny. Similarly, Jesus Christ suffered great humiliation and injustice at the hands of the very people He came to save. His painful journey to the cross, marked by agony and scorn, laid the foundation for His ultimate exaltation as the living Savior at God's right hand. The wisdom of God is revealed in the strange yet necessary humiliation of His Son, for through it, salvation becomes attainable for all who believe. 

Just as it was true of Joseph and true of Christ, so too it may be true of us that God may allow us to be brought low for reasons that are not readily apparent. We may not see the full picture, but we can know that God is good, that God is in control, and that if we remain faithful to God, he will use us to bring about His good purposes. 

In our own lives, we may find ourselves in the pit of despair, facing trials and tribulations that seem insurmountable. Yet, let us take comfort in the story of Joseph, for it echoes the greater narrative of God's providence in our lives. The threads of suffering, humiliation, and eventual exaltation are woven together in a divine tapestry that testifies to the wisdom and sovereignty of our Heavenly Father.

Just as Joseph's story points to Christ, may we find encouragement in the midst of our struggles. The God who exalted Joseph, the God who exalted Christ, is the same God who promises to exalt us in His perfect timing. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we trust in the providential hand of our Heavenly Father, confident that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

If God's hand had not already been clearly seen in guiding the life of Joseph thus far, this very famine would have become the catalyst for Joseph's estranged brothers to journey to Egypt in search of food. Little did they know that their path would lead to an encounter with the brother they had once betrayed and sold into slavery. 

Here, as the story comes full circle, Joseph decides to test his brothers to see if their years apart have brought about any change in them. 

And Joseph recognized his brothers, but they did not recognize him. And Joseph remembered the dreams that he had dreamed of them. And he said to them, “You are spies; you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” They said to him, “No, my lord, your servants have come to buy food. We are all sons of one man. We are honest men. Your servants have never been spies.”

He said to them, “No, it is the nakedness of the land that you have come to see.” And they said, “We, your servants, are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan, and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is no more.” But Joseph said to them, “It is as I said to you. You are spies. By this you shall be tested: by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of you, and let him bring your brother, while you remain confined, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you. Or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies.” And he put them all together in custody for three days. - Genesis 42:8-17, ESV

In testing his brothers, Joseph learns about an alleged twelfth brother who was born in the years after Joseph had been sold into slavery. In order to see if his brothers are telling the truth, he tells them to fetch this younger brother and that until they do, one of them must remain in prison. Simeon remains in Egypt while his brothers return to Canaan with enough food to last them for a season, but here Joseph puts his brother to another test: 

And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them. - Genesis 42:25, ESV 

The brothers return home and are deeply disturbed to find that the money they had intended to use to buy food was in the sacks of food they had purchased. Now, they feared that even if they returned with their youngest brother, Benjamin, they would be accused of being thieves. In an ironic twist of fate, Joseph gave his brothers a small taste of what it was like to be wrongly accused and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. They were learning a lesson, even if they did not know it at the time. 

Poor Jacob, who still believed Joseph was dead, now feared that Simeon would never be released from prison. He was initially unwilling to put Benjamin in danger by allowing him to return to Egypt with his brothers, but as the famine continued and the food began to run out again, Joseph eventually relented and allowed his youngest child to return to Egypt with his brothers. 

 Mercy Amidst Affliction

Despite Jacob's reservations, the pressing need for grain forces his hand. The brothers, including Benjamin, return to Egypt with double the money they had initially taken for the purchase, along with gifts to present to the enigmatic Egyptian ruler (Joseph, unbeknownst to them). Upon their arrival in Egypt, the brothers are ushered into Joseph's presence. The brothers try to explain that they had nothing to do with the missing money, but Joseph cuts them off: 

He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. - Genesis 43:23

When then read that Joseph, deeply moved at the sight of Benjamin, must navigate complex emotions as he interacts with his brothers. He orders a feast to be prepared, and the brothers are astonished at being seated in birth order, a detail only Joseph would know.

As the brothers prepare to leave, Joseph orchestrates one last test for the brothers. He instructs his steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack. When the brothers depart, Joseph accuses them of theft and tells them that Benjamin, the youngest son, must remain a prisoner of Egypt. Here, however, the story takes an unexpected twist. 

Judah falls at Joseph's feet and begs for mercy, declaring: 

"Please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the evil that would find my father.” - Genesis 44:33-34, ESV.

Judah, the very brother who had suggested that they sell Joseph into slavery, was now prepared to give up his own life and freedom to spare the life of his youngest brother. 

In this passage, Judah embodies the role of a Surety - someone willing to take the place of another and bear the consequences on their behalf. This narrative serves as a prelude to Jesus Christ, the greater descendent of Judah, who acts as the ultimate Surety by interceding for us before the Father and taking on the blame and consequences of our sins.

"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us" - Romans 8:34, ESV.

Here, Paul emphasizes Christ's ongoing intercession for us. Christ, the greater Judah, stands before us and willingly takes the consequences of our sins in our place to buy our freedom from sin and death. This account encourages us to reflect on whether Christ is our Surety, if we have confessed our sins, and if we have cried out for mercy to the Savior. 

In the face of such an act of sacrificial love, the charade comes to an end:

Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence.

So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And 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. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land. - Genesis 45:1-8, ESV

In the broader theological context, the chapter underscores the dual nature of God's dealings with humanity. Just as God employs the conviction of sin to awaken individuals to their desperate need for reconciliation with Him, so did Joseph orchestrate events to convict his brothers of their past sins to bring them to a point of reconciliation and salvation. Joseph, who by all rights could have brought down wrath and justice for his brother's past sins against him, instead chose to show mercy. In an even greater way, God, in His infinite mercy, also seeks to win hearts through displays of His grace, ultimately manifested in the person of Christ.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved  - Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV.

Joseph, a striking type of Christ, underwent severe humiliation as he was sold into slavery by his brothers, reminiscent of Christ's own suffering at the hands of those He came to save. However, Joseph's ascent to power in Egypt, paralleling Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God, serves a redemptive purpose – the salvation of many.

Upon Joseph's revelation, the brothers, initially gripped by fear, experience a radical transformation when Joseph declares, "I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt" (Genesis 45:4). Here, a profound parallel emerges with the conversion of sinners. When sinners are made aware of their sin, and they first encounter Christ, their elder brother against whom they have sinned, there is an initial fear. Will he condemn us? Will he cast us out? Will he punish us as we deserve? But through the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit, they are drawn near, just as Joseph's brothers drew near to him. 

But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:13, ESV

Joseph, overflowing with love and joy, extends forgiveness and reconciliation, reminiscent of Christ's welcoming embrace for repentant sinners. The parallels between Joseph's encounters with his brothers and a sinner's encounter with Jesus Christ are striking. Just as Joseph's brothers faced the one they had wronged, sinners confronted Christ, the Lamb of God crucified by humanity. Yet, in both cases, the response is not one of condemnation but of love and reconciliation. 

"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8, ESV. 

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him," - Colossians 1:19-22, ESV.

Just as Joseph welcomed his brothers, so will our Heavenly Father welcome believers into His presence, offering the best to enjoy forever. Even in seemingly defeated moments, such as the crucifixion of Christ, God was working out His eternal plans to rescue wicked sinners. The hope of glory, where poor and persecuted believers will be transformed into eternal kings, should fuel the Christian's anticipation and growth in faith. In the twinkling of an eye, the present suffering will give way to everlasting exaltation in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father.

Restoration and Anticipation

The concluding chapters of Genesis are brimming with profound lessons on providence, redemption, and the imperative of living a life in service to others. Once this good news reached Israel, the patriarch was initially hesitant to believe it. It all seemed too good to be true, but God spoke to Israel and reassured him: 

And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes.” - Genesis 46:2-4, ESV.

Here, we see a command and a promise that has echoed all throughout scripture. Do not be afraid because I will be with you. God was still the promise-keeping God who had protected Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and now Joseph throughout their long journeys of faith. He would not abandon Israel now in his old age. What was true for Israel is true for us as well. The unwavering presence of the Lord becomes an anchor in uncertain moments, dispelling fear and instilling inspiring confidence in His children. 

As the Prophet Isaiah declared: 

"fear not, for I am with you;

    be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10, ESV

Reflecting on this passage reveals an interesting foreshadowing of Christ. Joseph was second-in-command in Egypt, and it was only through Joseph's interceding with Pharaoh that his family was able to enter Egypt and receive the blessings of the kingdom. In an even greater way, Christ serves as the ultimate intermediary between us and God. We can receive spiritual blessings only by acknowledging our dependence on Him. Christ alone holds the key to unlocking the blessings of the kingdom of heaven. It is only through the one who goes before us that we are welcomed into the kingdom and find our new home. 

In Genesis 49, we witness the beauty of an aged saint glorifying God for His faithfulness. Jacob's prophetic words over his sons resonate with the timeless truth of God's character, offering support to believers for generations to come. One notable prophecy in Genesis 49:8-10 is given concerning Judah, reaffirming God's purpose from ancient times, predicting the rise of a king from Judah to rule the nations. 

“Judah, your brothers shall praise you;

    your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies;

    your father's sons shall bow down before you.

Judah is a lion's cub;

    from the prey, my son, you have gone up.

He stooped down; he crouched as a lion

    and as a lioness; who dares rouse him?

The scepter shall not depart from Judah,

    nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,

until tribute comes to him;

    and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” 

- Genesis 49:8-10, ESV

This passage foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is known as the Lion of Judah. He will conquer sin and death and reign as Savior and Lord over the nations for eternity. The prophetic prayer expresses the anticipation of God's salvation and points to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's plan, assuring us of the imminent establishment of Christ's kingdom. The call to make Jacob's prayer our own resonates with the enduring hope we find in God's promises. Let us never grow weary in waiting upon the Lord, knowing that His plan is certain and His kingdom is near.

Providence and Forgiveness 

As we bring our sermon series and the book of Genesis to a close, we end on a beautiful note of forgiveness. We read that Israel lived to the ripe old age of 147 before he passed away and was buried in the land of his fathers. After their father's death, Jacob's brothers grew anxious, fearing that Jacob's favor towards them would turn now that Israel was gone. However, Joseph had learned the powerful lesson of forgiveness and chose the wise path of showing mercy and grace:

"When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." - Genesis 50:15-21, ESV

In this closing account, Joseph teaches us about the power of forgiveness and the goodness of God. Despite being betrayed and hurt by his own brothers, Joseph chose to rise above the bitterness and forgive them, believing ultimately that God was in control of everything, including the evil that had been done to him. The key lesson we learn from Joseph's story is that God can take even the worst situations and turn them into something good. 

We all face challenges and difficulties in life, but Joseph's story encourages us to hold on to our faith and trust in God's goodness. No matter what happens, we can choose to forgive and love even those who have hurt us, and we can take comfort in the fact that God is in control and that He can use even the worst situations for our ultimate good.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious God, we thank you for the timeless truths revealed in the story of Joseph—a narrative of your providence, mercy, and the transformative power of forgiveness. As we close this time of reflection, may we carry these lessons with us, trusting in your plan for our lives. Help us to emulate Joseph's faith, forgiveness, and unwavering belief in your ultimate goodness. May our lives be a testament to your redemptive power. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.