By At the end of a rather tumultuous life, Joseph, the once favourite son, then slave, even inmate, and later prime minister, displays unexpected care to those who caused all his misfortunes. Not surprisingly, it is his view of God that provides the foundation for his gracious and caring response to his brothers.
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 50:19-21
Joseph understood that he is not God, the judge of his brothers. But Joseph also understood that he must be holy as God is holy, and therefore crafted this exemplary response. In this response Joseph becomes a very visual example to us of how much more so our heavenly Father cares for us. As we look at the events of our past, may we affirm that many might have meant all kinds of evil against us, but God meant every single one of those things for good bringing us to where we are today. Joseph had the political position to tell his brothers “Do not fear, I will provide for you.” How much more does our Father not have the cosmic position and compassion to say to us “Do not fear, I will provide for you.”