January 19, 2026 - Genesis 48-50

It seems, when people approach the end of the book of Genesis, the verses that so powerfully stands out are:  “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” (50:19-20).  Joseph’s brothers had treated him terribly, even committing atrocious crimes against him.  They had lied to their father, Jacob.  Joseph had been wrongly accused and thrown into jail in Egypt.  No one should be surprised that they were fearful of Joseph and how, this man who was second in power in all of Egypt, might deal with them.  Contrary to their expectations, Joseph reacted, one, by forgiving them and, two, by resting in God’s good and gracious will.  We should live in such a way.

Smote to the heart, by conscious guilt

Of wrong, intended Joseph’s blood,

His trembling brethren sue for peace,

And dread chastisement’s iron rod.

Though evil they—yet Joseph good,

Comforts, speaks kind, wipes off their tears,

And standing as the type of God,

Removes each doubt—and calms all fears.   -- George Richards (1792)