”But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
Genesis 50:19New International Version (NIV)
Genesis 50:19 Devotional
Payback belongs to God
Genesis 50:19, loosely summarised as ‘Payback belongs to God‘, is a record of the words that Joseph told his brothers when they asked him for forgiveness, fearing he would pay them back for wronging him (Genesis 50:15-17). This was after they had buried their father in Egypt, and returned to Egypt to live without him (Genesis 50:14).
The scene
Imagine the scene: Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, has died and been buried. Joseph’s brothers, who years earlier had sold him into slavery out of jealousy, are now terrified because their father is no longer with them.
The brothers, therefore, fear Joseph’s retribution. They expect him to exact revenge for the pain they caused him. Their guilt is palpable.
But Joseph responds with incredible grace. He tells them, “Do not be afraid” and asks them a profound question, “Am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). And he reassures them that he will not harm them, but take care of them and their children (Genesis 50:20-21).
Vengeance is God’s
Joseph recognizes that vengeance is not his to take. He understands that he is not God. So he doesn’t have the right to judge his brothers’ hearts or to punish them for their past actions. That’s God’s prerogative (Romans 12:19).
Similarly, you ought not to take vengeance against those who have wronged you. Jesus, in Matthew 6:12-15, taught His disciples about the importance of forgiveness in their lives, especially spiritual lives.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not an easy process or journey. But this doesn’t mean that you have to condone the hurtful actions of others.
Additionally, forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened. But it does mean releasing the bitterness and anger that consumes us and choosing to let go of the desire for revenge.
Fallibility
Finally, Joseph’s question, “Am I in the place of God?” is a powerful reminder that we are all human, fallible, and in need of grace. Just as Joseph’s brothers needed his forgiveness, we all need God’s forgiveness. And just as Joseph extended forgiveness to his brothers, God extended forgiveness to us.
As a pastor, I’ve encountered many people who have been deeply hurt by others. They’ve been betrayed, abused, and wronged in countless ways.
Their pain was real and their anger was understandable. They wanted justice and revenge.
Sometimes, they asked me, “How can I forgive? How can I let go of this pain?”
My answer, in part, lies in the wisdom of Genesis 50:19, that we must recognize that we are not in the place of God. We therefore don’t have the full picture of God’s intentions and don’t know the hearts of others. And we don’t have the right to take vengeance because that’s God’s role. Our role is to forgive, just as we have been forgiven.
Reflection
Think about the hurts you’ve experienced in your life. Are there any areas where you need to extend forgiveness to others? Are there any areas where you need to release your desire for vengeance and trust in God’s justice?
Remember, you are not in God’s place. Genesis 50:19 speaks of reconciliation, reminding us that vengeance belongs to God and that true healing comes through forgiveness.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord, help me remember that I am not in Your place. Help me release the bitterness and anger that I hold onto. Give me the strength to forgive those who have hurt me, just as You have forgiven me. And help me trust in your justice and your mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Galatians 1-3 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
Call to Action
Reflect on Genesis 50:14-21. Consider how Joseph’s example can guide you in your relationships. And if you’re struggling with forgiveness, talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor.
Yours, Pastor Cliff Lukaye.
